PhD Audiology / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Programme description

Our PhD/MPhil Audiology programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Audiology.

Postgraduate research study within audiology is a challenging and rewarding experience. Our audiology research is based within the Division for Human Communication, Development and Hearing in the internationally recognised Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD). ManCAD is the UK leader for basic, translational and applied research in audiology and deafness that has a significant impact upon service delivery in the UK and abroad (e.g. the NHS newborn hearing screening programme, digital signal-processing hearing aids and the modernisation of NHS hearing aid services).

ManCAD hosts the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre 's Hearing Health theme . Our partners at the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) have a multidisciplinary team with a world-leading reputation in the discovery and delivery of research that leads to improved clinical outcomes. 

The centre's research programme spans prevention, diagnosis, and treatment from birth to older ages. Their research programme will improve the lives of children and adults by preventing potentially devastating congenital deafness, diagnosing acquired age-related deficits, identifying and tackling inequalities and developing new treatments.

A uniquely wide scope of expertise includes audiology, hearing science, otolaryngology, engineering and signal processing, biomaterials, auditory genetics, health psychology, health informatics, biomarkers, child development and communication. In addition to the world-leading reputation in research and impact, Manchester is the home of audiology education and training in the UK, and has a distinguished track record in service provision and service development.

Manchester BRC is supported by outstanding bespoke Clinical Research Facilities and will establish the UK's only Hearing Device Research Centre and consultancy service for translational and applied research.

A PhD/MPhil in audiology from Manchester will give you:

  • flexibility to investigate findings not envisaged at the outset of the work and allow the topic to evolve;
  • a dedicated training structure that provides training in research skills and personal development;
  • an expert supervisory team that will assist the student throughout the study, ensuring academic objectives are met;
  • immersion in audiology research - students have the opportunity to discuss their research with fellow students, post-doctoral researchers and academics. ManCAD seminars provide background to recent developments in audiology and there are opportunities to share research findings, contribute to publications and attend/present at prominent conferences.

Postgraduate research projects may be outlined by the academic supervisor, or applicants themselves may identify a research project.

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

PhD/MPhil programmes are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one to two years (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Attendance Requirement for Distance Learning Programme

Students must maintain expected virtual presence and communication with their Supervisor in order to remain registered on the programme and follow all online progression milestones as for any PGR student. 

Students must attend, in person, the Welcome and Induction activities organised by the Doctoral Academy in September.  As a result, a September start date is preferable.  Students should also attend, in person, the compulsory `Life as a PhD Student' training.

Students are encouraged to consider undertaking additional training offered via the Doctoral Academy Training Programme .

It is expected that students will spend a minimum of one working week (5 days) in attendance at the University (in addition to welcome/induction days).  This may coincide with formal study weeks (ie in NMSW) and will present the opportunity for the student to spend time with their Supervisory team, visit the Library or local research facilities.

Students must participate in the formal Annual Review meeting, ideally in person, but attendance via Skype etc can be considered.

The final oral examination will be held at the University of Manchester.  Only in very exceptional circumstances will a student be allowed to undertake the viva remotely.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas.

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the  funded programmes  and  funding opportunities  pages.

What our students say

Find out more about what it's like to undertake a postgraduate research degree at Manchester on the Doctoral Academy Blog and the support available through our Faculty Doctoral Academy.

Facilities

You will have access to a range of  research and learning facilities  across the University and at some of our partner organisations.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk