Audiology (top-up) BSc (Hons)

When you complete our Audiology BSc you’ll broaden your knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of audiology – both rehabilitative and diagnostic – as well as giving you the opportunity to undertake further research into a topic that interests you with the final undergraduate project.

Our residential days will allow you extensive access to the latest hardware from Siemens, GN Resound and Interacoustics, so that you can gain practical experience with a variety of devices. The residential will also give you the opportunity to share your learning journey and experiences with your tutors and peers and to expand your network in a collaborative environment. Our friendly, experienced, and highly motivated academic team are assisted by external experts who are invited to guest speak.

This online audiology course is suitable for practicing Hearing Aid Audiologists with relevant professional body registration such as the Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser with Health and Care Professions Council. If you don’t have the relevant professional body registration you might be interested in our BSc Hons Hearing Sciences (Top-up) course.

When you successfully pass all the required modules on the BSc (Hons) Audiology Top-up you can expect to register with the RCCP.

Modules

Due to the structure of this course, there will be instances where you will study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. You will be supported by your tutors to help manage your workload and assessment deadlines.

Please contact one of our advisers to discuss the pacing of this course and the options available to match your circumstances.

Tinnitus Assessment and Management

According to the British Tinnitus Association, around 13% of the population live with persistent tinnitus, and in this module you'll gain an understanding of the consequences, assessment, and management of the condition. The module will also educate you in tinnitus management through an emphasis on evidence-based practice.

Managing People with Specialist Needs

In this module you will develop an understanding of the assessment and management of adults with complex and specialist needs. These needs can arise due to the complex nature of hearing disorder and/or comorbid conditions that are common in the elderly. The skills you will learn in Managing People with Specialist Needs are particularly important to independent practitioners in audiology to be able to support the needs of the clinical audiology pathway in the current and future service commissioning.

Implantable Hearing Devices

Amplification devices continue to benefit people with hearing loss. Although they have some limitations, these devices have made considerable improvements to the quality of life for those living with hearing conditions. In the recent years implantable devices have become the management option of choice for many people with hearing disorders. These include cochlear implants; auditory brainstem implants; bone anchored hearing aids; and implantable middle ear devices. You'll gain an understanding of the technology, candidacy, day-to-day maintenance of these devices, as well as the advantages and limitations for patients that have them fitted.

Hearing in Children

You’ll discuss the range of hearing disorders common in children and young adults, covering specific topics including development milestones; hearing disorders; assessment and management of hearing disorders; and the role of stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams. This module will also enhance your knowledge of the transition of services from children to adults.

Advances in Adult Audiology

Hearing healthcare as a profession is developing rapidly with significant advancements in the diagnosis and management of people with hearing loss. You’ll gain an overview of both diagnostic and rehabilitative measures involved in managing adults with hearing loss with the aim of providing up to date knowledge reinforcing evidence-based practice and setting you up for your career as an audiologist.

Clinical Competencies in Audiology

You'll undertake supervised learning and training to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the Clinical Audiology competencies required at assist-level. The Clinical Competencies in Audiology module is required in order to be awarded this degree, however, if you opt not to undertake this module, yet complete the rest of the modules, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) Hearing Sciences (top-up) award.

Undergraduate Major Project

You'll create a substantial piece of individual research and/or product development work, focused on a topic that interests you, and chosen from a variety of sources including research groups, previous/current work experience, your current employer, or a suggestion from your tutor. While undertaking your research you will identify problems and issues, conduct literature reviews, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable development methodologies, and determine solutions. Your major project will also give you the opportunity to develop hardware, software and/or media artefacts as appropriate, process data, critically appraise and present your finding using a variety of media. Regular meetings with your project supervisor will ensure your project is closely monitored and steered in the right direction.

Assessment

Your progress will be monitored through regular online interaction, including discussion boards, blogs, and assignments. You will be assessed through your submitted assignments, and Undergraduate Major Project, as well as through a practical final exam.

Dr Srikanth Chundu

Course leader

Previously a cochlear implant Audiologist at University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service, and a distance learning tutor for the course, Sri joined Anglia Ruskin University on a fulltime basis in April 2015. He has worked in various settings in Audiology and is currently involved with a number of research projects in collaboration with other Universities. These projects include research into in areas such as Cochlear implant rehabilitation, Internet based rehabilitation, Psycho-social aspects of hearing loss and occupational hearing loss.

Sri is a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D), a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Audiology, a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Speech & Hearing. He is also registered with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) as Audiologist.

Dr Robert C MacKinnon

Senior Lecturer

Robert's BA (Hons) in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge gave him a broad scientific background. He specialised in Neuroscience in his final year and his undergraduate project was performed in Professor Brian Moore's lab; it focused on cochlear implant simulation and was subsequently published.

Robert completed his PhD in Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Nottingham and worked in the National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit (now Biomedical Research Centre). His project focused on the long-term effects of recreational music listening. It used a novel questionnaire and hearing test to test hundreds of participants online over the internet.

Robert trained clinically as a HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist in Audiology at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with an associated MSc (Merit) in Clinical Science (Neurosensory) from the University of Manchester. He has experience in paediatric, vestibular, complex adult, and single sided clinics, as well as routine clinics. Robert is also a HCPC-registered Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Our online audiology course is delivered in a blend of distance learning and block residentials to provide a flexible, practical, and career-enhancing learning experience that will ensure you receive the most out of our bachelor top-up degree.

You’ll study online through Canvas, our world-class Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, PC, or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

The residentials are spread monthly during each semester, beginning with a week's induction residential in September. Further compulsory residentials take place in October (up to 5 days), November (up to 5 days), December (up to 5 days), February (up to 5 days), March (up to 5 days) and March/April (up to 5 days) and an exam day in May. There is also a requirement for a 12 hour observation placement in a paediatric setting. Residential dates are provided at the earliest possible opportunity, to enable you to manage your absence with your employer.

On successful completion of your studies, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

What could an Audiology (top-up) BSc (Hons) degree do for my career?

This top-up programme is designed for hearing aid dispensers and audiologists to further develop their skills and knowledge and strengthen their personal development, employability, and vocational effectiveness.

Graduates who achieve these aims will be equipped to meet the ongoing needs for skilled practitioners and may allow you to apply for career promotions both in the NHS (Band 5 and above) and independent sectors.

On graduation, you could also gain professional accreditation with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) by registering with them. Registration with the RCCP is widely recognised by many employers and can be a requirement for employment. Active registrants can also use the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accreditation quality mark.

What careers can I access with a degree in Audiology?

A degree in audiology can open up a range of healthcare careers in both the public and private sector, whether you are looking to advance in your current role or are just embarking on your career path. The top-up should allow for career promotions in the NHS.

Our degree will introduce you to a wide range of audiology topics, and your final project will allow you to conduct in-depth research into an area that you wish to specialise in.

As well as opening up a range of career paths our programme will also set you up for further study at a postgraduate level, such as a Masters in Audiology, in order to specialise in a specific area of audiology.

What skills will I get from an Audiology (top-up) BSc (Hons) to help my career?

Choosing to study an Audiology (top-up) BSc (Hons) will give you many transferable skills; here are just some of them:

• You will develop the skills to deal with people, actively listening to them and picking up explicit and hidden messages
• Learn to analyse and critique various forms of information
• Communicate clearly to individuals, particularly clinical and abstract concepts
• Expand your ability to be self-motivated and self-reliant so you can work comfortably unsupervised
• Developing an understanding of complex case scenarios and further referrals
• Understanding advanced testing and interpterion

What can I study after an Audiology (top-up) BSc (Hons)?

Depending on your long-term goals and interests you may decide to explore a postgraduate qualification such as a Masters in Audiology.

A Master’s degree is the most common type of postgraduate qualification and usually focuses on a specific area of a wider subject which may support your future career development. Having a bachelor’s degree under your belt is a key entry requirement in opening doors to postgraduate study.

Careers Advice Service

Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability service to help you whatever stage of your career, whether that’s landing your dream job or the next progression step.

We offer:

• careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers.
• help with your CV, job searches, applications, and interview preparation
• an online portal packed with useful careers resources
• our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates

Fees

This top-up degree costs £9,250 in total.

If you opt to study this course over 2 years (subject to availability) the tuition fees you pay each year will be £4,625.

Accredited Prior Learning may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted.

Please note that accommodation and personal travel to and from the residentials is not included in the tuition fees.

Funding

Government-backed part time student loans are available to cover the cost of studying this course. These are subject to eligibility and terms and conditions.

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.

If you already have a relevant qualification in audiology, a top-up degree means that you can turn it into a full Bachelor degree. This is often preferable for many students, as the top-up degree is equivalent to the final year of a BSc, meaning your existing qualifications will count towards your full honours without having to start from the beginning. 

Whether you have just completed your Foundation degree or are returning to your studies after an education break, a top-up degree will allow you to build upon your existing knowledge to fast-track your way to a BSc.

Our online audiology degree programme will introduce you to a wide range of topics within the field of hearing conditions and audiology. You will gain an understanding of the causes and treatments of tinnitus – a condition that as many as 30% of the population experience at some point in their lives – and have the opportunity to focus on this area for your research project if you choose. 

The degree will also introduce you to both audiology in children and adults, allowing you to further your understanding of the differences in condition management and treatment of hearing difficulties in a range of age groups, as the needs of these groups can vary.

We have an excellent resource of equipment and technology for you to access during your practical study, allowing for you to develop an understanding of the functioning and maintenance of these devices, as well as their advantages and limitations experienced by patients that have them fitted.

Studying audiology online with ARU gives you flexibility over your schedule so that you can learn around work and family commitments. An Anglia Ruskin University top-up degree is perfect for anyone wishing to further their education and grow a career in audiology, as it allows you build upon your existing knowledge of hearing sciences and implement your study into your workplace. 

Our tutors are experts in a range of audiology topics including cochlear implant rehabilitation and the effects of recreational music listening on hearing and are eager to guide you through your own research to help you find a specialism that interests you. 

While the majority of our Audiology BSc is studied online, our course does have a compulsory residential segment. The residential portion of our degree will give you access to innovative technologies that are at the forefront of audiology research and the treatment of hearing conditions.

Distance learning is ideal for Audiology students because it allows them to work while they learn. Not only is access to a career in the hearing sciences essential for this degree programme, but by working in the field, you’ll also see how the implementation of audiology research can improve the lives of those with hearing conditions. The unique nature of distance learning allows you to study alongside your career, making a difference to your patients from day one.

Our BSc (Hons) Audiology (top-up) is perfect for those already working in the field of audiology, giving you access to the resources you need to complete your course. To meet the entry requirements, you must have already completed a foundation degree or equivalent qualification, meaning that you will already have a firm grounding in hearing aid audiology and hearing sciences, and be registered with a professional hearing body. Prior understanding of these areas means that you will be able to jump right into our top-up degree programme and build upon your existing knowledge. If you do not hold the professional body registration or do not meet the entry requirements of our BSc (Hons) Audiology (top-up), we can consider you for our BSc (Hons) Hearing Sciences (Top Up) degree.

Find out more about distance learning on our blog: 

• 5 Signs It’s Time For A New Career

• What Can I Do with An Online Degree?
• 5 Reasons Career Progression is Crucial for Personal Development