Program Overview

Introduction to the Healthcare Science (Audiology) Degree Apprenticeship

The Healthcare Science (Audiology) Degree Apprenticeship is a four-year program designed for individuals who want to pursue a career in audiology while gaining practical work experience. This apprenticeship is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

Course Overview

The program combines online learning with leading expertise, facilities, and technology, allowing apprentices to gain a qualification alongside their full-time job. Apprentices will study healthcare science, audiology, clinical practice, and research methods while putting their knowledge and skills into practice on a daily basis.

Course Objectives

The course objectives include:

• Supporting students in developing their communication and reflective practice skills to implement patient-centered care
• Developing the underpinning theoretical knowledge and critical thinking in healthcare science to inform clinical experiences
• Promoting a research culture among staff, students, and external stakeholders to inspire and inform student learning
• Providing collaborative opportunities for interprofessional learning within healthcare and patient and public involvement
• Creating learning opportunities to promote personal and professional development

Modules and Learning Outcomes

The program is divided into four stages, each with its own set of modules and learning outcomes.

Stage 1 Modules

In Stage 1, apprentices will study the following modules:

• Healthcare study skills
• Audiological procedures and professional skills 1
• Introduction to healthcare and professional practice The learning outcomes for Stage 1 include:
• Identifying personal learning needs to support academic study and professional development
• Interpreting key findings from various literature sources and presenting learning from the module
• Identifying the expectations of professional behavior of a healthcare practitioner
• Demonstrating basic skills in audiology clinical practice required for a hearing assessment

Stage 2 Modules

In Stage 2, apprentices will study the following modules:

• Sensory sciences
• Auditory sciences The learning outcomes for Stage 2 include:
• Demonstrating an understanding of the nervous, hearing, and vision systems
• Discussing the pathophysiological processes affecting these neurosensory systems
• Relating the areas of vision, hearing, and the nervous system with other body systems

Stage 3 Modules

In Stage 3, apprentices will study the following modules:

• Psychoacoustics and speech
• Diagnostic audiology
• Audiological procedures and professional skills 2
• Research methods
• Auditory management and devices
• Auditory rehabilitation The learning outcomes for Stage 3 include:
• Explaining how the perceptual limits of hearing affect detection and discrimination of speech and other sounds
• Describing speech production and perception
• Evaluating a range of diagnostic audiological measurements and their theoretical scientific principles

Stage 4 Modules

In Stage 4, apprentices will study the following modules:

• Dissertation
• Paediatric audiology foundations
• Vestibular foundations
• Advanced audiology investigation and rehabilitation
• Audiological procedures and professional skills 3 The learning outcomes for Stage 4 include:
• Evaluating the role of evidence-based practice in healthcare
• Investigating the processes involved in planning a research project
• Disseminating research findings to peers

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the program include:

• Three A Levels, with one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics (Biology preferred)
• At least Grade 4 or C GCSE Maths and English Language or English Literature
• Apprentices are selected based on their applications, an interview, and an assessment process tailored to their apprenticeship position

Course Fees

The course fees are met by the UK government and the employer, with a funding band of ｣27,000. Apprentices will also earn a salary while studying.

Assessment

The program uses a wide variety of assessment types, including essays, practical assessments, portfolios of written work, exams, and online tests. Clinical assessments are carried out in fully-equipped audiology clinical skills laboratories or in the workplace.

Career Prospects

The audiology Degree Apprenticeship provides a pathway to become a healthcare science practitioner in audiology. Healthcare scientists in audiology work in hospitals and health clinics, assessing and managing conditions such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders.

Facilities

Apprentices will have access to specialist on-campus facilities, including a clinical skills laboratory equipped with the latest audiology equipment and simulated patients.