Healthcare Science (Audiology) BSc

Audiology is the science of hearing and balance and their associated disorders. It’s a varied and expanding discipline, involving aspects of biological sciences, psychology, physics and electronics, speech and language development and social science.

As an audiologist you will be involved in the diagnosis of and rehabilitation of patients, allowing you to develop relationships with your patients and see the benefits they get from your care. Audiologists must be able to communicate with people of all ages and combine logical thinking and a scientific approach with a caring and patient-focused attitude.

We offer excellent clinical placement experiences across our region which provide opportunities for you to experience the varied work of an audiologist.

The course has a 93% satisfaction rate and an excellent employability record. 100% of our Audiology students are in work and/or studying six months following graduation.

You will be taught by experienced qualified professionals and being part of the School of Medicine strengthens our link between academic expertise and world-leading research.

Why choose Leeds?

• We are the only audiology course in the UK that sits within a School of Medicine.

• You will develop your communication skills with patients and carers through the School’s Patient Carer Community (PCC).

• Your learning will benefit from our state-of-the-art on-campus audiology laboratories.

• You will have the opportunity to experience private sector practice through specially tailored placements with multiple leading high street audiology service providers.

• You will undertake several clinical placements at different hospitals supported by experienced audiologists giving you experience in more than one department.

• Currently we provide our students with a generous contribution towards travel costs - to and from placement locations - and some accommodation costs (where travel to and from placement on a daily basis is not possible).

• You will undertake a novel research project in your final year and have the opportunity to present your research at conferences and in professional journals.

• You will benefit from being taught by research active staff who are working at the cutting-edge of their discipline.

• You will have the opportunity to gain an international perspective on audiology through the International Programme of Audiology across Boarders (IPAB) conference in year 3.

• Train as a clinical audiologist and become eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC, RCCP and/or AHCS after completing our course.

Visit our Audiology webpages for additional course information.

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) and the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Thus, on successful completion of this course, our graduates are eligible to apply for registration as audiologists with the RCCP and the AHCS and the HCPC as a Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Year 1

In year 1 you will gain a broad understanding of the principles of neurophysiological healthcare science, with an introduction to the theory and practice of audiological assessment and rehabilitation. You’ll start to learn how to assess hearing function in the on-site clinical laboratories prior to using these skills on clinical placement. You’ll also learn about professional working and you will start to develop your independent and critical thinking skills..

Year 2

In year 2 you will learn about a range of audiological disorders and assessment and rehabilitation techniques, preparing you for your longer clinical placement at the end of the academic year. In particular, you’ll focus on adult hearing impairment and the current technological and non-technological options to improve the quality of life for hearing impaired individuals. You’ll undertake long block clinical placement at the end of this year, where you’ll continue to develop your clinical audiology skills.

Year 3

In year 3 you will explore more deeply a wide range of both routine and advanced hearing and balance disorders and the options available to treat and manage these conditions. You’ll also conduct a research project in a specific area of audiology. You’ll continue to develop your clinical skills both in the on-site clinical laboratories and whilst on clinical placement in both semesters of this year.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop the skills necessary to become an audiologist, but you’ll also gain more general skills. These include critical thinking, problem solving, independent learning, scientific enquiry, professional working and reflective practice.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Healthcare Science (Audiology) BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Members of the Audiological Science and Education (ASE) group are experienced, innovative educators in the audiology field. Methods of teaching and training are highly participative, utilising state-of-the-art simulations, a combination of tutor-led input and support, learning through group work and discussion, and individual exercises and practice.

Facilities

The on-campus Audiology Labs provide a state-of-the-art environment for audiological teaching and research. They comprise 3 teaching labs, all of which are equipped with cutting-edge technology used in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of hearing and balance conditions. Our sound-proofed labs house a wide range of equipment that allows the practice of audiological clinical skills and the investigation of a number of research questions. These include a ‘sleep laboratory’ used for auditory evoked potential testing, a set-up for testing people’s ability to simultaneously perform sound-localisation and postural control tasks, and equipment for making physiological, psychophysical and electroacoustic measurements.

Alongside these dedicated facilities, in the newly renovated School of Medicine building is the Medical Teaching Centre and the Health Sciences Library. You'll also have access to the Clinical Practice Centre at St James's University Hospital, which allows you to gain clinical skills prior to placement and in a hospital environment.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment methods to assess your clinical and professional skills. These include presentations, group assessments, unseen examinations, OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations), along with essays, a final oral examination and the grading of clinical practice.

You’ll need to demonstrate the knowledge and application of standard concepts, information and techniques relevant to the discipline, as well as your emerging abilities, skills and competencies. You need to be able to draw on a wide variety of material and be able to evaluate and criticise received opinion.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including a science subject (biology, human biology, chemistry, physics, maths and psychology)

We consider all A-level subjects for the remaining grades, except general studies or critical thinking.

GCSE: 5 A*-C (new grading 4-9), including maths, English language and a science all at grade B (new grading 6)

Other course specific tests:

You will need to show evidence of study in the last 5 years.

• Access to HE Diploma

  45 credits at level 3, which must be at distinction and include 15 credits from science subjects + GCSEs, as above.

  We strongly advise you to contact the School to discuss the suitability of your chosen Access course. We consider Access Courses to be suitable for mature applicants, who have been out of full-time education and have had no previous access to higher education. We will consider applications on an individual basis.

• BTEC

  BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF): distinction/distinction/distinction and must contain at least one-third science content at distinction.

  Health and Social Care qualifications have insufficient science content and will only be considered with an additional science A level – biology, human biology, chemistry, maths, physics or psychology.

  All BTEC modules must be listed on your UCAS form or else your application will be rejected.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  Three Merits (M1) in 3 Principal Subjects, one of which must be a science

• International Baccalaureate

  34 points overall, including 3 higher level subjects at minimum of grade 5, one of which must be a science subject

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  (Leaving Certificate): AABBBB, including English, maths and 2 science subjects

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  ABB, including 1 science. We consider all subjects for the remaining grades

• Other Qualifications

  Interdisciplinary Science Foundation Programme (CFGO): Successful completion of the year with an overall score of at least 65%

  Interdisciplinary Foundation Programme (PHE): Successful completion of the year with an overall score of at least 65%

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

The School of Medicine does not normally participate in the UCAS Extra scheme for entry onto the Healthcare Sciences (Audiology) BSc degree course. You must tell us in your UCAS application if you want to defer entry and if you have any prior criminal convictions.

Read our frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the application process

Selection

We shortlist applicants against agreed criteria, using the information you submit on your UCAS form only. You must meet the academic entry requirement for the programme, at application or within the academic cycle. Your academic background and personal statement help us to assess your interest in the academic subject and are an important part of the process. The reference you provide on the UCAS form must also support your application.

Interviews

Shortlisted applicants are normally invited for multiple mini interviews at the School of Medicine. This allows us to further assess your aptitude for, and interest in, the course. It’s also an opportunity for you to visit the audiology facilities, find out more about the course and meet staff, students, patients and carers.

If shortlisted, you'll receive a written invitation from the School to attend a selection event on a specific time and date. If this date is unsuitable, contact the School and where possible we'll offer an alternative date. If you don't notify us and don't attend a selection event, your application will be rejected.

Admissions policy

School of Medicine (LICAMM) Undergraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £23,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

Additional cost information

<p>UK/EU fee paying students:</p><p>A contribution towards travel costs you may incur in attending your clinical placements is currently available to students. A contribution towards accommodation costs is also provided, where travel to and from placement on a daily basis is not possible. Provision of this financial support is assessed on an individual basis, depending on placement location and circumstances.</p><p>International fee paying students:</p><p>The current tuition and combined placement fees for Undergraduate international students are listed above and are subject to annual revision. The course length is 3 years. Students will have to pay for Occupational Health clearance and immunisations (cost will vary dependent on individual needs of student and course requirements as well as any additional Occupational Health appointments and treatment needed during the programme).</p><p>Other additional costs associated with the programme, which require consideration include visas, travel to and from placement sites and possibly additional accommodation at placement sites, if necessary. Applicants for all Undergraduate programmes at the School of Medicine require a Criminal Record check, which will be undertaken as part of the visa application.</p>

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Career opportunities in audiology are excellent both within the UK and around the world. Approximately one person in ten is affected by a hearing impairment, so demand for hearing assessment and rehabilitation services is very high. This demand is expected to increase as the population ages.

In the UK the NHS employs the majority of audiologists, in a range of settings and a variety of roles. Settings include hospital Ear, Nose and Throat departments, self-contained audiology centres and educational establishments. A number of audiologists also work as independent practitioners in private practice.

Audiologists select the assessment methods and rehabilitation techniques most appropriate to patients and their needs, within the setting and available resources.

In addition to assessment and treatment, audiologist roles can also include consultant, counsellor, advisor, educator, facilitator, researcher and therapist.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Clinical placements

We have excellent and well-established work placements, where you'll gain clinical training in established NHS audiology departments, primarily within the Yorkshire and Humber region. Find out more about our clinical placements.