This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.
Overview
Optometry is a healthcare profession concerned with the examination, diagnosis and treatment of the human eye and visual system.
In our aging population, the demand for eye care is expected to increase, and optometrists are ideally placed to help meet this demand in both the NHS and private practice.
Our integrated 4-year Master of Optometry (MOptom) programme has been completely redesigned for 2024, modernising our course content and structure to enable you to proceed directly to registration as a fully-qualified optometrist with the General Optical Council (GOC) upon completion.
The course is clinically-focussed from the start. You will learn all the practical techniques, theoretical underpinnings, professionalism and communication skills required to qualify as an optometrist.
You will be taught at one of the UK’s longest-established optometry schools by academics and tutors who are experts in their fields. Our world-class teaching facilities have recently been refurbished with £1.2 million of new state-of-the-art equipment and include an integrated eye clinic and our unique Directed Learning Suites.
Our course is renowned for its clinical emphasis and these skills are taught right from the start of the course. You will learn the essential skills required of an optometrist during years 1 and 2, before progressing to gain experience, under expert supervision, in the University’s own eye clinic in year 3. You will then proceed into a 44-week extended clinical placement delivered in partnership with the College of Optometrists in year 4.
The extended clinical placement is a period of paid employment within optometric practice, external to the University. You will be responsible for applying for and securing this placement with the support of the College of Optometrists and the University’s Career and Employability service.
Upon graduation, you will be a skilled, patient-focussed optometrist ready for modern optometric practice. You will be eligible to register with the GOC and practise independently as an optometrist in the UK. You will be highly employable, having developed excellent clinical and communication skills and will be well equipped for lifelong learning and ongoing professional development throughout your career.
Professional accreditation
This programme is accredited by the General Optical Council.
Rankings
The University of Bradford is ranked 6th in the UK in the Complete University Guide Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics Subject League Table 2023.
Entry requirements
Typical offer - 136 UCAS tariff points.
We take into consideration a number of factors when assessing your application. It's not just about your grades; we take the time to understand your personal circumstances and make decisions based on your potential to thrive at university and beyond.
A levels
AAB, to include two pure Science subjects (Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths) required at minimum AA. General Studies is not accepted.
Please note that where a science A level is taken, the University will require applicants to pass the practical element (for A levels awarded from August 2017 onwards).
T levels
Not accepted for this course.
BTEC Extended Diploma
Applied Science. DDD. Only accepted if combined with a pure Science A level minimum grade B.
Applicants on Access Programmes
Meet UCAS tariff of 136. Science, Medicine, Science and Engineering, Dentistry, Pharmacy or Medical Sciences accepted.
International Baccalaureate Requirements
136 UCAS tariff points from 3 HL subjects to include 2 HL science subjects at Grade 6 and a third HL subject at Grade 6.
Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B.
Plus minimum of
Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 to include English Language, Maths (note: GCSE English Language and Mathematics equivalences will not be accepted) and at least one of the following: Double Award Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Those applying with Access courses are only required to have GCSE English Language and Maths, plus one Science subject (Double Award Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at grade C or grade 4.
Additional entry requirements
All students enrolled on the course will be required to register with the General Optical Council (GOC).
Whilst not mandatory, a period of paid employment in an optical practice (supported by an employer reference) will strongly support an application.
English language requirements
Minimum IELTS at 6.5 or the equivalent.
If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.
CIFS entry requirement
If you are an International student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course you may be interested in our Certificate of International Foundation Studies (CIFS)
80 UCAS points or equivalent (see individual country pages for details) plus Maths and 2 Science qualifications equivalent to GCSE Grade C.
UKVI approved IELTS of 5.5 overall with no sub-test less than 5.0.
CIFS modules to be taken
Students study the four core modules plus TWO modules from the following:
- Foundation in Human Biology
- Foundation in Chemistry
- Foundation Mathematics 2
Transferring from another university
Applications for advanced entry will not be considered for this programme.
Our facilities
In our Ocular Health Room, you'll learn from optometrists with broad experience in optometric practice and teaching. Staff are actively involved in academic research, which you may become involved with in your final year.
Fees, finance and scholarships
Tuition fee 2024
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UK: £9,250
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International: £23,290
Additional costs
As part of this course you will need to register with the General Optical Council. The cost for this is £30.
There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.
Financial support
See our fees and financial support section.
Scholarships
Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.
Career support
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.
Career prospects
Most graduates, on completion of the pre-registration year and having passed the Final Assessment Examinations set by the College of Optometrists, become registered with the General Optical Council to practise as optometrists.
Once qualified you can work in private practice, in hospital optometry or in optometric teaching and research. You will need an interest and ability in scientific work, in helping and communicating with people, and a measure of manual dexterity.