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Healthcare Science Audiology (direct entry to final year)
Code: ST0413
Learn from leading experts in the field of Healthcare Science Audiology, practice cutting-edge techniques and gain access to technology not available at any other university in the United Kingdom.
Location: Aston University, Birmingham
Course overview
This is a direct entry into the final year of our Healthcare Science (Audiology) Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons) programme, is designed specifically for student apprentices who have previously completed the Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology FDSc at Aston University, or a similar course at a recognised UK institution.
You’ll gain direct entry into the final year of our BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Audiology) course, where you will learn a blend of healthcare sciences, audiology, clinical practice and applied research methods. By continuing to work full-time while you study; you will be able to earn while you progress in your career.
Throughout your time at Aston, you’ll learn a range of skills like; how to test the hearing of newborn babies, how to help people hear with cochlear implants, and how to test a patient’s hearing by looking at their brain waves.
In addition to carrying out routine audiology practice, your employer MUST arrange your placement access to the specialist areas of vestibular sciences and paediatric audiology.
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Course description
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
ASTON POWER SKILLS
Built into every undergraduate degree
Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:
AI & Digital
Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.
Inclusive Leadership
Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.
Environmental Sustainability
It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.
Entry requirements
Please note that applications must be submitted via UCAS by 14 June to allow time for compulsory audits to be performed.
We welcome applicants who have completed the Aston University Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology, as well as those who have completed a similar Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology at a recognised UK institution to apply for this direct entry to final year progression route. This Level 6 Top-up programme is suitable for practicing Hearing Aid Audiologists with relevant professional body registration (e.g. Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser with Health and Care Professions Council). Please see full details below:
Aston University Graduates from the Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology
Applicants will need to meet the following academic requirements:
- Must achieve Distinction in Foundation Degree Audiology, you will be required to provide your transcript as part of your application. If you have passed your Aston Foundation degree achieving a specific grade upon completion not meeting our entry requirements, then grades will be determined by our admissions team upon review of your current CV, references and full application.
- If the Aston University Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology is older than 5 years then you will also need to complete a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education 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. Subjects Accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences.
- Must pass the workplace clinical audit. This will be arranged with you by a member of the Audiology teaching staff via email.
- Demonstrate competence in performing the Scope of Practice in the FD role- HCPC or RCCP registration to be supplied by the candidate.
- Must be able to gain access to the specialist areas (Paediatric and Vestibular) - Written confirmation from the Head of Service confirming formal arrangements in place between the service and the specialist service(s) (either Private or NHS).
External Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology Graduates
Applicants will need to meet the following academic requirements:
- GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or Functional Skills in Literacy and Numeracy with a pass
- Must have passed the Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology with a Distinction or if you have passed your external foundation degree achieving a specific grade upon completion not meeting our entry requirements, then grades will be determined by our admissions team upon review of the programme specification, current CV, references and full application.
- If the Foundation Degree is older than 5 years then you will need to complete a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education 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. Subjects Accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences.
- Pass the workplace clinical audit. This is organised by Aston University once the application has been received and undergone initial admissions review.
- Demonstrate competence in performing the Scope of Practice in the FD role- HCPC or RCCP registration to be supplied by the candidate.
- Be able to gain access to specialist areas (paediatric and vestibular) by having a formal arrangement in place between your employer and the specialist service(s) (either Private or NHS Provision). The confirmation of this from your employer and Head of Service MUST be provided along with the application.
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
Other
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: | £9,535* |
UK students (Home Undergraduate):
The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £9,535 (subject to the passing of legislation implementing the Government’s policy to increase the maximum tuition fee from £9,250, payable by Home Undergraduate students on full-time courses).
All students:
The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.