Healthcare Science (Audiology) Degree Apprenticeship
Healthcare Science (Audiology) Degree Apprenticeship
This Degree Apprenticeship in Healthcare Science (Audiology) is designed for registered hearing aid dispensers who currently hold a Level 5 qualification and are seeking to advance their professional practice. The programme enables students to build on their existing expertise and gain the knowledge, skills, and attributes required to register as Healthcare Science Practitioners.
With one in six people in the UK experiencing hearing-related conditions such as hearing loss or tinnitus, the demand for highly skilled audiology professionals continues to grow. This top-up degree supports students in developing specialist competencies in key areas, including paediatric audiology, vestibular rehabilitation, and tinnitus management—ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the complex needs of an ageing population.
The course is closely aligned with NHS workforce priorities and aims to address the national shortfall of qualified audiologists. Through a combination of academic study and work-based learning, students will enhance their clinical capabilities while continuing to contribute to patient care in their current roles.
We will consider a variety of qualifications and relevant experience and each application is assessed on its own merit.
Student must hold a Higher Education Certificate or Foundation Degree in Hearing Science, Audiology, Healthcare Science, Hearing Aid Audiology or any other degree in a relevant area. Recognition of prior experiential learning can be considered where there is a shortfall in entry requirements.
Applicants must have relevant work experience, such as a valid registration as Hearing Aid Dispenser with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have the ability to study successfully at degree level.
Equivalent international qualifications will be considered towards meeting the general entry requirements.
Regardless the entry route, all applicants must provide evidence of having completed at least 885 hours of clinical placement in a relevant audiology setting. During the application process, students must submit completed logbooks, attendance certificates from previous courses and/or written statement from current/previous employers and placement providers with the number of hours, start dates and end dates on it.
Please note that some of our apprenticeship programmes have minimum entry requirements, particularly regarding English and maths, as set out by Skills England and funding rules.Each module is worth 30 credits enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests. A total of 120 credits will be studied.
Modules:
1. Research Project in Audiology
Designed to allow students to conduct an in-depth study of an area in health and care that they are particularly interested in, and to enable them to demonstrate skills and knowledge acquired throughout the programme of study. Projects can take several forms and the students are expected to develop cognitive skills through the understanding of the chosen topic area and presentation of technical information.
2. Hearing and Vestibular Rehabilitation
In this module, students will explore the anatomy and physiology of the balance system and introduction to adult complex cases and their management. There will be a focus on the assessments of vestibular function, common vestibular complaints and vestibular rehabilitation as well as best practice assessment and management of tinnitus, hyperacusis, misophonia and phonophobia.
3.Paediatric Audiology and Objective Testing
This module will provide students with the opportunities to learn assessment, habilitation and rehabilitation strategies in paediatric audiology, taking a holistic view of the needs of deaf children and young people. Will also enable students to critically evaluate and apply aspects of contemporary audiology and healthcare practice, policy, research and education.
4.Healthcare Science Advanced Professional
By the end of the module students will be able to practise as an autonomous professional, applying their knowledge appropriately, exercising their own professional judgement, practising within the legal and ethical boundaries of the role and critically reflecting on and developing their professional practice.
At University Centre South Devon, we’re committed to helping you succeed – academically, professionally and personally. Whether you’re studying full-time or part-time, you’ll benefit from supportive teaching, flexible study options, dedicated academic and wellbeing support, and access to funding to help with the cost of living. Below you’ll find essential information about how our university-level courses are delivered, assessed and supported, so you can feel confident in your next steps.
Financial support and bursaries
Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.
When studied part-time, the duration of the course depends on the speed at which you wish to progress through it. This is called the ‘intensity of study’. For example, studying half-time would be equivalent to 50 per cent intensity of study and would typically extend the length of the course from two to three years. As part-time study will mean attendance of some modules that are on the full-time timetable, it may mean that you will be required to attend modules timetabled over three days of the week. You may be able to change the intensity of study during your course. Not all intensities of study are available for all programmes.
Teaching
Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.
Assessment
We recognise feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. We adopt a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.
Academic support
A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the Research Centre, and our course specific environments.
International students with UK settled status
Qualification and Language Requirements:
- International Qualifications: If you hold qualifications from outside the UK, these must be officially translated and verified through ECCTIS.
- English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of proficiency by achieving an IELTS score of 6.8 or above.












