Clinical Science (Neurosensory Sciences)

Course overview

The Clinical Science (Neurosensory Sciences) MSc is a dynamic work-based learning course where students are employed within an NHS Department and undertake academic study. You will immerse yourself in clinical science training, preparing you for impactful roles in Audiology, Neurophysiology, or Ophthalmic and Vision Sciences within the NHS. With a blend of shared and specialised learning, you'll excel through practical experience and academic study.

This is a 3 year part-time commissioned course accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science. To apply to the course, you need to apply via the National School of Healthcare Science webpage.

"It was amazing learning from experts in the field, I especially loved the neurophysiological practice module as this helped shape my career choices, but I also enjoyed learning about different aspects of wider clinical science and how I can utilise this knowledge in my own specialism. Being supported by such knowledgeable academics throughout my research project was highly valuable as I was able to develop my own skills in research from my work with them.

Olivia McNicholas

MSc Clinical Science (Neurosensory Sciences)

Clinical Applications Specialist at Seer

Why Neurosensory Sciences at Aston University?

Internationally recognised research

100% of our health and life sciences research environment has been ranked as being at least internationally excellent, with 50% being world-leading

Research active staff

Learn from passionate research-active academics

Independent research project

Develop a final research project of your chosen specialism

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science

Clinical scientist training

A firm basis for a career as a clinical scientist in NHS hospitals, community-based practice and also related research areas

NHS commisioned

The MSc Clinical Science (Neurosensory Sciences) is commissioned by the NHS

Why Study a Postgraduate Degree at Aston University?

A postgraduate degree is a great way to improve your career prospects. As well as opening doors, it builds on your experience and develops your critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Course description

MSc Clinical Science (Neurosensory Sciences)

Our MSc Clinical Science (Neurosensory Sciences) at Aston will equip you with the skills, insights, and confidence required for impactful roles in Audiology, Neurophysiology, or Ophthalmic and Vision Sciences within the NHS. With a blend of shared and specialised learning, you'll excel through practical experience and academic study. You will attend live sessions, with a mixture of live online and on-campus sessions, through block release.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you, fantastic facilities that will bring your course to life through hands-on, practical experience; years of close industry collaboration that is harnessed to provide you with learning based on real-world needs.

What you will provide
As a postgraduate student, you will be required to balance academic work and research projects. Engagement and interaction within the sessions and online learning activities is important. Independent and self-directed learning is a key aspect of the course, especially as work-based learners.

What skills we teach
Learn the skills to work as a competent clinician in Audiology, Neurophysiology, or Ophthalmic and Vision Sciences within the NHS.

Career prospects
This course sits within the Department of Health’s vision for the Healthcare Science workforce. The aim is to develop practitioners who can improve the scientific profile within healthcare and who have the requisite skills to enhance both the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the NHS. Our graduates will be well-placed to enter careers in hospitals, community-based practice and related research areas. Previous graduates have become advanced practitioners or gone on to lead a section of service. We have also had graduates work in the commercial or education sectors.

The programme is designed to formally meet the requirements of the NHS and builds on Aston’s established links and extensive experience in health education.

How you will learn

You will be taught via a blended learning approach, where you will have online materials hosted on our virtual learning environment (Blackboard), as well as scheduled seminars and workshops to complement your learning. You’ll be provided with a module plan with assessments aligned to the module learning outcomes. These are designed to develop your skills per year as well as having the opportunity to carry out a research project.

Indicative dates for block release from clinics to attend university teaching sessions. Exact dates will be provided to all trainees and clinical supervisors before the start of the academic year. All university sessions, whether online or in-person must be attended as part of the National School of Healthcare Science’s requirements.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Mid Sep/Early October

Usually 3 weeks

Early October

Usually 1 week

Mid-October

Usually 1 week

Mid-Jan

Usually 1 week

Mid-Jan

Usually 1 week

Mid-late Jan

Usually 1 week

Early March

Usually 1 week

Early/mid-March

Usually 1 week

Mid-March

Usually 1 week

Early May

Usually 2 days

Early May

Usually 2-3 days

Early May

Usually 1 day

Please note, there may be variations per specialty. Additional online sessions that sit outside of these dates can also be arranged. These will be communicated to all students closer to the time.

My experience at Aston

MSc Clinical Science (Neurosensory Sciences) graduate Sonali Tanna provides insights into her experience at Aston and gives students advice for the future.

Discover Sonali's journey

What you will learn

The programme encompasses a comprehensive clinical science training component, aimed at preparing a well-qualified workforce for the NHS. This training focuses on enhancing the knowledge and skills of practitioners in the field of neurosensory science.

Dedicated support systems are in place from across the University, and this course benefits from a guest lecture series. Your scheduled time on campus provides you with the opportunity to discuss learning, participate in group activities, and skills laboratory sessions and meet with project supervisors.

Course objectives

Provide you with the skills to develop evidence-based practice, communication and reflection to implement patient-centred care in their clinical roles
Develop the underpinning theoretical knowledge and the use of critical thinking within neurosensory science specialisms to supplement clinical experiences
Promote a research culture amongst staff, students and external stakeholders to inspire and inform student learning
Provide collaborative opportunities for interprofessional learning within neurosensory specialisms and wider healthcare disciplines
Create learning opportunities to promote personal, professional and leadership development within healthcare roles

Modules

Modules and block release

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Introduction to Healthcare and Professional Practice	15
Introduction to Sensory Sciences	30
Evidence-based practice	15
Leadership, Innovation and Quality	15
Total	75

You will then choose from one of the following three pathways:

Audiology Pathway

Module Title	Credits
Adult Audiology: Assessment and Management*	15
Paediatric Audiology: Assessment and Management*	15
Vestibular Assessment and Management	15
Total	45

*These modules can be taken as CPD Standalone modules

Neurophysiology Pathway

Module Title	Credits
Nerve Conduction and Evoked Potentials	15
Paediatric EEG	15
Neurophysiology Practice	15
Total	45

Ophthalmic and Vision Science Pathway

Module Title	Credits
Ophthalmic and Vision Science	30
Ophthalmic Imaging	15
Total	45

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Dissertation: Research Methods and Research Proposal	30
Research Project	30
Total	60

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Mid Sep/Early October

Usually 3 weeks

Early October

Usually 1 week

Mid-October

Usually 1 week

Mid-Jan

Usually 1 week

Mid-Jan

Usually 1 week

Mid-late Jan

Usually 1 week

Early March

Usually 1 week

Early/mid-March

Usually 1 week

Mid-March

Usually 1 week

Early May

Usually 2 days

Early May

Usually 2-3 days

Early May

Usually 1 day

Please note, there may be variations per specialty. Additional online sessions that sit outside of these dates can also be arranged. These will be communicated to all students closer to the time.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Read Olivia Mcnicholas' experience

Clinical Science (Neurosensory Sciences) MSc graduate Olivia McNicholas discusses her journey discovering her interest in Epilepsey, her experience applying the theory learned at Aston into clinical practice, and her current role as a Clinical Applications Specialist at Seer Medical

Explore Olivia's journey

Entry requirements

Criminal Records Check (DBS) and Fitness to Practise information:

Students enrolling on this course will be required to undertake an Enhanced Level Criminal Records Bureau check (known as a DBS check) - this will be completed via your employers. In line with national requirements for courses leading to a health professional qualification, this course is also subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements are set by the NHS. Applicants must possess a first or upper-second-class honours degree or equivalent in a pure or applied science subject.

See full details.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

Intake: Approximately 25 students per year

How to apply:

Applications are made to the NHS. Information and applications for the Scientist Training Programme (STP) are available on the NHS National School of Healthcare Science website. Once you have been selected by the NHS to take this course you will be required to complete an Aston University online application form.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: professionalcpd@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30 am-4.30 pm)

Read our guide to applying

Course fees

This course is funded by the NHS.

Assessment

The first year is mostly assessed via coursework, so you are able to benchmark your abilities early on and to develop your skills in managing your own learning. In the second and third years of the course, you will undertake a research project, with an associated research methods module to develop your skills in this area.