Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology

Summary

The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years.

This course is also offered at overseas locations.

Audiology

Audiology is the study of hearing, balance, and related medical disorders. It is an expanding profession in New Zealand and internationally. Audiology is a field of study with a broad range of applications. A combination of theoretical study and practical experience, audiology was established in 1990 at the University of Auckland in order to provide New Zealand students with a pathway into clinical audiology.

There are excellent facilities for research in a wide variety of topics, including anatomy and physiology of the ear, mechanisms of inner ear disease, psychoacoustics, acoustics, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tinnitus, psychosocial issues of deafness and auditory evoked potentials.

The University's Hearing and Tinnitus Clinic provides a service to the community and excellent opportunities for clinical training.

Where can audiology take you?

The job market for audiology-related professions is looking good, due to a combination of increased public awareness of hearing loss, an aging population, and the rise of headphones. Audiologists in New Zealand may embark on range of further research topics or find themselves working in a variety of environments.

An audiologist may work:

• With children and/or adults in hospital clinics, private practice or in their own business in educational settings (Deaf Education Resource Centres)
• Within cochlear implant programmes in academic settings (universities)
• For hearing aid manufacturers (product education or research)

Programme structure

The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.

On possible to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal. After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process includes an oral exam.

As part of your PhD study, you can take part in our doctoral skills programme, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor, and our library service includes specialist subject librarians to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.

Where could this programme take you?

Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own startup.