Program Overview

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University Certificate Hearing Care Assistant

Introduction

Build your confidence and customer management skills in Hearing Care with our engaging University Certificate course. Study at an award-winning university. We were named Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

The course is delivered over two semesters and takes nine months to complete. It is delivered by specialist tutors under the guidance of the Department of Vision and Hearing Sciences through our Virtual learning environment.

Your course will be based around your work and so some of your learning will take place during your normal work duties. Participation in online activities is highly recommended and encouraged in order that you benefit from enhanced peer learning.

There will also be the need to attend block residentials and commit private time for studying. It is estimated that on average you will need to spend the equivalent of approximately five self-directed hours on your studies.

You will be assessed on a module-by-module basis in the form of multiple-choice examinations, together with a portfolio based continuous assessment of practical competencies.

The final assessment for the practical skills required to complete the module “Practical procedures for the Hearing Care Assistant” will involve an exam and a practical assessment which will take place on our Cambridge campus. This will require an overnight stay.

Course Options

• 9 months
• September
• Distance learning

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 9 months
• START DATES: September
• LOCATION: Distance learning
• FEES:
  • £2,650 Distance learning students starting 2024/25 (part-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

9 months distance learning

• Whole course

Whole course

Our online Hearing Care Assistant course is designed to build on your existing competencies to enable you to broaden the duties of your role and grow your clinical practice skills.

In addition, this distance learning course will teach you a range of core skills which will build your professional aptitude. These skills, including communication and IT, are transferrable across a variety of roles. In your position as a Hearing Care Assistant, this course will not only equip you with the knowledge to boost your clinical abilities, but also the administrative skills to aid in the efficient management of your audiology practice.

You’ll also learn more about the working environment of audiology, and external factors that can affect both your own role and your patients’ treatment journey. With this online Hearing Care Assistant course, you’ll learn how to maximise your role within the practice of audiology and build a full practical and procedural understanding of what you can do to support patients.

The residential side of this course, coupled with a work-based approach, means you’ll not only learn more about the role of a Hearing Care Assistant in theory, but you’ll also have the chance to develop hands-on skills too.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

Assessment

You will be assessed on a module-by-module basis in the form of multiple-choice examinations, together with a portfolio based continuous assessment of practical competencies.

The final assessment for the practical skills required to complete will involve an exam and a practical assessment which will take place on our Cambridge campus. This will require an overnight stay.

Course structure for distance learning students

Due to the structure of this course, there will be times when you'll study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. Our tutors will help you to manage your workload and assessment deadlines. Please contact us to discuss the pacing of this course and the options available to you.

Core modules

• Learning and Skills Development for HE and Work (audiology)
• Understanding the Work Sector (Audiology)
• Practical Procedures for the Hearing Care Assistant

Entry Requirements

• Passes at grade C or above in subjects at GCSE level or equivalent including Maths, English and a Science, OR;
• Demonstration, through documentary evidence, that the required level of knowledge and skills has been achieved in other ways e.g. experiential learning.
• If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
• You must have a suitable audiology employer and supervisor in order to gain practical experience. Your primary supervisor must have been registered with the HCPC (or equivalent body eg. RCCP).

You will need to provide evidence that a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance has been undertaken.

If you have lived outside of the UK for 6 months or more within the last 5 years then you will need to provide a police check from the country/countries previously resided in.

If you are completing placements overseas you will be required to obtain a police check/certificate of good conduct from the relevant country.

As a distance learner, you'll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use our online learning management system (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.

Fees and Paying for University

Tuition fees for distance learning students (2024/25)

• £2,650 Distance learning students starting 2024/25 (part-time, per year)

More about fees and funding

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

Additional costs

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).

Facilities and Accreditation

Careers

The course is approved by the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists and enables direct access to the Foundation Degree, which leads to registration as a Hearing Aid Dispenser with the HCPC.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, such as volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.