Healthcare Science Practitioner – Audiology BSc (Hons)

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The BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science Practitioner – Audiology degree apprenticeship will prepare you for a role as a healthcare science practitioner in NHS Audiology.

Audiology Apprenticeship Event

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science Practitioner – Audiology degree apprenticeship will prepare you for a role as a healthcare science practitioner in NHS Audiology. You'll study the underpinning knowledge required while developing clinical skills in the workplace in the assessment, management, and therapeutic rehabilitation of patients with hearing and associated disorders.

The taught component of this course is designed to be delivered predominantly online, with a one-week block attendance required at our City Campus each semester.

The course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science and follows the Practitioner Training Programme curriculum.

There is significant demand for audiologists and graduates from this degree apprenticeship are eligible to register with the Academy of Healthcare Science and practise in NHS departments.

Why us?

The apprenticeship is taught by experienced NHS scientists and researchers
The University of Sunderland's apprenticeship provision has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted (July 2024)

The University of Sunderland is 1st in the North East for how well our courses develop the knowledge and skills needed for the future. (National Student Survey, 2024)

Course structure

The BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science Practitioner – Audiology degree apprenticeship integrates traditional lectures, interactive laboratory and simulation practicals, computing sessions and seminars and workshops, including verbal presentations and posters, group work, case-based learning, directed learning, research project supervision.

You'll be assessed using a combination of formative and summative assignments throughout the degree and the apprenticeship. You'll be required to complete the PTP portfolio during your time in the workplace collecting evidence of your progressive development.

The EPA is a synoptic assessment that learners on apprenticeship programmes need to successfully complete and pass to complete the apprenticeship. The EPA is integrated into a final stage module and is made up of three elements; Readiness to Practice Test, Professional Discussion, and a Research Project Presentation.

You'll need to successfully complete all aspects of assignment in this module including the EPA to complete the programme.

Core modules

Year 1 (National Level 4):

Applied Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology of Neurosensory Systems in Practice (30 credits)

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.

Applied Physics and Measurement in Practice (30 credits)

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.

Professional Skills in Healthcare Science (30 credits)

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

Scientific Principles of Healthcare Science (30 credits)

Explore the key biological processes that underpin life. You'll learn 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.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Fundamental Principles of Audiological Assessment and Instrumentation (30 credits)

You'll be introduced to the principles and methods of psychophysics, psychoacoustic, and sound perception. 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.

Anatomy and Pathophysiology of Hearing and Balance in Practice (30 credits)

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.

Principles of Audiological Rehabilitation and Application in Clinical Practice (30 credits)

Explore 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.

Evidence-Informed Practice and Leadership in Healthcare (30 credits)

You'll develop your knowledge and skills in research methods and statistical analysis, including formulating and testing hypotheses. Learners will calculate a range of statistical variables using dedicated software. 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. The principles and practices of clinical audit will also be investigated.

Year 3 (national level 6):

Psycho/Social Aspects of Hearing Loss (30 credits)

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 be explored.

Advanced Audiological and Vestibular Assessment (30 credits)

You'll build on your understanding of the basic principles of audiological assessment of hearing and balance. Advanced hearing aid features and technologies will be discussed. Paediatric hearing assessment, surveillance, and management will be introduced. The anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the vestibular system will be also examined.

Professional Practice and Work-based Training in Audiology (30 credits)

The Professional Practice and Work-based Training in Audiology module builds on the Audiology professional competencies developed during year 2. This module is assessed by a professional portfolio which is completed during work-based training in an Audiology Department.

Research Project (30 credits)

You'll apply the knowledge and skills you have learned during the Audiology degree apprenticeship to develop and carry out a research project. The project is carried out in collaboration with your work placement provider. The module is aligned with the requirements of the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) Practitioner Training Programme (PTP).

Facilities

On-campus teaching is based on City Campus in The John Dawson Sciences Complex, Helen McArdle House, Edinburgh, and Priestman Buildings.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

Admission is subject to the learner being employed by an organisation and remaining in employment with an organisation throughout the duration of the programme. The employer must confirm participants comply with apprentice eligibility criteria.

We would require successful completion of an Access to Higher Education course that is accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency. We would also require a minimum of grade C in GCSE in Mathematics and English Language or the equivalent as part of your course.

If English is your second language, we require a minimum of IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 6.0 in each element.

There are different options for the employer to fund the costs of higher and degree apprenticeships, which may include government levies already paid for by the employer or specific funding opportunities which may be available. To search for apprenticeships offered by employers in your area go to: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Fees and finance

Larger organisations can use their apprenticeship levy and government top-up to pay tuition and professional fees of higher apprenticeships. For smaller employers, the government pays 95%, with the remainder co-invested by the business.

For a discussion around your specific requirements please call 0191 515 3361 or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Students graduating at the Stadium of Light

Career ready

Successful completion of this degree apprenticeship will enable learners to be eligible for professional registration and suitability for employment as a Healthcare Science Practitioner in Audiology.

End-point Assessment (EPA)

Since this programme is approved by a statutory regulator, the EPA for this programme has been integrated with the assessment requirements as outlined by the IBMS and HCPC, which include completion and passing of the academic programme and completion and passing the verification of the IBMS training registration portfolio.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the National School for Healthcare Science, and successful graduates are eligible to register with the Academy of Healthcare Science as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

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Contact

The apprentice will be full time all requirements of the ESFA in the apprenticeship standards for entry and off the job learning (OJL) time will be met.

Contact CaPE for further information about applying for this course: 0191 515 3361 / cape@sunderland.ac.uk.

Page last updated: 30 June 2025

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.