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Audiologists work with adult and paediatric patients to identify and assess hearing and/or balance disorders, recommending and providing appropriate rehabilitation and management.

Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to practise audiology. In order to achieve this aim, we offer a range of learning experiences, allowing you to develop skills, both independently and in a group setting.

The MSc in Audiology (Pre-Registration) course comprises 13 modules. Within these modules you will study supporting subjects - linguistics, anatomy, physiology, psychology, neurology and research methods - and acquire theoretical knowledge relating to hearing and balance.

Knowledge and skills acquired in theoretical modules are integrated and applied to clinical practice throughout the course.Through university-based practical sessions and your practice placement, you will develop clinical skills, clinical decision-making and reflective practice, as well as gaining an understanding and awareness of a variety of professional issues.

Structure and exit awards

On completion of the full MSc (280 credits) or a PgDip (220 credits), you will be eligible to register as an Audiologist with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) Clinical Physiology Register.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The MSc in Audiology is a full-time programme delivered primarily on the QMU campus. However, we are aware that it can be costly (in terms of both time and money) for students to travel from home to the university campus on a daily basis and we find that most postgraduate audiology students prefer to have as flexible a schedule as possible. 

We try, as far as we are able, to ensure that timetabled staff-student contact takes place on the same three days each week (leaving two days for self-study). Teaching is normally delivered through a combination of on-campus lectures and seminars and online learning materials. Online learning materials (such as directed reading, recorded lectures, videos, discussion boards and other activities) are normally delivered asynchronously, i.e. you can engage with these at a time that works best for you.  

It is important that students ensure that they have the necessary technology and internet access to allow them to access online learning materials. Support is available to help students with IT issues.

During Semesters 1 and 2 of your first year and Semester 1 of your second year (ie until you begin your clinical placement) you should normally expect to attend the university campus on three days per week, to attend lectures and clinical skills practical sessions. However, there will also be a number of “reading weeks” that can be used for self-study.

The programme leader and timetable coordinator work together with the QMU international office to ensure that staff to student contact time complies with current UKVI regulations for international students.

Specialist facilities

A suite of clinic rooms, situated around a clinic reception area, provides accommodation for clinical activities and research. Students on the MSc Audiology have access to purpose-built test rooms, soundproof booths and a full range of audiological equipment, supporting the development of your clinical skills within the university environment before you go out on clinical placement.

Class sizes

Class sizes are normally 12 - 15 students.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

Adult Audiological Assessment
(Year 1 Semester 1)

This module covers a range of current audiological assessments used in the assessment of hearing in the adult population. You will learn how each assessment relates to the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system and to the effects of a range of pathologies. You will learn how to analyse test results using cross-check principles to inform further assessment and assist diagnosis.

Paediatric Audiological Assessment
(Year 1 Semester 1)

This module covers a range of current audiological assessments used in the assessment of hearing in the paediatric population. You will learn how audiologists work alongside parents/caregivers and other professionals in health and education to identify and diagnose hearing loss in babies and children and ensure that timely intervention can be put in place.

Linguistics and Culture in Signed and Spoken Languages��
(Year 1 Semester 1)

This module aims to promote your understanding of the links between hearing, speech and communication. You will be introduced to linguistic analysis and theories of language acquisition. There will be a particular focus on models of deafness, and on the language and culture of the Deaf community. ��

Adult Aural Rehabilitation
(Year 1 Semester 2)

This module teaches elements of counselling theory as it applies to audiological practice. It also covers psychosocial aspects of hearing loss. You will be introduced to rehabilitation theories and techniques and to the current range of technologies (hearing aids, implantable devices and assistive listening devices) available to support adult patients in adapting to hearing impairment.

Paediatric Aural Habilitation��
(Year 1 Semester 2)

This module will provide you with an overview of the impact of hearing impairment on children. You will learn about different approaches to language and education for deaf children, with a particular emphasis on the principles and techniques of Auditory Verbal Therapy. This module will introduce you to the specific challenges involved in fitting hearing aids and assistive listening devices for children. The topic of implantable technologies including cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants, middle-ear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids will be explored further in this module.

Audiological Science��
(Year 1 Semesters 1 & 2)

The study of supporting subjects, such as Linguistics, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, Psychology, Neurology and Research Methods is an essential part of any audiology curriculum. You will be introduced to many of these in the Audiological Science module delivered during semester one. We recognise that students entering the MSc programme will come from a variety of academic backgrounds and you may already have a good understanding of one or more of these subjects. This module is designed to allow you to focus on those areas that may be less familiar to you.��

Clinical Skills and Professional Practice for Audiology��
(Year 1 Semesters 1 & 2)

This module focuses on the development of your practical clinical skills, clinical decision-making, reflection and professional practice. The knowledge, understanding and skills you have acquired in the theoretical modules are integrated and applied to clinical practice.��

Vestibular Assessment and Rehabilitation
(Year 2 Semester 1)

In this module you will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the balance mechanism, the assessment of balance disorders and the rehabilitation techniques used to support and treat patients with balance disorders, including psychological counselling.

Advanced Audiological Assessment��
(Year 2 Semester 1)

This module covers the more advanced audiological assessments used in the assessment of hearing in both adults and children. You will learn the how each assessment relates to the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system and to the effects of a range of pathologies. You will learn how to analyse test results using cross-check principles to inform further assessment and assist diagnosis.

Enquiry Based Learning
(Year 2 Semester 1)

Research methodology is an important supporting subject, since evidence-based practice relies on the systematic application of scientific principles and investigative methodology. The inclusion of the Enquiry Based Learning module encourages you to apply a rigorous investigative approach to study in all areas of the programme.
 
Clinical Placement
(Year 2 Semesters 1 & 2, continuing until the start of Year 3)

Although your clinical placement in an Audiology department does not begin until Semester 2 of your second year, we will spend time during Semester 1 preparing you for your placement. This includes practising your clinical skills, completing a Placement Passport and hearing from former students and practice educators about what to expect.

Research Dissertation
(Year 3 Semesters 1 & 2)

Completion of the MSc requires you to undertake a 60-credit research dissertation. This module begins at the end of your clinical placement and will normally take around 6 months to complete.��

NB The modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2024) but are subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please check back here for updates.

Graduates may work within the National Health Service and/or private sector. A further assessment is required in order to work as a registered hearing aid dispenser. There are also career opportunities for research in universities and research institutes.

Entry requirements

An upper second class honours degree or above in a science or related subject (e.g. mathematics, physics, biological sciences, psychology, linguistics, speech and language therapy) is normally required.

International: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 7.0 with no individual component score below 6.5

Other requirements

A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required.

Other costs

• The additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the student. Students who receive SAAS funding may be able to claim for some of these expenses to be reimbursed.
• Uniform, PVG and badge costs – please check our PG Fees page (2026 fees to be confirmed).

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at 17�Թ���. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

Home students: Expected to be August 2026 but to be confirmed.

International students:  Expected to be June 2026 but to be confirmed.

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2026/27 (when confirmed) Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).

"The reason why I like the profession is you can take somebody and in an hour you can pretty much change their life"
Dave Wood (QMU graduate and industry expert)

"A lot of us see audiology as solving a puzzle"
Stephanie Doody-Orr (industry expert)

"If you're working with the NHS, it's a good outpatients clinic, 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, so you have your evenings off and your weekends off!"
Stephanie Doody-Orr (industry expert)

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