Hearing Sciences - MSc
Our new two-year MSc Hearing Science course is aimed at those who have an appropriate undergraduate science degree and are looking to undertake a research career within an academic institution or with companies developing hearing technology and audiological equipment. It is also relevant to international students (who may have existing clinical registration and/or do not need UK registration to work in audiology services in their home country), equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop more advanced services for patients with hearing or balance disorders in their home country.
The course will allow you to study the theory and skills that underpin audiological science and practice. It comprises much of the same taught academic content as the MSc Audiology (Pre-Reg), however, this a non-clinical route and therefore there is less focus on practical skills and has no clinical placement.
Graduates of this course are not eligible to register with the Academy of Healthcare Scientists, or to practice as an Audiologist in the UK.
Why QMU?
- Unique in Scotland: The course is the only postgraduate course of its kind in Scotland.
- Excellent facilities: You will have access to a range of facilities to support the development of your academic knowledge, practical skills and independent study. These resources are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment in which to learn.
- Staff expertise: You will be taught by a team of registered Audiologists who have many years of experience in supporting student learning.
- Student-centred teaching: Students are at the centre of our teaching which focuses on developing critical, innovative and creative ways of thinking.
- Research opportunities: All students have an opportunity to undertake a supervised piece of research, preparing them to become independent researchers in the field.
Structure and exit awards
MSc (260 credits, 180 of which are at SCQF 11).
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.
Teaching hours and attendance
The MSc Hearing Science is a full-time course delivered 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.
This is a full-time course, with the expectation 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.
Specialist facilities
You will have access to purpose-built test rooms, soundproof booths and a full range of audiological equipment, supporting the development of your practical and research skills.
Class sizes
Class sizes across the combined MSc Hearing Science and MSc Audiology (pre-registration) are expected to be around 20 students.
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:
- 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 the Hearing Science curriculum. You will be introduced to many of these in the Audiological Science module delivered during the autumn and spring trimesters of Year 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.
- Adult Audiological Assessment (20 credits): This module covers a range of techniques currently 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 techniques currently 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 adults 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 Skills (0 credits): This module focuses on the development of your practical skills. The knowledge and understanding you have acquired in the theoretical modules are integrated and applied to practical skills and techniques.
- 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 essential critical thinking and reflective skills.
- Research Methods (20 credits): This module encourages you to apply a rigorous investigative approach to your studies and practical skills and assist you in preparing for your MSc Dissertation.
- Research Dissertation (40 credits): Completion of the MSc requires you to undertake a 40-credit research dissertation. This module begins at the end of your clinical placement and will normally take three to six months to complete.
There is no route to clinical registration from the MSc Hearing Science. It is envisaged that students undertaking this qualification will be well placed to pursue a research career, either within an academic institution or with companies developing hearing technology and audiological equipment.
Some international students who already have clinical registration – either in audiology or in a related profession - may find the MSc Hearing Science sufficient to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop more advanced services for patients with hearing or balance disorders in their home country.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree or above in a science or a related subject (eg mathematics, physics, audio engineering, 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 requirement
- 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.
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; this could vary year on year. We 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 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.
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"“The theoretical base you acquire on campus is quite solid, and I still make use of some of the things I learned to this day. It also sets you up perfectly for the clinical placements, where you will be given excellent hands-on training in terms of audiological procedures and the application of theory."
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