JOIN USAfter completing my Bachelors in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology from the Vinayaka Missions University in Salem, Tamil Nadu, and MBA in Health Services Management from Chennai’s Anna University Centre for Distance Education, I pursued my career in Audiology for over four years in India.
But somewhere down the line, I always had a strong desire to take my educational qualification a step higher and that’s how one day, after carrying out an in-depth analysis, I decided to enrol in the MSc Audiology programme, a well-known postgraduate course worldwide for the academic training of audiologists.
Audiology is the science of hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders. The audiology programme provides scientific training to help learners develop the right knowledge, skills and attitude in order to become global leaders in clinical audiology and auditory research. Clinical audiologists evaluate and diagnose hearing and balance disorders for people of all ages.
The management strategies provided by audiologists have an enormous impact on people’s quality of life, providing them with the ability to communicate and restoring independence through the use of hearing-aid technologies and listening strategies.
Audiology graduates have opportunities to enter a variety of roles as audiologists, service leaders, educators and researchers in a range of environments, such as in health care, universities, research laboratories, businesses and technology manufacturing.
The quality of education and scientific training provided to the students enrolled in the MSc Audiology programme at the University of Southampton impressed me. I was convinced that not only would this course enhance my knowledge and skills but also transform me into a professional.
In addition to this, the fact that Audiology comes under the university’s Engineering Department and its Auditory Implant Centre, made me opt for Southampton Audiology programme.
Apprehensions aplenty
I never imagined that one day I would step out of Chennai and head to England alone for higher education. It was extremely hard for me to leave my country and family, especially my son who was starting kindergarten. Initially, I was apprehensive and nervous about having to move abroad, but my goals kept me going and there was no looking back for me.
I still remember my first day at the university. Going around the campus and getting an opportunity to visit the Institute of Sound & Vibration Research, where the MSc Audiology course is taught, and the University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service were wonderful. I was really impressed with the university’s infrastructure.
I enjoy living in here despite being far away from my dear ones. In fact, my interest in classical dance and music has helped me become a part of the India Society and Southampton Kandyan and Bharatanatyam Society. Apart from doing craft activities in my leisure time, I perform at various celebrations of the societies. In a short span of time, I have also managed to perform in seven programmes at various places in Southampton city and at the university. Fortunately, the friendly atmosphere of the city has helped me overcome my nervousness and exploring my potential. Southampton is a great city to live in. For Indian students, I feel that the weather is more comfortable in Southampton compared to other places in the UK.
Apart from this, the university and its faculty have supported me in every aspect to achieve my goals. I feel proud whenever my hard work is recognised. I even received a scholarship worth 1,000 GBP as a part of early application.
Once I complete this course, I plan to work as an audiologist. Also, I am aiming to pursue a PhD within five years from now. But at present, I am concentrating on my dissertation.