Learn to run a safe and successful practice and make a real difference to people's lives.
With this foundation degree you'll explore the physical and psychological basis of hearing and disorders of hearing. You'll also develop your assessment, analysis and communication skills.
Most of your learning takes place online, with some residential sessions in Cambridge. Here, you'll take part in lectures and practical laboratory workshops:
Semester 1: 3 residential weeks
Semester 2: 3 residential weeks
Semester 3: 2 residential weeks
Semester 4: 3 residential weeks
When you graduate, you'll be ready to work as a hearing aid audiologist.
As this is a work-based course requiring regular attendance on campus, it's open to UK students only.
Health & Care Professions Council
Our Hearing Aid Audiology foundation degree is accredited by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). When you graduate, you’ll be able to register and work as a hearing aid dispenser.
Why ARU?
Study through a mix of online learning and practical residentials.
Access engaging course content and activities through our learning management system.
Join residential sessions in Cambridge, and take part in practical laboratory workshops.
Receive regular guidance and feedback, helping you build your skills and confidence.
Prepare to work independently as a hearing aid audiologist registered with the Health & Care Professions Council.
When you graduate from this accredited course, you can go straight into work.
There's also the option to continue your studies and achieve a full BSc (Hons) degree, with our Hearing Sciences Top-Up course. This is also offered by distance learning.
Teaching and modules
Gain the scientific knowledge and practical skills you need to become a successful hearing aid audiologist.
You'll learn about hearing loss, physiological responses to injury and infection, the effects of age and environmental factors on the auditory system, and how to examine patients and analyse your findings. You'll look at hearing aids and components too, and how to adjust hearing aids in response to patients' needs.
You'll also develop your understanding of the professional Code of Practice.
To complete the course, you'll carry out research into an area of interest.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
Year 1
Learning and Skills Development for HE and Work (audiology)
Understanding the Work Sector (Audiology)
Work-Based Learning (Audiology)
Pathology for Audiology
Basic Sciences for Audiology
Hearing Aid Technology 1
Audiological Assessment 1
Year 2
Auditory Rehabilitation
Hearing Aid Technology 2
Audiological Assessment 2
Work-based Learning 2 - Communication Skills in the Work Sector
Over two years, you'll complete detailed clinical logbooks; these form part of your assessment. We'll also assess your progress through work-based assignments, presentations, class discussions and tutorials.
As you'd expect, we'll pay particular attention to feedback from your employer and placement supervisor.
We'll also ask you to develop action plans and to reflect on your own progress.
You'll take practical examinations each semester, and the results will inform your supervisor of the tasks you may perform in practice under indirect supervision.
Entry requirements
32 UCAS points from A Level or equivalent
3 GCSEs @ C/4 or above including English and Maths
Applicants must also be working in a suitable audiology department and must have a 2 year registered (HCPC/RCCP) audiologist supervisor to support you throughout your studies.
As a distance learner, you'll need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use our online learning management system (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.
You can find out more about the admissions process at ARU, including what happens after you apply and the different types of offer we may make.
We may automatically offer you a place at ARU if you meet any of these criteria:
are a care leaver or care experienced
have a declared disability
are from certain postcodes
provide unpaid care for another person
are currently, or were, in receipt of free school meals during secondary education
are a Service Child, where a parent or carer currently serves in the UK Armed Forces
participated in an approved activity in preparation for entry to higher education
attended a secondary school that had a Progress 8 score of average, below average or well below average
£7,900Distance learning students starting 2026/27 (part-time, per year)
Accredited Prior Learning may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed after you've submitted your application.
For military students: you can use your ELCs towards this course. ARU is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.
Apply now for Hearing Aid Audiology
UK students
We also welcome applications from students from Ireland, and EU, EEA and Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK.