Work-based Audiology degree is very well received

Published: 22 February 2010 at 10:59

Additional intake proves a need for more Hearing Aid Audiologists

Demand for Anglia Ruskin University’s newly introduced, work-based Foundation Degree in Audiology continues to rise, so much so that the Department of Hearing and Vision Sciences (formerly the Department of Optometry and Ophthalmic Dispensing) has introduced an additional student intake in January 2010 to cater for the extra interest.

The Department of Hearing and Vision Sciences is setting standards across the UK for the delivery of its world-leading degree level training programmes and outstanding employer engagement.  This latest programme - endorsed by major industry employers - gives students the key skills and knowledge required to qualify as a Hearing Aid Audiologist.

Students starting the course in January travelled from all over the country to be welcomed to Anglia Ruskin as part of their induction process.

Speaking about this degree, Dr John Siderov, Head of the Department of Hearing and Vision Sciences, said:

 “We have the enviable record of success at developing courses relevant to the needs of employers, industry and our students; and our foray into audiology is part of a natural progression and synergy between hearing and our other strengths in the delivery of vision related courses in optometry and ophthalmic dispensing.”

Suparna Ghose, Skills Development Consultant from Anglia Ruskin University’s Higher Skills @ Work team added:

“What makes this programme so attractive is that it is very much an industry driven course, developed with direct input from major employers in the hearing sector and fully recognized by the Hearing Aid Council.  The course is designed to provide an excellent standard of training and tuition and to ensure that the student is a productive member of the audiology team early on in their studies.”

“Another benefit of this degree is that it is helping people during the current recessionary conditions.  People can develop their careers where they are without taking the risk of changing their jobs at a time when the climate is anything but stable.”

As part of the Foundation Degree in Audiology, students are assessed in core competencies including: taking a case history, otoscopy, pure tone audiometry and impression taking.  Once these competencies have been completed the student can undertake these activities in practice with indirect supervision.