The Hearing Aid Audiology programme at Plymouth Marjon University is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, intellectual and practical skills required to become competent hearing aid dispensers. The programme's aim is to enable students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the sector and be able to make informed, evidence-based decisions about appropriate diagnostic assessment and clinical intervention in an autonomous fashion. The course is focused on delivering the skills for graduates to be fit for purpose, practice and registration and encourages lifelong learning and emphasises the importance of Continuing Professional Development by utilising self-directed learning and reflection in a programme designed to support learners. Student’s theoretical and work-based learning is reviewed and supported by highly specialised staff and peers alike in an encouraging and critically supportive environment which utilises the context of professional examples, discussions and placement. There is a strong synthesis between work-related and work-based learning enabling excellent theory to practice links. Not only will it focus on training to deliver safe and effective interventions that are evidence-based and responsive to the needs of diverse hearing-impaired communities, but also to be sensitive to the needs of service users and carers, working with them in partnership to empower and enable them. This programme is a work-based programme that integrates academic and work-based learning through collaboration between employers and the University. To ensure the students receive the best possible learning experience, the programme is delivered as a blended module with three residential blocks in year one and a further three in year two. The residential blocks offer students the opportunity to undertake student-led clinics and simulated activities, allowing them to apply their learning in a safe, simulated practical setting before applying new knowledge and skills in the real-world environment. The online element of the programme supports students' independence and promotes a strong learning community. When away from the university, students engage online, accessing course materials and communicating with fellow students and academic staff.
They will undertake 120 credits in each year of the programme, in order to achieve the Foundation Degree: Hearing Aid Audiology award and be eligible to apply for registration as a Hearing Aid Dispenser with the Health and Care Professions Council. The Hearing Aid Audiology student will be placed across 4 different core placements in the duration of the programme. Each placement is 15 weeks in duration and requires a minimum of 22.5 clinical practice hours per week. They will also experience working in alternative practice learning opportunities in each year of the programme, to gain a wide appreciation of other healthcare contexts and to work across a generic healthcare role. The programme aims to produce a compassionate, competent and confident registered Hearing Aid Dispenser at academic Level 5. On successful completion of the programme, the Hearing Aid Audiology student will be qualified to deliver a wide range of clinical and rehabilitation skills and will be able to demonstrate appropriate values and behaviours, underpinned by a systematic knowledge base.