Entry requirements
A level
Including 2 of the following subjects: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology. General Studies is not accepted.
Points will be considered at Confirmation.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, which must come from at least 2 of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology. The remaining 15 Level 3 credits must be at Merit. At least 9 credits must come from either Maths or Physics specialisms. Please note: Applications are considered on an individual basis with preference given to those applicants with a strong GCSE profile and those with at least 12 months experience working in optical practice. Preference is also given to those applicants for which it is at least two years since the completion of any previous Level 3 qualification. If you have any queries please contact the Admissions team.
Points will be considered at Confirmation.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Including 3 subjects at Higher Level, with Grade 6 at Higher Level in 2 of the following subjects: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology. English, Maths, and Science accepted within as GCSE equivalent.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Including 2 of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology English, Maths, and Science accepted within as GCSE equivalent.
Points will be considered at Confirmation.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Must be in a Science subject, and only considered in combination with a Science or Mathematics A Level at Grade A. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC.
Only considered in combination with A Levels. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
From a Science profile. It must include at least 2 of the following subjects: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC.
Considered in combination with 2 relevant A Levels. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC.
Considered in combination with Highers.
Scottish Higher
Including 2 of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology. English, Maths, and Science accepted as GCSE equivalent.
UCAS Tariff
Including 2 of the following subjects: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology. General Studies is not accepted.
Points will be considered at Confirmation.
About this course
Do you want to pursue a career as an eye care professional? You will benefit from a pioneering, clinical degree set up to bring optometry to the South West, built in consultation with expert professionals in the field. You will be trained in both the classroom, laboratory and, from the very first semester, the workplace – be that practices, hospitals or in the community – gaining key knowledge, skills, experience and confidence that you need to succeed as the future of the eye care profession.
* Study on the only course of its kind in the South West – one of just nine optometry courses available in the UK.
* Develop your clinical and communication skills while working with real patients at our Centre for Eyecare Excellence (CEE) optometry practice throughout your third year.
* Explore the theory side of the course at the Peninsula Allied Health Centre with brand new clinical facilities, equipment and learning spaces.
* Boost your employability through learning in a way that’s based on solving problems, working together and communicating well with others.
* Graduate with the scientific and clinical knowledge, as well as the professional training, required by the General Optical Council (GOC) to enter the pre-registration year for qualification as an optometrist.
* 81 per cent of students felt staff were good at explaining things; 89 per cent found the course intellectually stimulating; 89 per cent felt their communication skills improved during their studies; 89 per cent felt, as a result of the course, that they were more confident tackling unfamiliar problems and situations, and 95 per cent of students were in work/study six months after finishing. (source: 2016 NSS and 2016 DLHE survey results available on Unistats*).
* To complement your formal learning we offer regular PALS sessions that provide the opportunity for you to learn with and from your peers. Share knowledge, discuss ideas, and ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Modules
In your first year, you’ll focus on learning the basic scientific principles of optometry. You’ll also begin developing the clinical skills essential to the profession. During your one-week observational placement, you’ll see first-hand what working as an optometrist involves.
In the second year, you’ll learn about advanced ophthalmic examination and study ocular diseases and pharmacology in more detail. You’ll also investigate the legal and ethical issues around managing a business. On your two-week clinical placement, you’ll start getting hands-on experience, applying the skills you’ve learnt so far and working directly with patients.
In your third and final year, you’ll continue developing confidence and clinical skills by working directly with real patients at the University’s Centre for Eye Care Excellence optometry practice. Alongside this practical learning, you’ll study complex case scenarios in the key areas of optometry and complete a supervised research project in an area you’re interested in.
The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
Assessment methods
37% of assessment is by exam, 26% by coursework and 37% practical assessment
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University of Plymouth
School of Health Professions
What students say
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How do students rate their degree experience?
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Ophthalmics
Teaching and learning
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Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Ophthalmics
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Top job areas of graduates
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Allied health
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£21k
£25k
£25k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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