Audiology MPhil – (M.Phil.)

Audiological research is based within the internationally recognised Audiology and Deafness Research Group, based in the School of Psychological Sciences. The group is the UK leader for applied research in audiology and deafness that has a significant impact upon service delivery in the UK and abroad.

The impact of the group's research and subsequent knowledge transfer on service development (e.g. the NHS newborn hearing screening programme; digital signal-processing hearing aids and the modernisation of NHS hearing aid services) is highly significant, and is one of the features that distinguishes the group from other UK academic departments of audiology.

Training

Research training within audiology provides a flexible platform for career development whilst offering structured progression to ensure study objectives are met. MPhil Students will quickly be immersed in current research activity being conducted. Within the wider research group, students will have the opportunity to discuss your research with fellow students, post-doctoral candidates and academics. Research Group seminars will provide background to recent developments within the discipline and there will be ample opportunity to share personal research findings, contribute to publications and attend/present at prominent conferences.
PhD entry
In the majority of cases, an MPhil degree is undertaken by candidates seeking eventual entry onto the PhD. Successful completion of the MPhil year, following the assessment of a transfer report and viva, permit progression to PhD which would then involve 2-3 years of further research before submission for the degree of PhD. Candidates will often be recommended to register for the degree of MPhil due to the policy of the admitting School, or due to the nature of the research if the supervisory team do not feel the study warrants three-years of scholarship. Alternatively, candidates often register onto the MPhil due to restrictions of funding guarantees beyond the initial year, which if resolved would facilitate transfer to the PhD at a later date.

Progression

Progression is agreed in line with the MPhil supervisory team, and key milestones are established so candidates can monitor their own development. In addition to regular meetings with supervisors, the School of Psychological Sciences hosts a dedicated postgraduate academic group who can provide further advice and guidance. All MPhil and PhD students are also active members of the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences Postgraduate Training Programme, which provides transferrable skills training in research methodology, critical writing skills, intellectual property, research ethics etc.