B610 BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Audiology) (3 yrs)
Audiology is the healthcare science of hearing and balance disorders, the primary aim of which is help people overcome the barriers placed in their way as a consequence of hearing or balance problems.
The primary purpose of the BSc Audiology programme is to provide you with the training you need to become an Audiologist, and forms the bulk of what you will need to register as an Audiologist (i.e. pre-registration training). Our programme is also underpinned by a strong foundation in the fundamental sciences of audiology and a rigorous scientific approach generally
Our programme in a nutshell
- Fits within the national pre-registration training framework of Modernising Scientific Careers
- Seven-month clinical placement (unpaid) guaranteed and organised by us
- Greater focus on clinical and professional skills required for a career in healthcare science, and audiology specifically
- Graduates will be able to work immediately as audiologists in the NHS or independent sector and to register as audiologists
- Dynamic, research-led learning, integrated clinical training and friendly and supportive environment
- The aspiration and determination to provide the best undergraduate training in audiology in the UK
The programmes and courses in audiology are housed within the world-renowned Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, where the Hearing and Balance Centre includes the South of England Cochlear Implant Centre and a fully equipped Audiology Clinic and clinical skills laboratory dedicated to undergraduate teaching. We are the only UK university with in-house audiology and cochlear implant centres. These facilities mean that we can provide a large part of the practical and clinical training in-house and at a pace more conducive to learning rather than rely on local NHS services to provide this training in a busy hospital environment. Patient sessions, including observation of Cochlear Implant work is organised at the Hearing and Balance Centre and complements clinical placements in the NHS.
We have 40 years experience teaching audiology at Master's and PhD level and have been running a BSc Audiology since 2003. Understandably, we have the aspiration and reputation for proving the best undergraduate training in audiology.Our audiology teaching team alone includes clinical audiologists, clinical scientists, research scientists, teachers of the deaf, speech and language therapists, cochlear implant audiologists and a surgeon. Many of the teaching staff are national or international experts in their fields.
You can find out more about Audiology at Southampton here.
To Apply
All undergraduate applications should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can find more information here.
Accreditation
Audiology training is in a period of transition. During this period, accreditation of new BSc Audiology programmes will take place although this hasn't happened yet. Our new BSc Audiology will fit within the government framework of Modernising Scientific Careers (MSC), and we anticipate that accreditation will be obtained in due course. Our MSc Audiology is accredited by the British Academy of Audiology (2010), as was our previous BSc.
You can find out more about the MSC framework, and careers in the NHS here.
In 2005, Quality Assurance Agency gave our audiology programmes the highest rating. They considered the support we provide to students and clinical training centres during clinical placements a particular strength.
The BSc Audiology team also won the Vice Chancellor’s teaching award (2005), reflecting our commitment to provide diverse learning opportunities carefully integrated with clinical experience. Dr Stefan Bleeck, one of our Senior Lecturers, won the Vice Chancellor's teaching award (2009), recognising his substantial contribution to the development of novel teaching methods.
ISVR have an international reputation for research training. For example, we currently have approx. 100 PhD students, with approx. 25 in audiology and related areas. Projects are funded by a range of UK and EU research councils, governments throughout the world and the UK National Health Service, to name but a few. Research projects are often cross-disciplinary and multi-centre.
Programme Structure
The programme is a three-year full time course:
- Year 1 (October to June): based at university
- Year 2 (October to June): based at university
- Clinical placement: vacation of Year 2 (June to August)
- Year 3 (October to February): based at university
- Clinical placement: February to May
Approximately one-third of your time in years 1 and 2 will consist of clinical practicum in our in-house skills laboratory and audiology clinic. Here, you learn clinical skills – and practice them on each other! Short external visits are also arranged in local NHS audiology clinics. The bulk of your clinical experience comes from the clinical placement in years 2 (summer) and 3 (semester 2).
We currently do not offer part-time or distance learning options. Learning activities during years 1, 2 and 3 include clinical practicals, lectures, laboratories, seminars, discovery-based learning, case presentations, problem-based learning, tutorials, individual and group projects, as well as independent study sessions.
The teaching is structured on a semester pattern. You study modules comprising 120 credits in each of Parts I (level 4), II (level 5) and III (level 6). You will also be required to undertake an individual project in ISVR worth 40 credits.
Career opportunities
Audiology is a clinical speciality, allied to medicine, that combines science and state-of-the art technology to help improve the quality of life of people with hearing or balance problems, as well as their families and carers. Audiologists mostly work on the "coal face" of healthcare, working with people every day in a variety of settings. It is exciting, challenging, exhilarating and rewarding.
In a nutshell, audiologists identify and assess hearing and balance disorders, and provide appropriate rehabilitation and management. They are responsible for their own case loads (i.e. are autonomous professionals) and work within a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Continuity of care is important in audiology, and audiologists work closely with patients and their families over weeks and even years. Find out more about the variety of areas in which audiologists work.
Career progression in audiology has never been better, and you could work your way up to consultant level.Five 'types' of audiologist (non-medical):
- Assistant audiologist
- Associate audiologist
- Hearing aid dispenser (audiologist)
- Audiologist
- Clinical scientist (audiology)
Upon graduation, the BSc Audiology degree provides you with the skills and qualifications to embark on a rewarding professional career in Audiology services in the NHS or private sector.
Career opportunities for Southampton graduates are excellent. Approximately 80 per cent of our previous graduates have obtained job offers in their preferred area, usually the NHS. The remaining 20 per cent typically obtain offers for further study, including Master's degrees (e.g. Audiology), fast-track degrees in medicine and PhDs.
Key facts
We are the only UK university with in-house audiology and cochlear implant centres
ISVR was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its achievements in higher education
ISVR is one of the leading brand names in acoustics, known and respected Worldwide
100 per cent employment record in recent exit surveys
Ros Connor, BSc Audiology student“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and the positivity of the department has given me the best start to a future in audiology and in life.”
Yolanda Maldonado Aguayo, Visiting International Student, BSc Audiology“My experience as an international student at the ISVR excelled in everyway my expectations. What I have brought back to my country is a mind full of ideas, some of them related to audiology, others to music, others just about every day life wisdom, and a heart full of the warmth of British people. I wish that I am capable now of sharing all of these gifts and use them in my life and my profession.”
Typical entry requirements
GCSEs:
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|---|
| GCSE | English Language, at Grade C or above |
A Levels:
At least 320 UCAS points from three A Levels (e.g. ABB), at least one of which should be a relevant science subject, including Maths and Psychology. The Science Dual Award can also contribute to the latter; Applied Science cannot.
The A Level in Critical thinking can be counted towards these three A Levels, where as General Studies cannot. The double award in Applied Science should be supplemented with two additional A Levels, one of which should be a relevant science subject. Additional A and AS levels, and outstanding achievements in General Studies, may enhance the application.
AVCE
One ‘six unit’ award, in an appropriate subject, may be traded for one A Level, excluding the relevant science subject.
Scottish Qualifications
Either:
(1) At least 320 points from three Advanced Highers, one of which must be a relevant science subject.
(2) At least 370 points from five Highers, two of which must be relevant science subjects.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Two As and three Bs from at least five Honours-level courses, including two relevant science subjects.
BTEC National Diploma (Level 3)
Three distinctions in an appropriate science-related subject (e.g. Health and Social Care, Music Technology) with distinctions in at least 13 units (for a typical 18-unit award), incorporating relevant science subjects and relevant work placement(s). This should also be supplemented by at least one A Level in a relevant science subject.
Advanced Diploma
At least a B in one of the first-wave of Diploma subjects with an A in a relevant A Level constituting the ASL.
Science Foundation Year (University of Southampton)
A pass in the Science Foundation Year is required.
Foundation Degree
At least distinction level (typically 70%) overall is required for entry into Year 1 from an FdSc in an appropriate area of science. We do not accept applications into Year 2. All applicants studying towards this qualification are required to complete the admissions assessment.
IB:
At least 34 points overall with at least 16 from relevant Higher Level subjects including relevant science subjects.
Alternative qualifications
We are always happy to receive applications from candidates with alternative qualifications, which are assessed on individual merit. For example, a portfolio of appropriate work experience underpinned by an academic achievements equivalent to the basic requirements and recent serious study. For example, a level-3 Access Diploma in an appropriate subject plus another qualification providing evidence of additional depth and stretch in science. Another example is at least 60 credits at Foundation Level and 60 credits at Level 1 in appropriate Open University modules. If you are unsure about our entry criteria, please contact our admissions staff who would be happy to provide advice in advance of your application.
Criminal record and occupational health checks
The University of Southampton, in the context of the taught audiology programmes, is obliged to assess applicants in terms of their likelihood to fulfil the demands of professional fitness to practice and be eligible for professional registration. Consequently, all offers (even so-called 'unconditional' offers) are conditional on satisfactory outcomes from criminal record and occupational health (OH) checks.
English Language requirements
If your first language is not English, we need to ensure that your listening, written and spoken English skills would enable you to enjoy the full benefit of your studies. For entry onto our programmes, you will need an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of 7.0 or an equivalent qualification.
Selection process:
Intake: 25
Average applicants per place: 5
Applicants for the BSc with a successful application form are usually invited to interview before an offer is made, except where the application is outstanding in which case an offer may be made without an interview. The standard interview for BSc Audiology applicants typically lasts 20 minutes and is intended to give applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their communication and inter-personal skills, convey their motivations to embark on the course and career, clarify or expand on evidence provided elsewhere (e.g. in the personal statement and regarding a visit to an audiology department for instance) and to provide additional evidence in support of their application (e.g. show examples of work). The in-depth interview typically lasts 40 minutes. This goes further than the standard interview in providing the applicant with opportunities to provide further evidence for her/his suitability, may involve discussion of the applicant’s responses to the written assessment and may involve discussion of examples of the applicant’s work.
While the average level entry onto our degree programmes is among the highest in the UK, we always look carefully at each individual application. In addition to your examination grades, we also take into account your personal statement and references. These give us an indication of your personal attributes and your enthusiasm for your chosen area of study.
All individuals are selected and treated on their relative merits and abilities in line with the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy. In accordance with the University’s commitment to inclusivity, we welcome applications onto this programme of study from students with disabilities. Disabled applicants will be treated according to the same procedures as any other applicant with the added involvement of the Disability Office to assess their needs. The programme may require adaptation for students with disabilities (e.g. hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility difficulties, dyslexia), particularly any practical laboratory sessions, and we will attempt to accommodate students wherever possible.
Visit our International Office website or the NARIC website for further information on qualifications.
Typical course content
Approximately one-third of your time in years 1 and 2 will consist of clinical practicum in our in-house skills laboratory and audiology clinic. Here, you learn clinical skills – and practice them on each other! Short external visits are also arranged in local NHS audiology clinics. The bulk of your clinical experience comes from the clinical placement in years 2 (summer) and 3 (semester 1).
Year 1
In Year 1, you will get a grounding in healthcare science generally. You will learn about sensory and brain biology, waves (sound), the technology involved in diagnostic tests, perception, disease and health psychology. You will also learn about specific techniques for evaluating hearing (and other senses) and brain processing, and how we help people improve the quality of their lives (e.g. hearing technology, rehabilitation). You will start to develop your practical skills in conducting various clinical techniques, your detective skills for figuring out the cause of the symptoms and your communication skills, for example working with a hearing-impaired person to work out a rehabilitation plan.
Semester One
Compulsory:
- ISVR1031
- Physiological and Psychophysical Measurement
- ISVR1028
- Clinical measurement and training
- ISVR1026
- Applied anatomy physiology and pathophysiology
- ISVR1029
- Introduction to rehabilitation and disability
- ISVR1030
- Behavioural and human biological sciences
- ISVR1027
- Basic Physics, Acoustics, Optics and Instrumentation
- ISVR1025
- Basic neurosensory assessment
Semester Two
Compulsory:
Year 2
In Year 2, you will focus more on specific aspects of audiology, including more complex aspects of hearing and balance testing and rehab, state-of-the-art digital technology and broader elements of patient care. You will also learn about research, public health issues and how healthcare is delivered in the NHS and beyond.
During the summer of Year 2 and the second semester of Year 3, you will apply the skills and knowledge you have gained in a clinical placement. You'll be working in an audiology service, and contributing to the service. The clinical placements, totalling seven months, are based at our placement centres in the South and South East of England, and Jersey.
Semester One
Semester Two
Year 3
In Semester 1 of Year 3, you will choose areas for in-depth study, such as the management of tinnitus, dizziness or paediatrics. During the second semester of Year 3, you will continue to apply the skills and knowledge you have gained in your second clinical placement.
You will also conduct an individual research project, supervised by one of our researchers, which leads to a dissertation. Research projects at ISVR are distinctive in their duration and their depth, with many projects generating publications in scientific journals. The projects are seriously juicey and gives you a great opportunity to sink your teeth into a research area. You will either suggest your own projects or select a general topic from a suggested list, which you refine over the first couple of months. The projects are usually experimental, where data are collected from human subjects, and in all cases are intended to make a meaningful contribution to science.
Semester One
Semester Two
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide).
Using a variety of teaching methods, including problem-based and discovery learning, we aim to develop clinical skills, independent learning, critical thinking, reflective and evidence-based practice, and problem solving, all of which provide the basis for high-quality professional practice and employability.
Students undertake two (unpaid) clinical placements, one in the summer of Year 2 and the other in the second semester of Year 3 which are guaranteed and organised by us. The research project in Year 3 provides an exciting opportunity for in-depth study on a chosen topic, as well as making a valuable contribution to audiology science.
Typical course content
- Clinical practicum throughout
- Two clinical placements totalling seven months
- Tasters of audiology, neurophysiology and visual science in Year 1
- Research methods and statistics, and research project involving experimental work in Year 3
- Biological (particularly sensory and neuro), behavioural and social sciences
- Public health and healthcare service delivery
- Acoustics, hearing and speech sciences
- Diseases, disorders and assessment of hearing and balance
- Digital hearing aids and background to other technology (e.g. cochlear implants)
- Rehabilitation of hearing impairment
- Introduction to paediatric and balance assessment and rehabilitation
- Problem-based, discovery and team-based learning
- Topic options in Year 3
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods used will consist of a mixture of lectures, tutorials, seminars, case presentations, individual and group projects, supervised clinical practical sessions and directed study. Computer assisted learning using simulations will also be employed. The focus of the programme will be linking theory and evidence with practice.
A typical week in the first year of study is likely to comprise 12, 1-hour lecture slots in addition to laboratory work, Practical training sessions and clinical sessions observing or interacting with patients. In addition to scheduled sessions you can expect to spend time engaging in independent learning. In summary, you can expect about 40 hours per week of learning for 30 weeks of the year.
Assessment methods
Theoretical and practical skills will be assessed using a combination of coursework and examinations. Assessment methods will include written and practical examinations, assignments, objective structured clinical examinations, peer review of presentation skills, individual tutorial feedback, quizzes, topic tests and computerised self-assessment
The tutorial system
Every student is assigned a personal tutor when they start their university degree. Your course tutor changes every semester, but your personal tutor will stay the same throughout your time here. Your personal tutor will meet you when you enrol, and you will see him/her three or four times a term in the first year, for academic as well as pastoral support. Your personal tutor is accessible throughout your time in Southampton.
Research
Our research is relevant to your undergraduate course because you will be taught by people who are experts in their area of research. This is especially important for science subjects, where knowledge is advancing rapidly. This is particularly true for your final year. In your third year, you have the opportunity to do an individual research project.
Administration
We have our own team of administrators who act as a point of contact for day-to-day advice and information for undergraduate students. They are also responsible for collecting assignments and issuing the documents and forms which are required during your period of study.
Programme leader
Professor Mark Lutman
| Programme | UCAS/JACS Code | Programme length |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Acoustics and Music | HW73 | 3 years |
| MEng/BEng (Hons) Acoustical Engineering (4/3 years) | H722 | |
| MSc Audiology | 1 years |