Audiology (Pre-Registration) - MSc

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

Teaching is normally delivered via on-campus lectures and seminars, supplemented by online learning materials. Online learning materials (such as directed reading, recorded lectures, videos, discussion boards and other activities) are normally delivered asynchronously, so that you can engage with these at a time that works best for you.

A variety of assessment methods are used, including written assignments and examinations, practical exams, presentations and completion of an electronic portfolio. 
  

Teaching hours and attendance

This is a full-time course delivered primarily on the QMU campus. Each module will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Your attendance at placement is compulsory, and your attendance at QMU-based modules is also expected. It is expected that classes, independent study and placement together require 35-40 hours of dedicated time each week.

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

You should normally expect to attend the campus on three days per week, to attend lectures and practical sessions. However, for some modules, teaching will be compressed into one full week on campus. There will also be occasional reading weeks that can be used for self-study.

Placements

Clinical placement provides you with a broad range of clinical experience. Spending time in a clinical setting, alongside a team of audiology professionals, facilitates the integration of theoretical knowledge and understanding, with practical clinical skills and decision-making. Clinical placement begins during the Summer Trimester at the end of Year One. You will normally attend placement full-time for around 7 months, with the exception of two on-campus study weeks for taught modules. 

Placement will normally take place in an NHS (Scotland) Audiology department. Please note that the placement location may not be within a commutable distance of the University or your home. You are responsible for all travel, accommodation and living expenses during the placement period.

 Please note that there are additional costs associated with placements. Please see the ‘Other fees’ section under the ‘Entry requirements’ tab for more details.

Specialist facilities

You have access to a laboratory and a suite of clinic rooms, including 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

There is usually an intake of 15 students on the MSc Audiology (pre-registration) each year. In some classes, you will be jointly taught with students on our undergraduate and non-clinical routes.

Teaching staff

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

You will study the following modules:

• Adult Audiological Assessment (20 credits): 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 (20 credits): 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 (20 credits): 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 (20 credits): 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 (20 credits): 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 (40 credits): 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 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 (0 credits): 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 (20 credits): 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 (20 credits): This module covers the more advanced audiological assessments used in the assessment of hearing in both adults and children. 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.
• Multi-disciplinary Working (20 credits): This module uses a Problem‑Based Learning (PBL) approach. You will work with complex case scenarios to determine the roles of a range of health and social care professionals in clinical assessment, differential diagnosis, and management planning. The module will foster the critical thinking and reflective skills that are essential for autonomous professional practice and for supporting individuals with communication needs across different health and social care settings.
• Research Methods (20 credits): 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 course.
• Clinical Placement (0 credits): Your clinical placement in an NHS Audiology department will begin in the Summer trimester of Year 1.  However, you will be attending observational placements during the Autumn and/or Spring trimesters of Year One and we will also spend time on campus preparing you for your placement. This preparation will include practising your clinical skills and completing a Placement Passport.
• Research Dissertation (60 credits): 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 six months to complete. 

On completion of the course, you will be eligible to register as an Audiologist with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) and can apply for Band 5 or 6 jobs within the NHS.

For those wishing to work as a Hearing Aid Dispenser in the private sector, completion of the Aptitude Test in Hearing Aid Dispensing, an additional online module (available at QMU) is required. This provides eligibility to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for Registration as a Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or above in a science or related subject (such as 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 and an occupational health check are required.
• Your personal statement should demonstrate your motivations for studying this course and show an understanding of the profession and show reflection on your previous experience.

Other costs

• The additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the student. 
• Uniform, PVG and badge costs – please check our PG 2027 Fees page

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 QMU. 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

The course will remain open until capacity has been reached. We however strongly suggest you apply as early as possible. This webpage will be updated with notice once we are due to close the application window. 

"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)

Contact Admissions 

More information on our forthcoming open events

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2027/28 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
• The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (October 2026) but is 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 keep an eye on this page for updates.