Foundation Degree Hearing Aid Audiology

If you aspire to enhance your career prospects within audiology field in the NHS or an independent sector, our Foundation Degree will provide you with the qualifications you need.

Aston University provides you with expert teaching staff, cutting edge facilities, and technology that’s not available at any other UK university. The programme covers the science of hearing and audiology, integrating clinical, psychological, and scientific concepts. Strongly focusing on clinical procedures and the skills required to manage patients, which you will apply in your workplace.
 

Apprenticeships are structured differently to a traditional degree; you'll spend the majority of your time working full time in your clinical job but will be released for study time to complete your academic learning.

You will study through a combination of online learning resources and sessions on campus where you will learn through tutorials, lectures, and practical sessions. You will attend campus for several blocks of study (usually two to three days at a time) in each year, plus assessments and/or exams. It is a great opportunity for you to meet face-to-face with your peers and our academics.

Your off-campus distance learning teaching will be delivered via our virtual learning environment, Blackboard. You will access theoretical learning materials for general study, revision and assessment. This platform allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, recorded lectures, online tutorials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and much more .
 

You will learn essential skills in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. This includes gaining expertise in audiometric testing, patient care, and advanced technology. The programme prepares you for careers as skilled audiologists while simultaneously gaining practical work experience through apprenticeships.

At Aston University, apprentices enjoy full access to all the facilities available to regular students. This inclusive approach ensures that apprentices can take advantage of the university's library, labs, study spaces, cafes and more. By providing equal access to these facilities, Aston University supports apprentices in their educational journey, enabling them to thrive in both academic and practical aspects of their chosen fields.

1. Produce graduates who meet the National Occupational Standards for Associate Practitioner in Audiology within the NHS, and for Hearing Aid Dispenser in the private sector. Both groups can then register with the Health and Care Professions Council to work as Hearing Aid Dispensers.
2. Provide students with an intellectually rigorous and up-to-date education in specific limited and defined areas within audiology that will help to achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals.
3. Provide an environment where staff research and clinical activity inspire and inform student learning.
4. Produce graduates who can bring qualities of critical judgement and reasoning to their chosen occupation, and who can apply both academic and clinical audiological knowledge.
5. Respond to the needs of able mature students, those with non-traditional entry qualifications, and students with A-levels.
    

You will need to apply for this role or already be employed in a job within an audiology department that can provide the clinical experience required for this post.

Entry requirements are set by the hiring business and not Aston University so they vary between organisations. Apprentices are selected based on their applications, an interview and an assessment process which is tailored to your apprenticeship position.

Indicative entry requirements are given below, but please note that each employer may set their own criteria. 

Please note that your employer may have additional requirements.

You will not have to pay tuition fees as a Degree Apprentice as the costs are met by the UK government and your employer*. In addition to your fees being paid, you will also earn a salary while you study, so there is no need to apply for Student Finance. 

The funding band for this Degree Apprenticeship is £13,000. This is the full cost of your apprenticeship which will be paid for using your employer's apprenticeship levy.

 

The programme will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments.
We use a wide variety of assessment types, including essays, practical assessments, portfolios of written work, exams, and online tests. Clinical assessments are carried out in our fully-equipped audiology clinical skills laboratories at Aston, or in the workplace.

Throughout each stage of the programme, we will use various mechanisms to monitor successful development of your clinical and academic skills. We will regularly discuss your progress with yourself and your employer. This is essential in order for you to meet the apprenticeship funding rules and be eligible to undertake your end-point assessment at the end of the programme. 
 

The Level 5 Hearing Aid Audiology degree creates a pathway to becoming an audiologist, offering opportunities in hospitals and health clinics to assess and manage conditions like hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders. To advance your career, you may choose to pursue further studies, such as BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology).

If you have any questions, please email apprenticeships@aston.ac.uk. Be sure to include your name, your employer, and the programme you are inquiring about.