BSc (Hons) Audiology Practice (Apprenticeship)

This module will allow you to develop an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology within the neurosensory sciences, which underpins and supports the introduction of your clinical audiological assessment and rehabilitation skills in the workplace, in the form of a clinical portfolio.

In this module, you'll gain an introduction to the concepts and application of instrumentation used in the neurosensory sciences, together with an appreciation of the physical and mathematical principles that underpin these concepts and measurements. You'll be required to submit a clinical workplace portfolio as part of this module.

You'll explore the fundamental and professional skills required of a healthcare science practitioner in this module, learning to work within a patient-facing department and developing an understanding of the patient journey and aspects of their care. Reflective practice skills will be introduced, and you'll gain the tools for personal development to promote employability while gaining knowledge and understanding in the field of healthcare science relevant to today's NHS.

In this module, you'll explore the key biological processes that underpin life, learning how molecular composition controls the biological function of organic molecules. You'll study the relationship of cell organelles and their functions with the human genome, and how the genetic code is expressed resulting in changes in cell signalling, division, differentiation, and death. An understanding of the main human physiological systems will be gained along with how these systems interact on a holistic level to maintain normal body function. Changes in these systems in response to disease and infection will be introduced, as will an understanding of how the patient’s reaction to illness can be measured by healthcare science practitioners.

You'll be introduced to the principles and methods of psychophysics, psychoacoustic, and sound perception in this module. Clinical assessment of auditory function, test strategy, interpretation of results, and the role of hearing aid provision will be further explored. You'll also study the causes of balance disorders and routine tests of balance assessment will be introduced.

In this module, you'll develop your understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the ear, hearing, and balance, in terms of normal structure and physiological function and of how pathological processes affect both. This will provide the basis of understanding required in clinical practice and/or research. You'll be required to submit a clinical workplace portfolio as part of this module.

Exploring the psychological and sociological theories in health, this module encompasses the development over the last decade of a psychosocial approach to the study of health and illness, with a specific focus on adult aural rehabilitation. You'll be required to submit a clinical workplace portfolio as part of this module.

In this module, you'll develop your knowledge and skills in research methods and statistical analysis, including formulating and testing hypotheses. You'll calculate a range of statistical variables using dedicated software, and explore the framework governing research including research ethics. Leadership skills, critical reflection techniques, and ethical principles that support a patient-centered healthcare approach will be studied, as well as the principles and practices of clinical audit.

This module will help you further develop your understanding of the prevalence and incidence of hearing/balance disorders and tinnitus in relation to demographic characteristics. Health education and screening principles to improve public health related to hearing/balance/tinnitus will also be explored.  

In this module, you'll build on your understanding of the basic principles of audiological assessment of hearing and balance. Advanced hearing aid features and technologies will also be discussed, and you'll gain an introduction to paediatric hearing assessment, surveillance, and management. The anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the vestibular system will be also examined.

This module builds on the audiology professional competencies developed during Year 2, and you'll be assessed by a professional portfolio completed during work-based training in an audiology department.

In this module, you'll apply the knowledge and skills you've learned during the apprenticeship to develop and carry out a research project in collaboration with your work placement provider. The module is aligned with the requirements of the NSHCS Practitioner Training Programme.