BAA

What Is Audiology?

Audiology is a challenging and expanding field of clinical science and technology, involving the study of hearing and
balance. As a healthcare profession, audiology also involves assessment, management and therapeutic rehabilitation of
people with hearing and balance problems and associated disorders. This includes patients of all ages from newborns
and children through to working adults and the elderly. Currently audiology is a highprofile profession and is a leader in
the NHS modernisation programme. New and exciting opportunities exist in this expanding field.

Employment prospects are good due to a large number of developments that include the provision of digital hearing aid
technology and universal newborn hearing screening.

Employment opportunities are also available in the private sector.

Qualities of an Audiologist

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· Ability to communicate well with all types of people

- · Good problem solving skills

- · A scientific educational background

- · Ability to work as part of a team

- · A caring and understanding attitude

- · Good manual dexterity

- · Analytical skills

There are currently three routes to becoming a Registered Audiologist:

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· BSc in Audiology

- · MSc in Audiology

- · Fast track conversion Diploma for those with a BSc in other relevant science subject, available at Southampton,
Manchester, UCL, London and Edinburgh.

There are currently ten Universities providing the BSc course,

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· Aston – Birmingham

- · University of Bristol

- · DeMontfort University - Leicester

- · University College – London

- · University of Southampton

- · University of Manchester

- · University of Leeds

- · University of Swansea

- · University of Sunderland

- · Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh

BSc in Audiology

Entry qualifications

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· Ideally 3 A levels (or equivalent), which should include a science subject.

- · Consideration can be given to those without the above, such as an appropriate science access course qualification.

- · In addition you should have evidence of ability to effectively work with people of all ages, particularly the elderly and
young children.

Structure of the Course

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· Years 1 and 2 are university based but may include some time in a clinical placement in an NHS audiology clinic setting.

- · Year 3 is primarily a full-time salaried supervised clinical practice placement, working under the guidance of a
qualified audiologist. A national training scheme and logbook is a requirement based on competency assessments.

- · Year 4 is a final year back at university involving the completion of a project, although some advanced clinical
practice and assessment may be required.

- · Successful completion of the four-year course and clinical assessments qualifies you to register and practice as an
Audiologist.

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Post Graduate Diploma - Entry qualification

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· Ideally a good [i.e. 2.2] undergraduate degree in a relevant Science degre

Structure of the course

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· One-year university based course followed by a one-year full-time salaried supervised clinical practice placement,
working under the guidance of a qualified audiologist. A national training scheme and logbook is a requirement and
requires competence-based assessments to be undertaken. The in-service training period is currently under review and
may get extend to 3 years.

MSc in Audiology

Entry qualifications

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· Entry requirements are a good relevant science degree [usually 2:1], preferable some knowledge of physics or
behavioural science and a proven interest or experience in Audiology. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
and an interest in direct patient care are also essential.

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· Training posts are via the NHS Regional Scheme www.nhsclinicalscientists.info or www.baaudiology.org. Some NHS
Audiology Departments employ trainee clinical scientist directly.

Structure of the Course

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· One year full-time MSc in Audiology can be undertaken at Southampton University, University College London or
Manchester University.

- · This is then followed by 18-24 months supervised in-service clinical placement culminating in a written, practical and
oral examination to obtain the BAA Certificate of Audiological Competency. Successful completion of the M.Sc practical
training also includes a portfolio of clinical training, research and personal development leading to the Association of
Clinical Scientists Certificate of Attainment required for Registration to the Health Professions Council.

Please contact relevant University direct for details of the fast track course.

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Applications can be made direct to the preferred University or via the Clearing System. Universities in other areas are
awaiting accreditation to run the BSc in Audiology – keep checking the website to acquire the latest information.

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