Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Hearing Aid Audiology

Program Overview

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The Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology is a vocational program that equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to become registered Hearing Aid Audiologists. It provides a blended learning approach with interactive lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and can pursue careers as Hearing Aid Dispensers or Associate Practitioners in Audiology.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to be fit for purpose, practice, and registration as Hearing Aid Audiologists.
• Develop core skills and professional practice required by Hearing Aid Audiologists, including understanding of basic sciences, medical aspects of audiology, audiological techniques, hearing advice, and rehabilitation.
• Cultivate sensitivity to the needs of service users and carers, fostering collaboration and empowerment.

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Description:

• The Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology is a vocational program designed to meet the needs of employers, audiology professionals, and individuals experiencing hearing loss.
• Provides eligibility for registration by the Health and Care Professions Council.
• Graduates meet published national standards for Hearing Aid Dispensers in the independent sector and for Associate Practitioners in Audiology within the NHS.
• Equips graduates with critical judgement, reasoning, and the ability to apply both academic and clinical audiological knowledge.
• Delivers an intellectually rigorous and up-to-date education in defined areas within audiology.
• Offers volunteering opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally through DMU Global and Square Mile programmes.
• Features dedicated facilities and relevant workplace experience, including 'virtual patient' software.

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Outline:

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Course structure:

• Blended learning approach with interactive and web-based lectures and seminars alongside university-based teaching.
• 100% student satisfaction (National Student Survey, 2022).
• Offers two intakes: October (14 months) and March (16 months).

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Course Modules:

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Phase One:

• Audiological Techniques 1
• Auditory Rehabilitation 1
• Anatomy, Physiology & Medical Aspects of Audiology
• Professional Practice 1

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Phase Two:

• General Science & Quantitative Skills
• Audiological Techniques 2
• Auditory Rehabilitation 2
• Project
• Professional Practice 2

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Note:

Modules may vary depending on intake to ensure content relevance.

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Teaching schedule:

• Phase One: 84 contact hours in 3 block weeks.
• Phase Two: 192 contact hours in 8 block weeks.
• Personal study forms a significant part of learning hours.

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods:

• Written exams
• Coursework (essays, posters, wikis)
• Presentations
• Dissertation

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Teaching:

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Teaching methods:

• Formal and interactive lectures
• Staff and student seminars
• Tutorial discussions
• Practical and clinical-based workshops

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Faculty:

• Diverse staff with strong clinical and academic backgrounds.
• Invited guest lecturers from the field.

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Unique approaches:

• Accreditation by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Students adhere to the HCPC Code of Conduct.
• Modern facilities and equipment, including 'virtual patient' software.

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Careers:

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Career paths:

• Hearing Aid Dispenser
• Associate Practitioner in Audiology

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Opportunities:

• Registration with the HCPC
• Employment in the independent sector or NHS

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Other:

• Entry requirements include employer support and a qualified supervisor.
• Students may be required to attend an interview.
• DBS check is mandatory.
• Mature students with relevant experience will be considered.
• Additional costs may include travel and accommodation.