The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the specialism of paediatric audiology. This module includes problem-based learning, and will also provide you with learning opportunities in a range of generic skills relevant to clinical scientists.
To facilitate the development your knowledge of paediatric audiology, your skills in critically appraising scientific arguments and evidence, and your skills at collaborative working as is required for effective practice in paediatric audiology.
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
• The principles and practice of newborn hearing screening programmes.
• Non-audiological assessment methods relevant to paediatric audiology.
• Behavioural assessment methods for children and stages of assessment.
• The importance of timely hearing assessment and its link to speech and language development.
• Factors that contribute to the successful hearing assessment of a child, e.g. accuracy, sensitivity, reliability and the scientific evidence underlying paediatric assessment methods.
• Planning and implementation of audiological assessment strategies taking into account the needs of the individual patient.
• Principles of selection, prescription, verification, evaluation and monitoring of amplification for children including the role of carers and other professional in the process.
• Planning and implementation of a rehabilitation strategy taking into account the needs of the individual.
The Audiological Science with Clinical Practice MSc is designed to train students from other disciplines as audiologists. This unique two-year programme includes a 12-month clinical placement and provides the core knowledge, skills and clinical competencies necessary for employment as an audiologist and/or hearing aid dispenser.
The programme provides a detailed study of the hearing and balance mechanisms, their structure, function, pathology and assessment.
The successful student will become competent in a wide range of adult hearing assessments and adult hearing amplification and aural rehabilitation. In addition students will acquire skills that will allow them to assist in specialist areas, specifically balance and paediatric hearing assessments.
Students undertake modules to the value of 300 credits.
The full-time two-year programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits) in the first year, and four core clinical modules (120 credits) in the second year.
The postgraduate diploma two-year programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) in year one, and four core clinical modules (120 credits) in year 2.
Year one core modules
Please note: only first-year modules can be taken in flexible mode. The in-service clinical placement modules need to be completed in one year - equivalent to year two of the full-time programme.
Year two core modules
Research project/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 –12,000 words. This is submitted at the end of year one.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, case presentations, tutorials, enquiry-based learning, practical demonstrations and in-service clinical placements within accredited audiology departments in the NHS or private sector.
Assessment (formative and summative) is by essays, case presentations, mini -tests, final written and practical examinations, and dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Audiological Science with Clinical Practice MSc
It is anticipated that the majority of students will seek employment as audiologists within the UK, in both the NHS and private sector. The main area of activity is adult hearing assessment and rehabilitation. As experience is acquired, audiologists might develop an interest and expertise in balance assessment and rehabilitation, paediatric audiology, tinnitus, cochlear implants, middle ear implants, and bone-anchored hearing aids.
With further experience it is anticipated that graduates might also move towards management, research or teaching.
Employability
Although the programme is vocational and career-specific (audiology) some of our graduates have pursued academic careers, completing PhDs and taught doctorates. International students have used the knowledge and skills gained to promote and develop audiological services in their home countries. Graduates will also acquire many transferable skills, for example, excellent communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, the ability to work independently and in teams, and excellent interpersonal and research skills.
The UCL Ear Institute is a recognised international centre of excellence for research and training with strong links to the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital and other specialised audiology departments in London.
Our programme aims to ensure that graduates are scientifically literate at postgraduate level and clinically competent within an audiology setting, and that graduates from a relevant discipline acquire the knowledge and skills to practise as an audiologist and/or hearing aid dispenser or pursue a research career.
Our programme allows students the opportunity to network with a variety of different professionals, particularly audiologists, and doctors with specialist interests in ENT or audiovestibular medicine.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Ear Institute
83% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
Our MSc Advanced Audiology Studies course is aimed at practising audiologists who want to prepare for advanced roles in clinical management, clinical practice, teaching and research.
The course consists of a mixture of audiology-specific units and those shared with health professionals from a range of other disciplines, enabling you to tailor the course to your own interests.
You will learn from internationally recognised experts at the Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD).
You may choose to complete 60 credits for a PGCert (exit award) or 120 credits for a PGDip.
On successful completion of 120 credits, progression to the full MSc qualification allows you to explore, in depth, a specific aspect of audiology practice, policy, research or education in a 60-credit, 12,000 to 15,000-word dissertation.
Our course aims to:
Additional aims for the MSc are to enable you, through the systematic, in-depth, exploration of a specific area of audiology practice, policy, research or education to extend your knowledge, understanding and ability to contribute to the advancement of audiology knowledge and practice at an individual and/or organisational level.
Inter-professional learning
The course includes units in which students from a range of healthcare professions study core concepts and subjects together. You will also have the opportunity to study with professionals in areas related to audiology, such as teachers of the deaf.
Wide range of units
You can choose from a variety of units to customise the course to suit your own interests.
Expert teaching
This course is led by members of the Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD), an internationally recognised multi-million pound hearing research programme.
Many of the staff involved with the course are actively involved in either scientific or pedagogical research.
Where possible, members of staff teach course units related to their research interests and are in a position to keep their teaching informed and up-to-date.
A large number of the teaching staff are also clinically trained audiologists, hearing therapists or hearing scientists.
We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, small group work, student-led seminars, problem-based learning and online learning.
You will also be required to undertake independent study to further develop and consolidate your learning.
Where appropriate, and with individual arrangements, some audiology units may include participation in practical skills laboratories.
Find out more by visiting the postgraduate teaching and learning page.
You will be assessed using a variety of methods within individual units and across the course as a whole.
All assessments require you to integrate knowledge and understanding, and apply this to your own practice relevant to the outcomes of each unit.
Assessment methods include:
The full MSc qualification requires an extended written piece of work (12,000-15,000 words) that focuses on a specific aspect of audiology practice, policy or research in the form of an extended literature-based review.
Taught units can be studied in any order except where there are specific pre-requisites.
Not all optional units may run each year and will be subject to minimum numbers. You will meet with your course director to plan out a pathway that meets your needs.
Part-time students on the PGDip or MSc course will need to complete 60 credits per year as required for the award. Attendance at the university will vary depending on which units you choose to take. Some units are delivered online, some face-to-face over a number of days, and others are delivered via traditional lectures on a weekly basis.
An exit award of PGCert is available to students exiting after completing 60 credits. This must include at least 15 credits of audiology-specific units from those available.
A maximum of 30 credits of individual course units can also be studied on a standalone basis.
Studying this MSc part-time alongside clinical practice has been a unique experience. The course was flexible and I was able to tailor my units to suit my career options as a paediatric audiologist.
The course gave scope to branch into deaf education. Combined with my audiology background, I feel I have broadened my scope as a paediatric practitioner.
Aminoor Rahman
You will use high quality laboratory equipment and facilities for learning practical skills. You will have access to these facilities outside of timetabled sessions to facilitate individual practice, with some limitation on procedures that carry certain risks eg aural impression taking.
You will also be able to access a range of facilities throughout the University.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service .
We offer individual units from this MSc as standalone courses for continuing professional development, as well as units providing specialist clinical training .
Our course will prepare you to enter roles in clinical management and practice in audiology, as well as teaching and research.
This course is accredited by the RCCP.
This MSc is structured to provide the theoretical, scientific, clinical, research and vocational skills necessary to practise enhanced otology, audiovestibular medicine and audiology. The programme is designed for ENT surgeons, audiovestibular physicians, paediatricians, GPs, neurologists and other trainees and physicians with an interest in the medical aspects of audiology who wish to develop or enhance their careers or specialise in otology.
Students will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the vestibulocochlear system and facial nerve, related disorders and pathologies, diagnostic techniques and management strategies in both children and adults. Clinical and surgical placements provide an opportunity to develop specialist skills and competencies in evidence-based medicine, multidisciplinary practice - including facial reanimation, skull base and cochlear implantation clinics - and translational research and ethics.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits), five optional modules (75 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma, three core modules (45 credits), five optional modules (75 credits), full-time one year, flexible two to five years is offered.
A Postgraduate Certificate, four modules (60 credits) is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Please note: not all optional modules will be available in any given academic year. Please contact the department for more information.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and observation at accredited clinical placements. Assessment is through a combination of methods including unseen examinations, written assignments (essays and a dissertation), case presentations, clinical portfolios and vivas.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Otology and Audiology MSc
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
This MSc provides a firm foundation in the practice of audiovestibular techniques and their clinical applications for physicians who wish to enhance their careers or develop a research career in this field. This programme at UCL has a highly acclaimed track record in catering for a broad range of training needs of physicians both from the UK and abroad. Alumni include high-profile audiovestibular and ENT physicians, practising within the UK and internationally, with highly successful clinical, research or public health career trajectories after completing the programme. The Postgraduate Certificate option provides key theoretical foundations to inform evidence-based practice and translational research and is recognised for specialty training in the UK by the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) for Audiovestibular Medicine. It also represents part of the General Medical Council approved theoretical assessment component.
Employability
On successful completion of this MSc graduates will have acquired wide-ranging skills which will enhance professional practice and future employability. Research skills gained will include data management and analysis, critical literature evaluation and an enhanced understanding of how evidence informs healthcare provision. For ENT surgeons at a foundation/core training level, the programme adds a substantial clinical and research dimension to an application for core/higher training. For those already in higher training, completing this MSc demonstrates a commitment to acquiring advanced research skills and the opportunity to develop an academic clinical career as a practising surgeon. For individuals in specialties allied to otology, the programme offers enhanced clinical and research skills relevant to careers in clinical research and service development.
The UCL Ear Institute provides a unique environment for graduate study and is the largest and most broad-based academic unit for research into hearing, auditory processing, deafness and vestibular research in the UK.
Students benefit from an interdisciplinary range of clinical and research expertise. Collaboration between disciplines provides integrated research projects utilising a wide range of clinical and laboratory techniques.
The associated University College London Hospitals (UCLH) house the largest clinical audiology and dedicated vestibular service in the country, and the first Cochlear Implant team in the UK. All students benefit from placements in UCLH and UCL Partners hospitals and excellent networking opportunities.
The Audiological Science MSc provides a detailed study of the hearing and balance mechanisms: their structure, function and pathology. The relationship between laboratory research and clinical aspects forms a key element: lectures, demonstrations and tutorials will be complemented by practical experience in the clinic and laboratory.
Students learn how people develop, or are born with, hearing and/or balance difficulties; how to test for hearing and balance problems and how to rehabilitate or habilitate patients with these problems. They learn the theory and science underpinning these practical clinical skills including acoustics and the anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vestibular systems.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma, eight core modules (120 credits), full-time nine months is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this programme.
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 10,000–12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical demonstrations, and clinical placements. Practicals will consist of observations followed by supervised testing for rehabilitation and diagnostics in the Ear Institute’s specialist Skills Laboratory. Assessment is by essays, presentations, written examinations, clinical practical examinations and the dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Audiological Science MSc
Many graduates are now employed as audiologists either within the NHS or private sector or work as hearing aid dispensers.
Please note that the Audiological Science MSc does not meet the requirements of the UK regulatory bodies on its own. The programme provides the required theoretical skills and knowledge for clinical registration in the UK but does not provide the practical training required. Applicants wishing to practise as an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser in the UK will need to transfer to the Audiological Science with Clinical Practice MSc (two-year full time). This is subject to availability and there is a competitive interview process.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
As well as working as audiologists, graduates have also pursued academic careers, completing PhDs and taught doctorates. International students have used the knowledge and skills gained to promote and develop audiological services in their countries. It is suitable for audiologists who have no graduate-level qualification in audiology and wish to develop their careers, or academic researchers who have a specialist interest in audiology.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Ear Institute is the largest and most broad-based academic unit for research into hearing and deafness in the UK. Students benefit from the range of clinical and research expertise among its staff.
The UCL Ear Institute is associated with the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, which houses the largest clinical audiology unit in the country, and works closely with NHS audiology departments to provide placement and observation opportunities for students.
The programme has close links with healthcare providers and industry (e.g. hearing aid manufacturers) providing students with access to the latest practice and technology and excellent networking opportunities.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Ear Institute
83% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website
Advanced Audiology is designed for practising audiologists looking to enhance their clinical skills. Graduates are eligible to apply for senior clinical roles in the NHS or private sector. A variety of specialist modules can be selected to suit students' professional needs. The programme has a strong research and evidence-based practice foundation.
A wide range of optional modules enables students to focus on specific advanced fields of audiology relevant to their professional practice. Students will learn about the latest research in each field and how to apply this to patient care and service delivery. Students will gain proficiency in using new tools and techniques in line with advanced-level practice.
MSc students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of three compulsory modules (45 credits), the research project and dissertation (60 credits), and five optional modules (75 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma, three core modules (45 credits), five optional modules (75 credits), full-time nine months is offered.
Core modules
Choose five options from the following:
Students choose five of the following optional modules.
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 10,000–12,000 words.
The programme is delivered through lectures, practical demonstrations and workshops, structured workplace/placement observation, online tutorials and assignments. Research skills will be obtained through lectures and the completion of a scientific research paper and poster presentation. Assessments include essays, reflective journals, case studies, clinical portfolios, unseen examinations and the research dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Advanced Audiology MSc
The programme provides audiologists with the required depth, breadth and up-to-date knowledge and competence to enable them to fulfil the needs of the higher practitioner roles.
The UCL Ear Institute's links with industry and healthcare providers allows students significant networking opportunities.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
The MSc pushes the boundaries in helping clinicians develop their skills and services, and innovate and design solutions to today’s hearing healthcare challenges.
The UCL Ear Institute is the largest and most broad-based academic unit for research into hearing and deafness in the UK, allowing students to benefit from the range of clinical and research expertise among its staff. The associated Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital houses the largest clinical audiology unit in the country.
The MSc programme is designed for practising professionals. A significant number of the optional modules are taught as Masterclasses (three- to five-day short courses) followed by tutorials and assessments. This allows students who continue to work part-time significant flexibility in how they structure their MSc programme.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Ear Institute
83% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This course is suitable for audiologists from a wide range of clinical settings who are interested in aural rehabilitation. The course will provide you with further knowledge and skills in adult and paediatric aural rehabilitation to support career development and progression for qualified audiologists.
The course aims to create an intellectually stimulating opportunity for you to develop academic knowledge and research skills, thus enhancing your practice in rehabilitative audiology. Suitable for international, UK and local audiologists, the course will develop knowledge of the evidence base in practice and further develop critical thinking, clinical reasoning and research knowledge.
The course is organised in three broad strands:
Knowledge, understanding and skills acquired across the course will be integrated and applied in the clinical setting throughout all modules. This course will ensure that the audiologist acquires the advanced knowledge required to work with complex Audiological cases as well as managing service input.
PgCert in Hearing and Communication
The PgDip/MSc (Post-Registration) in Rehabilitative Audiology is open only to qualified audiologists but includes modules that are of interest to a range of professionals. The PgCert in Hearing and Communication has been developed to allow students from a variety of non-audiology backgrounds the opportunity for further study in relation to hearing impairment and auditory/ vestibular rehabilitation.
Students may take up to four years to complete the 60 credits required to be awarded a PgCert. Applicants might include: speech and language therapists; teachers of the deaf; linguists; any health professional interested (Post-Registration) in developing their knowledge and skills in relations to hearing and balance management. It is acknowledged that each of these groups has unique needs and concerns which will be taken into consideration during the admissions process and throughout the programme.
The minimum entry requirement for the Pg Cert in Hearing and Communication will normally be a first or second class BSc (Hons) degree in a related discipline (eg education, psychology, linguistics, speech and language therapy or another health science).
This is a distance learning course and students engage with staff members and each other through regular contact within the online teaching and learning environment. An extensive range of learning technologies – including The Hub, eportfolio and multimedia resources – will be available to support directed, independent learning. Learning materials may include narrated PowerPoint lectures, video or audio clips, reading materials, case-based data, guided learning activities, discussion boards and self-assessment quizzes. Online seminars and discussion groups will be scheduled to allow maximum participation. Discussions and seminars will also be archived to allow students to review the content after the event. Assessment is carried out through case-based assignments, reflective journals, research reports, electronic portfolio, online discussions as well as a final dissertation.
We suggest that a student should spend an average of 18 hours on independent learning/ course work each week per module. This could include online discussions.
Advanced counselling: Theory and Practice (15 credits)/ Research Methods (30 credits)/ Adult Aural Rehabilitation: Advanced Practice (30 credits) OR Paediatric Aural Habilitation (30 credits)
A further 45 credits from: Hearing Technology: Advanced Theory and Practice (15 credits)/ Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation (15 credits)/ Tinnitus and Hyperacusis (15 credits) / Language and Culture of Deaf People (15 credits) / Adult Aural Rehabilitation: Advanced Practice (30 credits)/ Paediatric Aural Habilitation (30 credits)
If studying for the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation (60 credits).
Graduates may work within the National Health Service and private sector. There are also career opportunities for research in universities and research institutes.
Speech pathology is the clinical science concerned with the assessment, treatment and management of communication and swallowing disorders in infants, children and adults.
Speech pathologists work with people of all ages who are experiencing communication and/or swallowing disorders as a result of illness, injury or disability. Speech pathologists may work in a range of education and health sectors including playgroups, kindergartens, schools, universities, nursing homes, hospitals and community health centres. They may work in the public sector or build their own speech pathology practice in the private sector. Speech pathologists may work as a sole therapist or as part of a larger interdisciplinary team (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors, audiologists and psychologists). They may work directly with the client and their family, providing individual guidance and goals, or they may devise and implement group therapy sessions.
This profession may be of interest to those with a scientific or linguistics background who are interested in working with people.
The Master of Speech Pathology course is designed to provide comprehensive training in all aspects of speech pathology and to produce graduates who are ready to enter the profession. The first year of the course provides the scientific background in anatomy and physiology, articulatory and acoustic phonetics, linguistics, speech and language disorders, clinical practice and processes. The second year builds on the specialised knowledge acquired in first year, develops clinical skills and introduces students to research methods in the field. The course consists of formal lectures, seminars, practical work and student presentations along with a substantial clinical component. Students will be scheduled for approximately 400 hours of supervised clinical work at various health-care and educational facilities in metropolitan and rural areas in Victoria. The clinical work will occur throughout the semesters alongside the lectures as well as block placements during the semester breaks. Please see the Course and Subject Handbook for more information about the subjects and the time commitment.
The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology offers a Master of Speech Pathology degree, which is a two year full-time course. Completion of this degree qualifies you to work as a speech pathologist.
The Master of Speech Pathology degree allows students to gain both theoretical and clinical skills in the areas of communication and swallowing disorders, with a focus on these disorders across the lifespan. Students who show an aptitude for research may be considered for PhD studies in the department.
The course is the graduate level entry professional degree for speech pathologists with exposure to Australia’s best academic and clinical teaching across paediatric, adolescent and adult populations.
