Healthcare Science Audiology

Course overview

Accredited by the Academy of Healthcare Science, our healthcare science audiology programme is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of audiology and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally.

This programme stands out as a premier pathway for audiologists, providing a full learning experience combined with hands-on learning through our extensive network of industry partners; developing your skills in our dedicated specialist facilities, and benefitting from the experience and insight of our expert teaching staff. During your time on the course, you will get the opportunity to:

Find out how we can help people to hear with cochlear implants.
Learn how to test patients hearing by looking at their brain waves.
Discover more about advancements in the field, such as the latest hearing aid technology.
Hear from a range of specialist guest speakers.
Have access to the most up-to-date technology in our clinical skills labs including equipment that is not available in any other UK university such as our ear scanner.

Degree apprenticeship

You can also study this subject through a degree apprenticeship, meaning you’ll get to study for your degree whilst working. Your employer pays you a wage, and your fees are paid by your employer and the government, so you have no student debt when you graduate. The application process is different to a standard degree, and you’ll need to apply directly to an employer for your apprenticeship.

Explore our Audiology Degree Apprenticeship.

“The lecturers and teaching staff were always of utmost support. They always kept in touch with me and ensured that all their content was being adequately understood. They were really helpful with assignments, promptly looking at drafts and providing useful feedback.”

Ali Jaffer

Healthcare Sciences Audiology BSc

Clinical Audiologist at HearWell Audiology Clinic

Why Healthcare Sciences Audiology at Aston University?

Student to staff ratio

We are ranked 1st in the UK for student to staff ratio (Health Professions, Guardian University Guide, 2024)

Extensive patient contact

Benefit from extensive patient contact throughout the course through integrated placements

Excellent student experience

91% of students felt positive about teaching on their course (NSS 2024)

Professional experience

Aston is working in partnership with Specsavers to run patient clinics on campus - gain live patient experiences throughout your time at Aston University

Earn more

Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £36,100 five years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2023)

Excellent prospects

Aston University was named runner-up in the University of the Year for Graduate Employment Award (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)

Hear from Aston Audiology student Yousaf Amjad

Aston Audiology student Yousaf Amjad talks about the best bits about studying BSc Audiology

The Aston University 2030 strategy

What makes us Aston?

Course description

Healthcare Sciences Audiology BSc

Our Healthcare Sciences Audiology BSc degree at Aston will equip you with the skills, insights, and confidence required to become a proficient and compassionate audiologist, capable of diagnosing and managing hearing and balance disorders, improving the quality of life for individuals with auditory challenges, and contributing to advancements in the field of audiology.

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
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understand that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, you must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
As an Audiology student in our Healthcare Sciences Audiology programme, you will learn the skills to work as a competent audiologist and work in hospitals and health clinics, assessing people’s hearing and balance, and managing conditions such as hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders.

During your time of the course, you’ll develop a wide variety of integral skills including verbal and written communication, presentation, team working and time management. You will also become familiar with IT and clinically relevant technology, as well as develop your problem-solving, critical thinking and reflective skills.

Integrated Clinical Learning in Practice (CLIP)
You will benefit from extensive patient contact throughout the course within the university through Integrated Clinical Learning in Practice (CLIP). You’ll complete integrated clinical learning in practice in each academic year, helping you to deepen your knowledge while giving you the opportunity to put your communication and practical skills to use.

A large proportion of your final year involves completing CLIP at external clinics, helping to prepare you for your first graduate role. Clinical Learning in Practice can take place in locations across the UK, and you will be fully supported by the Aston audiology team throughout.

Career prospects
Our Audiology degree is valued by some of the best-known companies in the world. Recent graduates have successfully secured careers with employers such as Boots, Specsavers, Hearwell Audiology Clinic, Hidden Hearing, and NHS including East Kent Hospitals, University NHS Foundation Trust, Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Wye Valley NHS Trust, and Royal Berkshire Foundation NHS Trust.

How you will learn

Our teaching style is modern and innovative, with a hands-on approach that bridges the gap between theory and practice. This enables you to apply your skills as you progress through your course, marrying your learning with practical examples, all designed to prepare you for the world of work.

For UK students our degree course consists of three years of full-time study, with integrated placements and interprofessional learning in clinical environments.

What you will learn

As an audiology student at Aston University, you’ll be studying under our experienced audiology teaching and support team, who come from a variety of NHS, independent sector, and research backgrounds. You’ll encounter a wide range of teaching approaches, from lectures and seminars to group work and problem-based learning. As you’d expect from a hands-on course like ours, you’ll be spending time in our impressive facilities learning and developing your clinical skills, which you’ll then get the opportunity to put into practice when you are with patients in our supervised clinics.

Year 1

You’ll be introduced to a range of basic sciences related to healthcare, clinical procedures such as hearing tests, the skills needed to work with and manage patients and complete your first clinical placements.

Year 2

Learn more about hearing science and clinical audiology including hearing assessment and management of hearing loss, be introduced to speech and development, and develop your clinical skills further with more time in clinical placements.

Final year

Study specialist clinical areas of audiology like balance assessment, research a chosen area of audiology in your dissertation and prepare for your future career by putting your theoretical learning and clinical skills into practice in your final year placement.

Facilities

Audiology students have access to a range of specialist facilities that reflect the hands-on learning within the field. In these settings, you gain practical experience alongside like-minded students, with workshops and lectures guided by industry professionals and expert technicians.

Audiology facilities

On-campus Specsavers Clinic
A clinical skills laboratory equipped with the latest audiology equipment.
Three soundproof booths and four rooms for accurate hearing tests, more than any other educational institution in the UK.
Simulated patients, where you practise your clinical skills on real people and gain confidence before going out into clinics.
Refurbished lecture theatres and seminar rooms.

Cutting edge audiology equipment

Otoscan 3D ear scanner to make digital impressions for custom in-the-ear pieces such as earmolds and hearing aids. We are the only HEI to have one of these in the UK.
Audiometers TO measure an individual's hearing thresholds. You will learn how to operate these machines to conduct hearing tests and assess hearing loss.
Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) Systems to measure the responses of the inner ear (cochlea) to sound.
Video Otoscopy to visualise the ear canal and eardrum, which is essential for diagnosing ear-related conditions
Tympanometers to assess the function of the middle ear, including the eardrum and the movement of the ossicles
Audiology Rehabilitation Tools such as FM systems and cochlear implant programming equipment.

Course objectives

Provides you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through a range of learning experiences.
Encourages you, through a practical approach, to have a passion for audiology and an enthusiasm for learning.
Support you to develop communication and reflective practice skills in order to implement patient-centred care.
Develop the underpinning theoretical knowledge and the use of critical thinking, within healthcare science, to inform 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 healthcare and patient and public involvement.
Create learning opportunities to promote personal and professional development.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Healthcare Study Skills - The module aims to provide opportunities for students to develop study skills for university study. This includes literature searching, group working and reflective skills, as well as careers professional development.	15
Communication and Clinical Skills 1 - This is all about clinical learning in practice (CLiP). You start developing the clinical skills and professionalism needed to be a clinician. You will do this in simulated clinics and live patient clinics.	30
Introduction to Healthcare and Professional Practice - This module seeks to address questions related to cost, quality, accessibility and efficiency of healthcare delivery as well as impact of health policies and healthcare systems. Health inequalities that lead to differences in accessing healthcare services are also covered in this module.	15
Sensory Sciences - Sensory Sciences provides a general knowledge of the human body system and discusses the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the auditory system and other sensory systems.	30
Auditory Sciences - Auditory Sciences introduces the signals and systems in the instrumentation and equipment of audiology and healthcare sciences with an appreciation of the underlying general physical and mathematical principles.	30
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Identify effective oral and written communication skills.
Interpret theoretical knowledge of healthcare science for clinical contexts.
Identify the role of professionalism and reflective practice in healthcare.
Explain the role of interprofessional working in healthcare.
Identify the tools required for study skills and independent learning.

Year 2 modules

In your second year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Psychoacoustics and Speech - Psychoacoustics and Speech introduces the principles of psychophysical experiments, signal detection theory, human auditory perception, and speech perception in various listening environments for people with normal and abnormal hearing.	15
Diagnostic Audiology - In this module we learn about the clinical evaluation of hearing in adults. You will learn about the various tests and procedures to measure hearing sensitivity, assess the type and degree of hearing loss and identify potential causes.	15
Communication and Clinical Skills 2 - This is still all about clinical learning in practice (CLiP). You will be continuing the development of your clinical skills and professionalism needed to be a clinician. You will do this in simulated clinics and live patient clinics on and off campus.	30
Research Methods - In research methods we will explore the difference between evidence and material, what is contained in a published article, and how to critically appraise the information we’re presented with	15
Auditory Management and Devices - In this module you will explore hearing instrumentation in more detail including how we ensure the instrument chosen and fitted meets the patient's required prescriptive needs.	30
Auditory Rehabilitation - This module explores the skills and approaches needed to support patients with dementia, dual sensory loss and other complexities.	15
Total	120

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate the principles of patient-centred care.
Demonstrate the effective use of communication skills for assessment and management of hearing related conditions.
Implement theoretical concepts of audiological sciences when considering patient care.
Apply clinical reasoning skills for patient care using guidelines, policies and evidence in audiology.
Develop critical thinking, literature navigation and research skills.

Year 3 modules

In your third year, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Dissertation - This module aims to allow students to apply research methods skills within the context of a final-year dissertation. This will demonstrate the following skills: critical writing, thinking appraisal skills, literature searching, and information synthesis.	30
Paediatric Audiology Foundations - This module aims to provide students with a theoretical background in the assessment and rehabilitation of balance conditions. Students will work through various resources including case-based discussions and clinical guidelines.	15
Vestibular Foundations - This module aims to provide students with a theoretical background in the assessment and rehabilitation of balance conditions. Students will work through various resources including case-based discussions and clinical guidelines.	30
Advanced Audiology Investigation and Rehabilitation - In this module, we learn about different auditory implants or medical devices that are designed to restore hearing in children and adults with complex and higher degrees of hearing impairment. The module also covers the guidelines that determine the suitability of these devices in different patient populations.	15
Total	90

This credit module will be completed alongside Core modules to complete the
required 120 Credits by standard BSc Students only.

Module Title	Credits
Communication and Clinical Skills 3 - This is still all about clinical learning in Practice (CliP) but now the focus is on you becoming a competent clinician, who can deliver person-centred care. In this module, you will be based in a live clinic somewhere in the UK for 18 weeks from January to May.	30
Total	30

These two 15-credit modules will be completed alongside core modules to
complete the required 120 credits by students who have applied to the Direct Access to
Final Year Course Only

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Clinical Skills	15
Research Methods - In research methods we will explore the difference between evidence and material, what is contained in a published article, and how to critically appraise the information we’re presented with	15
Total	30

Year 3 outcomes

On successful completion of the third year, you will be able to:

Apply shared decision-making within patient-centred care.
Reflect on communication, professionalism and multi-disciplinary working
in healthcare for patient care.
Relate theoretical concepts into clinical practice as relevant to specialist
populations in audiology.
Problem solve using critical thinking and clinical reasoning.
Apply research skills when conducting individual projects and interpreting research from the evidence base.

We regularly review our modules to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience, incorporating academic developments, student feedback and employer feedback.

There may be some change to some of the modules on this course for 2025/26 entry.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any changes to modules at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints may mean it isn’t possible to take some module combinations. The structure of some courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Entry requirements

A Levels
- ABB in three A Level subjects which must include one science subject from Biology or Physics.

The following subjects will not be considered as one of the core three A Levels: General Studies, Critical Thinking, and Citizenship Studies.

We welcome applications from students who have tried to improve their examination grades by taking resits and only your latest grades will be accepted. We treat these applications in exactly the same way as other applications.

Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

BTEC Qualification Name	BTEC grades required	A-Level Requirements
Extended Diploma (QCF) / National Extended Diploma (RQF)	Distinction, Distinction, Distinction* (DDD*) OR Distinction, Distinction, Distinction plus A Levels	This BTEC must be RQF – National in Applied Science DDD* (you do not require an additional A Level) OR This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science DDD and you must also achieve grade B in either Biology or Physics. OR If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC which is QCF or RQF – National then you must achieve DDD and grade B in either Biology or Physics.
Diploma (QCF) / National Diploma (RQF)	Distinction, Distinction (DD)	With this BTEC you must also achieve grade B in one A Level science subject from: Biology or Physics.
Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) / National Extended Certificate (RQF)	Distinction (D)	With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Levels of which one must include a science subject from: Biology or Physics.
90 Credit Diploma (QCF)	Distinction, Distinction (DD)	With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Levels of which one must include a science subject from: Biology or Physics.
National Foundation Diploma	Distinction (D)	With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Levels of which one must include a science subject from: Biology or Physics.

*Please note that on the UCAS application form QCF BTEC Extended Diploma appears under the name BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) and the RQF BTEC Extended Diploma appears under the name Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (1080) (2016 to Present). If you unsure of which qualification you are taking, please contact your school or college provider to confirm.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

32 points overall and must include grades 6, 5, 5 in Higher Level subjects which must include one science subject from Biology or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 6 in Maths and grade 5 in English Language.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 30 distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction. Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification, and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement. Subjects Accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences.

Please note we do not accept Health and Social Care as it does not contain the amount of core science material required for subsequent undergraduate studies on this degree.

This qualification is not accepted for this course.

Five GCSEs in total which must include grade B/5 Mathematics, C/4 English Language or English Literature and the rest at grade C/4. Please note we do not accept Key skills or Functional skills in place of these.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway Programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Fitness to Practise (FTP)

Due to the nature of this course and in line with national requirements, you will be required to complete a series of checks and screenings. These requirements are checked at the point of enrolment

DBS and fitness to practice regulations

Other

Degree

Year 1:

We consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a degree in a related field elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A Level requirements (or equivalents as listed), with which a typical offer would be to achieve 60% overall with no fails in any units. It is also expected that you have not previously attempted the second year of a programme elsewhere. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications.

Year 2/3:

Please note we do not accept year 2/3 transfers in any circumstance. This is due to integrated placements aspect of the course which starts from year one and also the accreditation of the content is for the whole course.

View our Transfers Policy

Direct final year entry - Foundation Degree Progression (FDHA Progression)

For those who have studied the Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology at Aston, or a similar foundation programme at a recognised UK institution, please visit our final year entry course page for full entry requirement details.

Age of qualifications

Applicants must normally have achieved their eligible academic qualifications for entry onto this course within the last two years. Applicants presenting qualifications older than two years will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic Admissions Lead.

External Foundation Programmes

We consider external foundation programmes for entry into our year 1 programmes on a case-by-case basis. We require applicants to have met the following criteria prior to application:

Five GCSEs in total which must include grade B/5 Mathematics, C/4 English Language and the rest at grade C/4.
ABB in any subjects or BBB where one subject must be from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.

In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications. A typical offer is 60% overall and 120 credits with no fails at another recognised university, however, this may be higher.

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£9,250

International students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:

£21,500

For Sandwich courses the placement fee is £1250 for Home/UK students and £2,500 for International students. For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies. For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

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.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

Our curriculum utilises a range of different assessment types and the assessment strategy reflects the national educational requirements in the FHEQ. Assessments are varied and include exams, essay writing, practical work, report writing, seminars and presentations.

Career prospects

The ageing population means demand for hearing and balance assessment and treatment services is set to rise substantially over the coming years, so employment prospects are excellent.

As part of the NHS Practitioner Training Programme in Neurosensory Sciences, our audiology course will provide you with the skills and qualifications required to work in the NHS as a healthcare scientist or audiologist, or as a hearing aid dispenser in the commercial sector.

Our graduates enter a variety of careers in hospitals, community-based practice, audiological and neurosciences research, or other roles dedicated to improving hearing problems, and some undertake postgraduate courses. Recent graduate roles include:

Audiologist
Clinical Audiologist
Hearing Aid Audiologist
NHS Scientist Training Programme Trainee

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

What accreditations does the Audiology course at Aston have?

The course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science and the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists. It is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

Graduates from the course are eligible to apply to register with the Academy of Healthcare Science, Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists and the Health and Care Professions Council.

Why study Healthcare Science (Audiology) at Aston?

Aston provides an ideal blend of theoretical background, links with industry, research capacity, and world-class facilities. By studying at Aston, you’ll have all the professional skills, accreditations and applicable theoretical framework to go straight into employment and enjoy a long and fulfilling career.

Where might I undertake my placement in the final year?

It is possible that you could undertake your placement anywhere in the UK.

What are the career prospects like for graduates?

There are great opportunities for graduates in audiology, across business, the NHS and manufacturing. It also provides great opportunities for graduates to undertake further research.

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham