Otology and Audiology

The MSc in Otology and Audiology at University College London is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the fields of ear diseases, hearing sciences, and audiological practices. This program offers a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating theoretical foundations with clinical applications to prepare graduates for careers in healthcare, research, and audiological rehabilitation. Students will explore the physiology and pathology of the auditory and vestibular systems, develop proficiency in diagnostic techniques, and learn about the latest technological advancements in hearing aids, cochlear implants, and balance assessment tools. The curriculum includes core modules such as auditory neuroscience, clinical audiology, otology, and research methods, alongside optional modules allowing specialization in areas like vestibular disorders or paediatric audiology. Throughout the program, students engage in practical training through clinical placements and case studies, fostering essential skills for independent assessment, diagnosis, and management of hearing and balance disorders. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and encourages students to undertake original research, culminating in a dissertation that contributes to the field's advancement. Graduates will be well-prepared for employment in hospital audiology departments, ENT clinics, research institutions, or to pursue further professional qualifications such as clinical fellowships or PhD studies. The MSc in Otology and Audiology at UCL benefits from state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty with extensive clinical and research experience, and a vibrant academic community dedicated to improving auditory health outcomes worldwide. Whether you aspire to become a clinical audiologist, a researcher, or a specialist in otology, this program provides the rigorous education and practical foundation necessary to succeed in this dynamic and impactful field.

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 and skull base 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

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Audiovestibular System for Physicians
• Imaging
• Research Methods and Statistics

Optional modules

• Advanced Amplification and Aural Rehabilitation
• Advanced Management of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
• Advances in Auditory Implants
• Audiovestibular Physics
• Auditory Processing Disorders
• Balance
• Clinical Diagnostics for Audiovestibular Medicine
• Diagnostic Audiology for ENT Practice
• Introduction to Amplification and Aural Rehabilitation
• Lateral Skull Base and Facial Nerve
• Medical and Surgical Treatment of Hearing and Balance Disorders

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 10-12,000 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.

A UK medical degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required. Applicants should also have the relevant postgraduate clinical experience in their parent medical specialty.As there will be clinical placements within the NHS, students will also be expected to satisfy the requirements of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and Occupational Health.A UK medical degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required. Applicants should also have the relevant postgraduate clinical experience in their parent medical specialty.As there will be clinical placements within the NHS, students will also be expected to satisfy the requirements of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and Occupational Health.

The financing of the Otology and Audiology programme at University College London is primarily structured through a combination of tuition fees, government funding, and potential scholarships or financial aid options. International students are required to pay tuition fees, which vary depending on the student's domicile and are updated annually. UK and EU students may be eligible for funding through government schemes such as student loans, which cover tuition and living costs. Additionally, UCL offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial support options designed to assist students with the costs associated with their studies. These include merit-based scholarships, needs-based bursaries, and specific awards for postgraduate research or clinical training components of the programme. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as professional associations, health service grants, and charitable organizations dedicated to supporting education in audiology and otology. The university also provides guidance on application processes for funding and financial planning. For international students, beyond tuition fees, additional costs may include health insurance, visa fees, accommodation, books, and supplies. UCL promotes early application to ensure eligibility for financial aid and to facilitate planning for associated expenses. Payment plans are often available to spread the financial burden over the duration of the programme. Moreover, students enrolled in this programme may have opportunities to undertakepaid placements or part-time work that can offset some of their expenses. Overall, the programme’s financing options are designed to make advanced education accessible to a diverse range of students, supporting their academic and clinical development in the fields of otology and audiology.

The MSc in Otology and Audiology at University College London is a specialized postgraduate program designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the fields of ear diseases, auditory science, and hearing rehabilitation. This program aims to equip healthcare professionals, scientists, and researchers with a deep understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the auditory system, as well as the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques used in clinical practice. The curriculum typically covers subjects such as audiology, neuro-otology, cochlear implants, balance disorders, and hearing aids, offering a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on experience. Students participate in advanced training in diagnostic audiometry, vestibular assessment, and management of auditory disorders, often working alongside leading experts in otology and audiology. The program may include research components, encouraging students to engage in original research projects that contribute to ongoing developments in the field. Graduates of this course are well-prepared for careers in clinical audiology, research, and advanced practice within hospital settings, private clinics, or academic institutions. The university’s facilities often include dedicated audiology laboratories, clinics, and access to extensive academic resources, supporting students in their academic and professional development. The program also emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and innovation, aiming to foster critical thinking and lifelong learning among its students. Upon completion, students receive a recognized qualification that enhances their prospects in allied health fields and provides a solid foundation for further academic pursuits, such as doctoral research in otology or audiology. This program aligns with UCL’s reputation for excellence in health sciences and biomedical research, ensuring students are trained to meet the evolving needs of patients and health care providers in the auditory health domain.