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Operating Department Practice BSc(Hons)

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    Overview

    Keen to work in a dramatic and exciting environment?

    Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) work alongside surgeons, anaesthetists, and other medical staff, to provide care for patients during surgery. A role within perioperative practice, therefore, will see you work as part of a dynamic team in an operating theatre and could prove a great career choice.

    On our Operating Department Practice BSc(Hons) course, you’ll benefit from a strong grounding in the theory, exploring what’s involved in the three, interconnected aspects of the role: anaesthetic, surgical and post anaesthetic.

    Why study Operating Department Practice BSc(Hons)

    On this course, you’ll have the opportunity to practise your skills in our simulated operating theatre, enabling you to experience the operating theatre environment.

    This course is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means you’ll benefit from experienced staff, specialist skills labs and great links to NHS Trusts and our partners in the private sector. Our clinical placement opportunities enable you to gain valuable hands-on experience in perioperative environments, as well as potentially shadowing an operating department practitioner as part of interdisciplinary teams in a variety of care settings. This will allow you to see how ODPs contribute to all sorts of specialist areas in real world environments.

    You’ll also have the opportunity to hear the experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.

    On our Operating Department Practice course:

    • You’ll receive support during your studies from academic staff and qualified practitioners who understand what it’s like to be an ODP.
    • You’ll move beyond the fundamentals, as the course progresses, to delve into the role research plays in perioperative practice and explore leadership and management strategies.
    • The University’s new Daphne Steele Building is now open on the site of the National Health Innovation campus, enabling our Operating Department Practice BSc(Hons) students to benefit from specialist clinical teaching facilities and world-leading research facilities, helping you boost your skills within the health sector and preparing you for a potentially rewarding career ahead.

    Students on this course may be eligible to receive a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each year – find out more on the NHS Learning Support Fund website.

    Not quite ready to start Operating Department Practice BSc(Hons)? Successful completion of our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree will equip you with the foundation knowledge to study Operating Department Practice.

    Entry requirements

    BBC-BCC at A Level .

    112-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.

    Pass in T Level with grade C or above on core.

    DMM-MMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

    • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade C.
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits, 15 at Distinction, and 30 at Merit.
    • 112-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

    In addition you must have GCSE English Language or Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or equivalent Ofqual regulated qualification.

    If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree.

    You must be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the role and work of the operating department practitioner.

    • Offers will be subject to an interview and references. Please note all the information provided in support of your application may be checked and must be verifiable as a true record.
    • You also need satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration. We arrange these as part of the application process. You'll be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination. We will request an Overseas Police Check if you have lived in a country outside of the UK for 6 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years before applying to us and whilst aged 18 or over.

    Placement providers for this course may require you to have received a number of vaccinations, unless medically exempt, and provide evidence of these. As a student on a course with a clinical or healthcare placement, we strongly recommend that you complete any courses of vaccinations required under current guidelines for your future profession. Failure to do so may result in your inability to undertake a placement in certain clinical settings, therefore impacting upon your academic progression, and may result in academic failure of your course.

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

    Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

    Please note places are limited and attainment of the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview or offer. You must include details of any previous study.

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Operating Department Practice

    You’ll have the opportunity to develop an understanding of a range of essential concepts related to normal and altered anatomy and physiology that underpin perioperative practice. You'll also investigate the structure and function of the human organ systems and the fundamentals of microbiology related to perioperative care.

    Introduction to Perioperative Practice and Patient Care (Placement 1)

    Through this practice module you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of patient needs and how to undertake effective perioperative patient care. This will involve working as part of the multidisciplinary team under the direct supervision of qualified clinical staff. You'll also have the chance to develop and demonstrate your competence in undertaking the anaesthetic, scrub and circulating roles.

    Principles of Anaesthesia for Operating Department Practice

    In this module you’ll be introduced to anaesthetic techniques and will investigate the role of the anaesthetic practitioner in assisting the anaesthetist during perioperative care. You’ll also learn about anaesthetic principles including anaesthetic drugs and equipment, as well as how these ensure that service users’ care is maintained throughout their perioperative journey. You’ll explore the underpinning theory and scientific principles relating to the techniques in anaesthetic practice.

    Principles of Surgery for Operating Department Practice

    This module provides you with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the roles of the perioperative circulating and scrub practitioner. You’ll be introduced to specific techniques and equipment required for carrying out surgical interventions. The module also explores aspects of patient preparation, holistic care and support. Principles of safe practice will also be introduced including the function and safety of equipment and machinery.

    Research and Professional Accountability for Operating Department Practice

    You’ll have the opportunity to develop an understanding of professional attributes and lifelong learning skills, as well as research knowledge, allowing you to explore published information and implement evidence-based practice in line with registering body requirements. The research element of the module will introduce you to the role of research and evidence-based practice within health with specific consideration of the different types of research undertaken and where these are applicable.

    Core modules:

    Critical Care of the Perioperative Patient

    This module provides you with the opportunity to develop your understanding of the perioperative critical care environment to enable safe and appropriate patient care. You’ll be introduced to clinical emergencies and response techniques, frameworks and processes, as well as the psychological support utilised to provide a holistic care experience. You’ll examine and demonstrate the role of the ODP in managing patient care, in a simulated controlled environment of critically ill patients.

    Implementation of Perioperative Practice (Placement 2)

    This practice module provides the opportunity for you to further develop your understanding of patient needs and how to undertake effective perioperative patient care. You'll be allocated a clinical practice placement in which you'll be given the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your competence in undertaking the anaesthetic, scrub and post-anaesthetic care roles under direct supervision of clinical mentors.

    Patho-physiological Processes Related to Peri-operative Practice

    This module provides the opportunity for you to further develop your knowledge related to anaesthetic, surgical and post-anaesthetic practice in relation to altered anatomy and physiology. You'll be introduced to clinical emergencies within the hospital environment and corresponding physiological changes the patient will undergo during their perioperative care. You'll explore patient scenarios and relate these to the physiological changes that occur.

    Research and Professional Accountability for Operating Department Practice 2

    This module provides you with the opportunity to further explore research methodologies and develop an understanding of critical appraisal of evidence and professional implications of ethical practice while exploring profession specific research. You’ll further develop your professional awareness and understanding of quality assurance processes within Operating Department Practice. You’ll also explore practice from a moral, ethical and legal perspective and learn how to apply different frameworks and theoretical models to enhance patient care.

    Theories of Perioperative Practice

    This module will further develop the areas of perioperative practice you've been exposed to previously and explore how patient care can be developed and improved by exploring different clinical approaches. Exploring the anaesthetic areas of care, you’ll examine different anaesthetic techniques and the use of equipment in maintaining patient physiological status. In the surgery element you’ll explore a number of clinical specialities and the impact these can have on patients.

    Core modules:

    Developing Perioperative Practice

    This module provides the opportunity for you to develop an understanding of advanced perioperative practice and the patients care requirements during anaesthetic, post anaesthetic care (PACU) and surgery. You’ll explore the principles which affect perioperative practice and analyse strategies that enable enhanced performance within the theatre team. You’ll also examine professional roles and responsibilities in managing patient care and the implications of a change in perioperative practice.

    Leadership and Management in the Perioperative Environment

    This module provides you with the opportunity to develop the skills required so you are prepared for a leadership and management role upon qualification, where you'll lead teams, solve problems and ensure high quality care is delivered. This module will also provide you with the chance to work as a capable, independent, accountable and reflective practitioner.

    Managing Enhanced and Complex Perioperative Practice (Placement 3)

    This practice module provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate how you have developed the knowledge, understanding, values, attitudes and practical skills required to function as an autonomous practitioner. You'll also have the chance to develop professional, managerial and leadership awareness and demonstrate an understanding of the transition from student to practitioner.

    Perioperative Research-based Project

    This module provides you with the opportunity to develop the research skills you gained in Year 1 and 2 to incorporate how you can engage with evidenced-based practice. You’ll learn how to apply knowledge to devise and sustain arguments, as well as solve problems, gaining confidence and preparing you for the responsibility and accountability of the Registered ODP. You'll demonstrate understanding of research processes and how they apply to professional practice.

    An average of 9% of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc and 46% is spent on placement.

    Teaching and assessment on the course involves academic and clinical development, which provides links between the theory and practice in the perioperative environment.

    Academically we will help you to develop the theories and concepts required to complete the varied and complex roles undertaken in the perioperative environment. You'll be taught using a variety of teaching approaches including seminars, group work, practical sessions, lectures, simulation and problem-based learning. Teaching is delivered on campus and also through our University's Virtual Learning Environment.

    Classroom based learning and simulated patients are used to allow you to practice skills in a safe and controlled environment. You’ll also learn and be assessed in real practice settings through clinical placements, where you'll be supported and assessed by qualified practitioners including ODP’s and Nurses.

    You'll be assessed through a variety of methods including coursework, simulation assessments and examinations. Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    Throughout the course you’ll also have access to a Personal Development Portfolio, where you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, construct a record of achievement documenting the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies, as well as reflect and act upon your personal, professional, academic and long term career goals.

    Further information

    The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. This is a full-time course, so you may have to attend every day of the week.

    Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study core modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification.

    If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    Clinical placements are a compulsory element of the course and these will be undertaken in a range of settings. This provides a number of opportunities for you to develop the required clinical skills and experience a variety of placements and the diversity of procedures in the perioperative environment.

    These placements which will be allocated by the University, will be undertaken in up to two or three different hospitals. As placements are undertaken in the hospitals listed below you must be prepared to travel to any or all of these.

    • Airedale General Hospital
    • Bradford Teaching Hospital
    • Calderdale Royal Hospital
    • Dewsbury and District Hospital
    • Harrogate District Hospital
    • Huddersfield Royal Infirmary
    • Leeds Teaching Hospital including Leeds General Infirmary, St James’ University Hospital, Chapel Allerton Hospital and Wharfedale Hospital
    • Pinderfields Hospital
    • Pontefract Hospital

    Placements are also undertaken in some private hospitals including BMI The Duchy Hospital Harrogate, Huddersfield BMI, Leeds Nuffield, Spire Elland and Spire Leeds, Spire Methley Park and the Yorkshire Clinic.

    “The placements were really useful. They provided the opportunity to gain an insight and first-hand experience of the operating department practitioner role, which made the transition from education to career easier. They also helped me to develop my confidence and leadership skills.“ 

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    Sena Kauser, graduated from Operating Department Practice in 2022 and is now an Operating Department Practitioner at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

    Simulated operating theatre.
    Clinical session: airway management techniques.
    Students practise skills on simulation mannequins.
    Student practising surgical scrub techniques.
    Students are caring for a simulated patient.
    Student practising basic life support techniques.

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    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

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    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

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    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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