Clinical Science (Neurosensory Sciences) MSc

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 course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science.

Please note, this course is commissioned by the National School of Healthcare Science, therefore, you do not apply directly to Aston University for this course. 

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, which comprises three distinct pathways: 

• Audiology
• Neurophysiology
• Ophthalmic and Vision Sciences.

Students undertake common learning throughout the programme but also have specialist topics in year two and three.

• Introduction to Healthcare and Professional Practice (15 credits)
• Introduction to Sensory Sciences (30 credits)
• Evidence-based Practice (15 credits)
• Leadership, Innovation and Quality

Audiology Pathway (45 credits)

• Adult Audiology: Assessment and Management (15 credits)
• Paediatric Audiology: Assessment and Management (15 credits)
• Vestibular Assessment and Management (15 credits)

Neurophysiology Pathway (45 credits)

• Nerve Conduction and Evoked Potentials (15 credits)
• Paediatric EEG (15 credits)
• Neurophysiology Practice (15 credits)

Ophthalmic and Vision Science Pathway (45 credits)

Ophthalmic and Vision Science (30 credits)
Ophthalmic Imagining (15 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

• Dissertation: Research Methods and Research Proposal (30 credits)
• Dissertation III - Research Project (30 credits)

Mode of delivery: Part-time, blended learning. Students are employed within NHS departments and released to undertake academic study. All teaching and learning materials are hosted online, and students normally complete a series of block sessions on campus each term.

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

Students enrolling onto 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.

For applicants who obtained their degree outside the UK, the degree/qualification must be deemed to be at least of equivalent standing. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. English language test requirements may be waived where students’ undergraduate degree was studied in an English speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements. For more information about qualifications view our Aston in your country webpage.

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. 

Duration: 3 years

Start dates: September

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.

Learning and teaching

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. 

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. 

Assessments

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.

Key staff

Programme director: Saira Hussain

Teaching staff

• Dr. Amanda Hall
• Dr. Helen Pryce
• Dr Valia Rodriguez-Rodriguez
• Professor Stefano Seri
• Professor James Wolffsohn
• Peter Bill
• Zahra Gill
• Wahid Zaman
• Samantha Strong
• Mengchao Zhang
• Dr Georgina Burn-O'Connell

Fees: This course is funded by the NHS.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. Find out more about our scholarships here.

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.

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 10am-4pm BST)

Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application.