Audiology (top-up) BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate degree accredited by the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS)

Pursue a career in audiology with our innovative AHCS-accredited Audiology Top-Up Degree that will turn your Foundation Degree into a full BSc. Study our audiology degree via a blend of distance learning and block residentials for a flexible, practical learning experience.

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Key facts about your online degree

How you'll study

Online with campus residentials

Application deadline

Our next deadline is 27th May 2026

Professional accreditation

Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS)

Course length

Study over 1 year; 2 year option subject to availability

Fees: £9,790

Payment plans available

Start dates

Start in September

Course overview

Building on the success of our Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology, this Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) accredited top-up course enables you to convert your Foundation Degree (or equivalent) into a full BSc (Hons) Audiology degree. It is ideal if you’re a practising or aspiring Audiologist in the independent or private sector, or the NHS.

You’ll study mainly online via distance learning, with block residentials that provide a flexible, practical and collaborative learning experience supported by expert tutors. During residential days you’ll work with the latest hardware and devices from manufacturers such as Siemens, GN Resound and Interacoustics, and share your learning journey with tutors and peers. You’ll broaden your knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of audiology - both rehabilitative and diagnostic - improve your clinical practice and undertake an undergraduate project in a topic that interests you.

This online audiology course is designed for practising Hearing Aid Audiologists with relevant professional body registration, and when you successfully pass all required modules on the BSc (Hons) Audiology (Top-up) you can expect to register with the AHCS.

Why choose this course?

Study our audiology degree via a blend of distance learning and block residentials for a flexible, practical learning experience
Improve your clinical practice with the assistance of our expert tutors and friendly, experienced academic team
Designed specifically for those working as Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists
Access the latest hardware, devices and innovations from leading manufacturers during residential days
Gain professional accreditation with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) on successful completion of the audiology degree
Experience Gold-standard teaching, learning and student support (TEF 2023) as part of the University of the Year (THE)

What you’ll gain

Turn your existing Foundation Degree into a full BSc (Hons) Audiology degree
Broaden your knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of audiology, both rehabilitative and diagnostic
Develop your clinical practice through a combination of online study and hands-on residential learning
Undertake further research into a topic that interests you through the final undergraduate project
Advance your career in hearing science and reach your potential as an Audiologist
On successful completion of all required modules on the BSc (Hons) Audiology (Top-up), expect to register with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS)

Next application deadline: 27th May 2026

Apply now

Course modules and assessments

Modules

Due to the structure of this course, there will be instances where you will study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. You will be supported by your tutors to help manage your workload and assessment deadlines.

Please contact one of our advisers to discuss the pacing of this course and the options available to match your circumstances.

Tinnitus Assessment and Management

Managing People with Specialist Needs

In this module you will develop an understanding of the assessment and management of adults with complex and specialist needs. These needs can arise due to the complex nature of hearing disorders and/or comorbid conditions that are common in the elderly. The skills you will learn in Managing People with Specialist Needs are particularly important to independent practitioners in audiology to be able to support the needs of the clinical audiology pathway in the current and future service commissioning.

Implantable Hearing Devices

Amplification devices continue to benefit people with hearing loss. Although they have some limitations, these devices have made considerable improvements to the quality of life for those living with hearing conditions. In recent years implantable devices have become the management option of choice for many people with hearing disorders. These include cochlear implants; auditory brainstem implants; bone anchored hearing aids; and implantable middle ear devices. You'll gain an understanding of the technology, candidacy, day-to-day maintenance of these devices, as well as the advantages and limitations for patients that have them fitted.

Hearing in Children

Advances in Adult Audiology

Hearing healthcare as a profession is developing rapidly with significant advancements in the diagnosis and management of people with hearing loss. You’ll gain an overview of both diagnostic and rehabilitative measures involved in managing adults with hearing loss with the aim of providing up to date knowledge reinforcing evidence-based practice and setting you up for your career as an audiologist.

Clinical Competencies in Audiology

You'll undertake supervised learning and training to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the Clinical Audiology competencies required at assist-level. The Clinical Competencies in Audiology module is required in order to be awarded this degree, however, if you opt not to undertake this module, yet complete the rest of the modules, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) Hearing Sciences (top-up) award.

Undergraduate Major Project

You'll create a substantial piece of individual research and/or product development work, focused on a topic that interests you, and chosen from a variety of sources including research groups, previous/current work experience, your current employer, or a suggestion from your tutor.

While undertaking your research you will identify problems and issues, conduct literature reviews, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable development methodologies, and determine solutions.

Your major project will also give you the opportunity to develop hardware, software and/or media artefacts as appropriate, process data, critically appraise and present your findings using a variety of media. Regular meetings with your project supervisor will ensure your project is closely monitored and steered in the right direction.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

How you’ll be assessed

Your progress will be monitored through regular online interaction, including discussion boards, blogs, and assignments. You will be assessed through your submitted assignments, and Undergraduate Major Project, as well as through a practical final exam.

Accreditation

AHCs Accredited

Our Audiology top-up degree is accredited by the Academy for Healthcare Science. This accreditation is an important hallmark that the course meets and maintains the high standards for professionals' education, training and practice. Registration with AHCS allows you to meet the requirement to work in the NHS at Band 5 or above.

How you'll study

100% Online study

Dedicated support

Study online and graduate on campus

Our online audiology course is delivered in a blend of distance learning and block residentials to provide a flexible, practical, and career-enhancing learning experience that will ensure you receive the most out of our bachelor top-up degree.

You’ll study online through Canvas, our world-class Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, PC, or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

The residentials are spread monthly during each semester, beginning with a 4 day, in person, induction residential in September. Further compulsory residentials take place in October (2 days online), November (4 days in person), January/February (5 days in person), February/March (4 days online) and March/April (5 days in person). There is also a requirement for a 12 hour observation placement in a paediatric setting. Residential dates are provided at the earliest possible opportunity, to enable you to manage your absence with your employer.

On successful completion of your studies, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

Entry requirements

What you’ll need to start this course

This Level 6 audiologist course is suitable for practicing Hearing Aid Audiologists with relevant professional body registration such as the Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser with Health and Care Professions Council.

If you do not hold the professional body registration or do not meet the entry requirements of BSc (Hons) Audiology (top-up), we can consider you for our BSc (Hons) Hearing Sciences (Top Up) degree.

Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology (FdSc HAA)

Dip HE Audiology and/or Hearing Aid Audiology

240 University credits (in level 4 and 5) with core audiology subjects achieved via any other means.

You will also need:

HCPC registration as a Hearing Aid Dispenser, or equivalent, and

Evidence that a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance has been undertaken

If you have lived outside of the UK for 6 months or more within the last 5 years, then you will need to provide a police check from the country/countries previously resided in

If you are completing placements overseas you will be required to obtain a police check/certificate of good conduct from the relevant country

Along with the above, the following competencies which are pre-requisites for the new course would have been passed:

Case History

Otoscopy – adults

Puretone audiometry with masking (> 6 years)

Impression taking and earmould selection

Hearing aid selection

Fitting, review, and repairs

Real ear measurements (REM)

Earmould Modifications

You should have achieved the above prerequisite competencies by either successfully passing a Practical exam (OSCE) or the competencies signed off in a logbook approved by HCPC as a part of your Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology or equivalent. Evidence needs to be provided as a part of the application process.

If you are not able to show the evidence of completing the above competencies, you’ll be required to undertake an interview and a Direct Referral Clinical Competency assessment to satisfy the above competency requirement.

Exceptionally, evidence of an equivalent learning achievement may be considered to qualify for admission. Such cases are formally considered by a committee of Senate acting on its behalf and require approval before you register for a course leading to an ARU award.

As a distance learner, you'll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use of our online learning management system (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.

Please note: Please note that we are currently unable to offer this course to international students. This course is taught via a mix of distance learning and face-to-face residentials, which means it does not meet the requirements of either the Student Visa Route or Short Term Study Visa routes under current UK Visa and Immigration regulations.

Fees and Funding

Fees

This audiology top-up degree costs £9,790 in total.

If you opt to study this course over 2 years (subject to availability) the tuition fees you pay each year will be £4,895.

Accredited Prior Learning may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted.

Please note that accommodation and personal travel to and from the residentials is not included in the tuition fees.

Funding

Government-backed part time student loans are available to cover the cost of studying this course. This financial support option is subject to eligibility and terms and conditions.

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.

Meet your course leader

Dr Srikanth Chundu

Course leader

Previously a cochlear implant Audiologist at University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service, and a distance learning tutor for the course, Sri joined Anglia Ruskin University on a full-time basis in April 2015. He has worked in various settings in Audiology and is currently involved with a number of research projects in collaboration with other Universities. These projects include research into areas such as Cochlear implant rehabilitation, Internet based rehabilitation, Psycho-social aspects of hearing loss and occupational hearing loss.

Sri is a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D), a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Audiology, a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Speech & Hearing. He is also registered with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) as Audiologist.

Dr Robert C MacKinnon

Senior Lecturer

Robert's BA (Hons) in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge gave him a broad scientific background. He specialised in Neuroscience in his final year and his undergraduate project was performed in Professor Brian Moore's lab; it focused on cochlear implant simulation and was subsequently published.

Robert completed his PhD in Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Nottingham and worked in the National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit (now Biomedical Research Centre). His project focused on the long-term effects of recreational music listening. It used a novel questionnaire and hearing test to test hundreds of participants online over the internet.

Robert trained clinically as a HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist in Audiology at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with an associated MSc (Merit) in Clinical Science (Neurosensory) from the University of Manchester. He has experience in paediatric, vestibular, complex adult, and single sided clinics, as well as routine clinics. Robert is also a HCPC-registered Hearing Aid Dispenser.

What our students say

Overall, my experience with ARU was amazing. I felt supported, empowered and accomplished. I’ve achieved what I was hoping for when I signed up for the course and I’ve enjoyed every moment.

Dio, Healthcare Alumni

Read Dio's story

I found the staff immensely helpful and supportive. Each module provided an opportunity to learn something new, put it into practice, reflect on it and see the positive results.

Rachael, Healthcare Alumni

Read Rachael's story

I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is working with hearing aids or even has an interest in hearing. You can achieve a highly sought after qualification and expand your own knowledge on the subject.

James, Healthcare Alumni

The online information, facilities and resources are modern, easy to navigate and are continually up-to-date. They positively reflect the University’s commitment to students who learn off campus.

Maggie, Distance Learning Alumni

Awards and recognition

Be part of the University of the Year

We're proud to be the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. The prestigious THE awards honour ’exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year, and reflect ARU’s success in delivering high-impact projects during this period, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award recognises the difference we make in the region and our communities – while also acknowledging the broader impact of our world-leading research, and the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

Gold-standard education

We're proud to have received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of university teaching standards.

Why we're rated Gold

Our course content and delivery is rated as outstanding with the review citing ‘innovative and highly effective course design and content that inspires students to actively engage and commit to their learning’.

We’re also rated outstanding in the areas of:

student engagement in learning
learning environment and academic support
learning resources
student engagement in improvement
approaches to supporting student success
intended educational gains
approaches to supporting educational gains.

What is the Teaching Excellence Framework?

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national scheme run by the Office for Students that focuses on the areas students care most about: teaching, learning, and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

It has three outcomes: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

This rating was awarded in September 2023, and lasts for four years.

Supported distance learning

We understand that distance learning is different to traditional campus study and if you’re new to online study you may have concerns or apprehensions about studying part of your audiology degree online, and that’s natural.

To help put your mind at ease we have a dedicated Distance Learning Support Team to help and support you throughout your time at ARU, starting with your first online induction and staying with you right through to graduation. In addition, you’ll also be supported by specialist hearing science audiology tutors, well experienced in supporting distance learning students.

Once you start your audiology degree, we encourage the creation of online communities and many of our learners find these connections with others invaluable, helping them to stay motivated, share concerns or make new friendships. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet your peers in person during the block residentials and further strengthen your relationships.

Visit our support page to learn more about our support services.

Visit support

Careers

Everything you need to know about building your career in audiology

What could a BSc (Hons) Audiology (top-up) degree do for my career?

This top-up programme is designed for hearing aid dispensers and audiologists to further develop their skills and knowledge and strengthen their personal development, employability, and vocational effectiveness.

Graduates who achieve these aims will be equipped to meet the ongoing needs for skilled practitioners and may allow you to apply for career promotions both in the NHS (Band 5 and above) and independent sectors.

On graduation, you could also gain professional accreditation with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) by registering with them. Registration with the AHCS is widely recognised by many employers and can be a requirement for employment. Active registrants can also use the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accreditation quality mark.

What careers can I access with an Audiology degree?

A degree in audiology can open up a range of healthcare careers in both the public and private sector, whether you are looking to advance in your current role or are just embarking on your career path. The top-up should allow for career promotions in the NHS.

Our degree will introduce you to a wide range of audiology topics, and your final project will allow you to conduct in-depth research into an area that you wish to specialise in.

As well as opening up a range of career paths our programme will also set you up for further study at a postgraduate level, such as a Masters in Audiology, in order to specialise in a specific area of audiology.

What skills will I get from an Audiology course to help my career?

Choosing to study an Audiology (top-up) BSc (Hons) will give you many transferable, clinical and professional skills; here are just some of them:

You will develop the skills to deal with people, actively listening to them and picking up explicit and hidden messages
Learn to analyse and critique various forms of information
Communicate clearly to individuals, particularly clinical and abstract concepts
Expand your ability to be self-motivated and self-reliant so you can work comfortably unsupervised
Developing an understanding of complex case scenarios and further referrals
Understanding advanced testing and interpretation

What can I study after a BSc (Hons) Audiology (top-up) degree?

Depending on your long-term goals and interests you may decide to explore a postgraduate qualification such as a Masters in Audiology.

A Master’s degree is the most common type of postgraduate qualification and usually focuses on a specific area of a wider subject which may support your future career development. Having a bachelor’s degree under your belt is a key entry requirement in opening doors to postgraduate study.

Careers Advice Service

Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability Service to help you whatever stage your career, whether that’s landing your dream job or the next progression step.

We offer:

careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
help with your CV, job searches, applications and interview preparation
an online portal packed with useful careers resources
our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.

FAQs

A selection of popular questions

What is a top-up degree?

If you already have a relevant qualification in audiology, a top-up degree means that you can turn it into a full Bachelor degree. This is often preferable for many students, as the top-up degree is equivalent to the final year of a BSc, meaning your existing qualifications will count towards your full honours without having to start from the beginning.

Whether you have just completed your Foundation Degree or are returning to your studies after an education break, a top-up degree will allow you to build upon your existing knowledge to fast-track your way to a BSc.

What will I learn on this Audiology degree?

Our online audiology degree programme will introduce you to a wide range of topics within the field of hearing conditions and audiology.

You will gain an understanding of the causes and treatments of tinnitus – a condition that as many as 30% of the population experience at some point in their lives – and have the opportunity to focus on this area for your research project if you choose. The degree will also introduce you to both audiology in children and adults, allowing you to further your understanding of the differences in condition management and treatment of hearing difficulties in a range of age groups, as the needs of these groups can vary.

We have an excellent resource of equipment and technology for you to access during your practical study, allowing for you to develop an understanding of the functioning and maintenance of these devices, as well as their advantages and limitations experienced by patients that have them fitted.

Why study an Audiology degree distance learning at Anglia Ruskin University?

Studying audiology courses online with ARU gives you flexibility over your schedule so that you can learn around work and family commitments. An Anglia Ruskin University top-up degree is perfect for anyone wishing to further their education and grow a career in audiology, as it allows you to build upon your existing knowledge of hearing sciences and implement your study into your workplace.

Our tutors are experts in a range of audiology topics and clinical skills including cochlear implant rehabilitation and the effects of recreational music listening on hearing and are eager to guide you through your own research to help you find a specialism that interests you.

While the majority of our Audiology BSc is studied online, our course does have a compulsory residential segment. The residential portion of our degree will give you access to innovative technologies that are at the forefront of audiology research and the treatment of hearing conditions.

Distance learning is ideal for Audiology students because it allows them to work while they learn. Not only is access to a career in the hearing sciences essential for this degree programme, but by working in the field, you’ll also see how the implementation of audiology research can improve the lives of those with hearing conditions. Audiology is a vital area of healthcare science, and the unique nature of distance learning allows you to study alongside your career, making a difference to your patients from day one.

Who is suited to an Audiology Degree?

Our Audiology practitioner training programme is perfect for those already working in the field of audiology, or undertaking a clinical placement, as this gives you access to the resources you need to successfully complete your course.

To meet the entry requirements, you must have already completed a foundation Degree or equivalent qualification, meaning that you will already have a firm grounding in hearing aid audiology and hearing sciences, and be registered with a professional hearing body.

Prior understanding of these areas means that you will be able to jump right into our top-up degree programme and build upon your existing knowledge. If you do not hold the professional body registration or do not meet the entry requirements of our BSc (Hons) Audiology (top-up), we can consider you for our BSc (Hons) Hearing Sciences (Top Up) degree.

Take the next step, apply today

Next application deadline: 27th May 2026

Your future, on your terms. Apply now before the application deadline.

Apply now