Healthcare Science (Audiology) BSc Honours

A broad scientific background focusing on biological and psychosocial principles relevant to patient care. Clinical training commences with aspects of patient contact.

The module aims to lay the groundwork for students by introducing you to the fundamental principles of physics and mathematics relevant to healthcare science. The comprehensive approach, coupled with a focus on specific pathways and practical applications, aims to prepare you with the skills needed for successful and effective practice in your chosen field of healthcare science. 

The module offers a robust foundation in healthcare sciences, with a focus on specialisation in either cardiovascular and respiratory or neurosensory sciences. The integration of theory and practice aims to provide you with a well-rounded education, fostering a deep understanding of the chosen specialist pathway and preparing you for future roles in healthcare sciences. 

The module is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for a career as a Healthcare Science Practitioner while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and globally-conscious approach to patient care. This includes insights into the diverse roles and responsibilities of an allied health practitioner, enhanced communication strategies within a multidisciplinary environment, and an emphasis on team-based learning and co-leadership practices.

The module aims to provide you with basic knowledge and understanding of the biology related to healthcare, with a solid foundation upon which to build the knowledge and skills required to work as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.  

Specialisation begins with extensive teaching in dedicated skills labs. Clinical practice advances with training in diagnostics and research methods.

The module aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of principles and properties of measurement techniques used in carrying out physiological measurements. The module also investigates the principles and applications of a wide range of physiological techniques and application of digital signal acquisition, storage and analysis. 

The module allows you to solidify their theoretical understanding of the fundamentals of Audiology, by enabling you to practice and apply your knowledge through carrying out testing and using genuine diagnostic equipment. Furthermore, the module looks to develop your communications skills by allowing you to practice patient interactions such as patient instructions and history taking.  

Overall, the aim of the module is for you to be able to safely and proficiently conduct a basic hearing assessments on adult patients in a clinical audiology according to BSA recommended Guidelines. 

This module is designed to equip you with the essential skills required for planning, executing, and evaluating research, setting the stage for your final-year project. Concurrently, it aims to enhance fundamental research competencies necessary for scientific inquiry, applicable across various disciplines. These encompass tailored analytical methods to meet specific program needs. The module further provides an understanding of how scientific research is translated into practical applications, exploring the dynamics of innovation and the dissemination of knowledge.  

Ultimately, it aims to prepare you comprehensively for your role as a Healthcare Science Practitioner, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills during placement. 

The module provides you with an introduction of the fundamentals of Paediatric Audiology, Vestibular Function Assessments and Hearing Therapy. 

This module looks to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the vestibular system. The teaching aims to give insight into vestibular disorders, the understanding of basic clinical tests for balance function, and the main principles underpinning vestibular rehabilitation. 

In addition, it aims to build theoretical knowledge of child development, as well as looking at differential diagnostic methods used for carrying out hearing assessment on children, and their clinical application when thinking about early intervention in children with hearing impairment.  

It seeks to provide you with principles of Hearing Therapy. This will include the counselling of the physiological and emotional effects of hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis in adult patients.

The module provides you with an introduction of the fundamentals of Audiology. It aims to build the foundations of the clinical and practical theory required for practitioners to understand and apply differential diagnostic procedures in line with National guidance.  

Furthermore, the module looks at developing your comprehensive knowledge in interpretation of subjective and objective diagnostic information for clinical application in real world settings. It gives you an overview of hearing disorders and highlights Nationally recognised key indicators for involvement of a multidisciplinary working models when considering a holistic approach to patient care 

Overall, the module aims to provide you with the key theory and knowledge required to understand basic diagnostic tests used in clinical audiology as well as allows you to learn about patient centred outcome measures designed to aid decision making. 

Patient contact predominates in the final year. Your dissertation will bring together elements of academic training and clinical practice.

The module allows you to solidify your theoretical understanding of the fundamentals of Aural Rehabilitation and Hearing aid amplification. It enables you to practice and apply your knowledge through carrying out validation and verification measures using genuine fitting equipment and software platforms. Furthermore, the module looks to develop your communications skills by allowing you to practice patient interactions such as administering outcome questionnaires. 

Overall, the aim of the module is for you to be able to safely and proficiently conduct a hearing aid selection and fitting on adult patients according to BSA recommended Guidelines, ensuring that each patient management it seen holistically. 

The module aims to build the fundamentals of the clinical and practical theory required for practitioners to understand and apply differential Aural Rehabilitation measures in a clinical setting. 

It looks to equip you with the knowledge in current hearing aid amplification measures, including their hardware and software, as well as hearing aid validation and verification methods as per the BSA Recommended Guidelines.   

Furthermore, the module addresses the non-technological management options available in the rehabilitation of adults with hearing loss within the approach of holistic patient-centred care. 

This module is a pivotal stage in your education as a healthcare science student, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. It aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective and competent practice as healthcare science practitioners.  

The module also marks a transition to a more advanced and leadership-focused stage, aiming to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to not only excel in technical aspects but also to lead and contribute to effective clinical governance within healthcare systems. 

This module enhances skills from Research Methods, promoting further development in analytical thinking, critical evaluation, and scientific writing. It enables you to delve into areas of personal interest within their field, advancing your theoretical and practical knowledge in specialised areas. This course prioritises individual research experiences, relevant to future career prospects, and encourages self-directed study and supervised learning. As a fundamental component of the degree, it significantly fosters skills in critical analysis and reflection, aligning with educational and professional objectives. 

You will be studying at our north London campus in Hendon and at our new West Stand facility at StoneX Stadium, Barnet and at your placement location.

Work placements are a key element of the course. Over the three years, you may spend up to 50 weeks in NHS clinical physiology departments at hospitals in London or the South East. This time will be divided over the 3 years of the course. 

All placement providers are officially approved by the University and learning opportunities and support will be available to help you complete your Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) training manual. 

• Enhanced CRB and Occupational Health clearance are a compulsory requirement
• Travel and accommodation expenses cannot be reimbursed but we will try to place you with an NHS trust that is near to your home or term address
• All placements are unpaid unless you secure sponsorship from an NHS Trust
• You will always be notified in advance of your placement allocation
• Placements run during normal working hours, which may also include Bank Holidays
• In the final year, you also have an opportunity to undertake a research project, which could include a clinical audit - research projects carried out on placement will normally require local ethical approval

Timetable

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Typical weekly breakdown

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

• 9.5 hours lectures
• 4 hours seminars
• Less than 1-hour practical sessions

Independent learning

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Teaching vs independent learning

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3