DEGREE GUIDE

Audiology

What do Audiology degrees involve?

Audiology degrees teach you how to diagnose, treat, and manage hearing and balance disorders using medical and scientific expertise. You will explore key areas such as hearing assessment, auditory rehabilitation, anatomy and physiology, acoustics, and neuroscience. These courses help you develop strong clinical, problem-solving, and communication skills while learning how to work with patients of all ages to improve their hearing and quality of life. You will also gain hands-on experience using specialist equipment and working in clinical settings. With practical placements, research opportunities, and professional accreditation, you’ll be prepared for a career in healthcare, audiology, or hearing technology development.

Example
Modules

Introduction to Hearing Science and Technology: Explore how the ear works and how sound is measured, gaining a foundation in hearing assessment and hearing aid technology.

Clinical and Professional Practice in Audiology: Develop the core clinical skills and professional behaviours needed to begin working with patients in healthcare settings.

Routine Audiological Assessment: Learn how to carry out hearing tests with adults and interpret results to support diagnosis and treatment planning.

Common Degree Names

💼 Many degrees include NHS or clinical placements as part of the course structure.
🌍 Study abroad is not commonly offered due to NHS training requirements.

BSc (Hons) Audiology
BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Audiology)
BSc (Hons) Audiology with Clinical Placement

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Audiology trains you to assess hearing, fit hearing aids, and support people with hearing difficulties. These degrees are clinical and science-based, so universities expect a strong science background.

You'll need:

Biology – essential for most Audiology courses

Subjects that could strengthen your application:

Chemistry, Physics or Maths – commonly required or preferred as a second science
Psychology – sometimes accepted as a supporting science

✨ Biology plus one other science (or Maths) keeps the widest range of options open for you.

Some universities also welcome equivalent qualifications, such as:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Applied Science or Health & Social Care (often with strong biology/physics units; some providers may still ask for an A-level science)
T-levels in Health or Healthcare Science (check individual course acceptance)
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) with a science-focused pathway

✨ Entry expectations for clinical courses can vary—always check each university’s website for the exact subjects and entry criteria.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most courses ask for:

GCSE English Language, Maths and Science at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent such as National 5s or MYP

📘 Separate Sciences are helpful if available, but Combined Science is also widely accepted.

💬 Interviews
Common. Many programmes use MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews) or a panel interview to explore communication skills, empathy, and your motivation for patient-facing work.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no standard national admissions tests for Audiology.

🔍 Work Experience
Strongly encouraged. Shadowing in audiology clinics, ENT departments, care settings, or customer-facing roles can help demonstrate your understanding of the profession. Virtual work experience may be accepted where in-person opportunities are limited.

🧾 DBS & Occupational Health
All clinical courses require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and occupational health clearance because of patient contact.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Health or Life Sciences
If you’re missing one of the core sciences (e.g., Chemistry or Physics), a science foundation year can be a route into Audiology.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Science or Health Professions)
Widely accepted—choose a pathway with substantial Biology and science units. Universities typically still require GCSE English, Maths and Science (or equivalents).

💼 Apprenticeships
Relevant routes include the Healthcare Science Practitioner (Audiology) degree apprenticeship and Hearing Aid Dispenser pathways. These provide paid clinical experience and can lead to professional registration.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in an Audiology degree

Scientific & Laboratory Methods: Learn to test hearing and balance, use diagnostic equipment, and analyse results accurately.
Technical & Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience in fitting hearing aids and using specialist tools and technology.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Interpret test results to make informed decisions about treatment and care.
Problem-Solving: Find effective solutions for hearing and balance issues in patients of different ages and needs.
Attention to Detail: Develop accuracy when performing tests and recording patient data.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Learn to explain complex information to patients and work with healthcare teams.
Emotional Intelligence & Empathy: Support patients with understanding and care, often in sensitive situations.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide the best outcomes for patients.
Adaptability & Resilience: Manage advances in technology and adapt to changes in healthcare practices and patient needs.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make an Audiology degree a good match for you

Careers an Audiology degree could lead you to