Optometry
University of Plymouth
UCAS Code: B511 | Master of Optometry - MOptom
Entry requirements
A level
Typical offer is : ABB including 2 of the following subjects: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology.
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
Typical offer is 32 points 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.
ABBBC must include 2 Advanced Highers. Must also be studying at least two subjects from Maths, Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology. Must hold National 5 in Maths and English
ABBBC must include 2 Advanced Highers. Must also be studying at least two subjects from Maths, Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology. Must hold National 5 in Maths and English
Accepted – preference pathways would be Health and Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received
UCAS Tariff
Typical offer is : ABB including 2 of the following subjects: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology.
Points will be considered at Confirmation.
You may also need to…
Attend an interview
About this course
Do you want to pursue an exciting career as an eye-care professional? Here at Plymouth you will benefit from a forward-thinking clinically focused degree. Our course allows you to engage in the industry while equipping you with the core clinical skills, professional training and confidence required for a successful career as a registered optometrist.
- Become part of a pioneering clinical degree programme – the first to bring optometry to the South West.
- Develop your clinical and communication skills while working with real patients at our Centre for Eyecare Excellence (CEE) optometry practice throughout your third year.
- See your studies in a real-world context, with regional practice placements during Years 1, 2 and 4 and a hospital placement in Year 3.
- Explore the theory side of the course at InterCity Place, with brand new clinical facilities, equipment and learning spaces.
- Join a close-knit team of staff and students and benefit from an open, supportive environment.
- 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 practise as an optometrist.
- 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.
The MOptom (Hons) Optometry programme is being adapted as part of the GOC Education and Training Requirements.
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. 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 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. You’ll also investigate the legal and ethical issues around managing a business.
During the fourth and final year you will undertake a 44 week placement where you will have the opportunity to hone your clinical skills. During this year you will work in clinical practice under the supervision of a Registered Optometrist.
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 and up to date information can be found on our website.
Assessment methods
For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.
The Uni
University of Plymouth
School of Health Professions
What students say
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Ophthalmics
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Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Ophthalmics
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Ophthalmics
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£24k
£29k
£29k
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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