Optometry
University of Plymouth
UCAS Code: B510 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
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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
The Uni
University of Plymouth
School of Health Professions
What students say
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Ophthalmics
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Ophthalmics
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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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