Optometry BSc(Hons)

It’s not too late to apply for September.

Start date

18 September 2023

Duration

3 years full-time

Entry requirements

A Level - AAB

BTEC - DDM

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

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About the course

Reasons to study

This course has full approval from the General Optical Council.
Our new Optometry clinic and consultation rooms are where a large part of your learning takes place.
Gain real-world experience examining patients whilst undertaking short placements with the NHS, and at our state-of-the-art Eye Clinic here on campus.

The UK regulator for Optometry, the General Optical Council (GOC) has published revised standards for all optometry providers in the UK. As a result, the current BSc(Hons) course is being adapted and will be replaced by a 4 year integrated Masters course in 2024. Validation of this new course is in progress. The current BSc(Hons) course will remain in place for students starting the 2023-24 academic year.

Get ready to take your first steps on an exciting journey towards a career in Optometry. We'll give you the opportunity to gain the knowledge and practical skills you'll need to complete your professional training and become highly employable. As one of the UK's newest Optometry departments, we are committed to offering you a learning experience that's second-to-none, and small class sizes mean a personal approach to our teaching where you'll be well supported to reach your goals.

We’ve been ranked 2nd in England and best in Yorkshire for the subject area of ophthalmics, achieving an overall satisfaction score of 91.3% in the National Student Survey 2022. (Subjects rankings refer to Common Aggregation Hierarchy level 3 and are further filtered to include English HEI's with income over £100m+ in the 20/21 academic year).
This course is aligned to the requirements of the General Optical Council (GOC) and has full approval from the General Optical Council.
We combine scientific principles in Optometry and vision sciences with practical clinical skills from the first year.
The opportunity to learn clinical skills and develop your ability to meet the General Optical Council competencies for Optometry are embedded throughout our course.
You'll also have the chance to learn in a new, purpose built Optometry laboratory equipped with all the necessary equipment for your studies. *In your final year you'll get real-world experience seeing patients with a variety of ocular conditions in our newly built, state-of-the-art University Eye Clinic here on campus.
Your studies will also be enhanced through placements in local hospital eye departments, in your final year, where you'll have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues in the NHS.

Course detail

Year 1

Core modules:

Human Body Systems

All the major organs of the body will be covered together with models of normal and abnormal bodily function. Emphasis will be directed to the concept of homeostasis and the integration of dynamic processes involved in the maintenance of health.

Ocular Anatomy and Physiology

This module covers the fundamental anatomy and physiology of the eye with an aim to build a theoretical grounding which may be applied to concurrent modules on the course. You'll be required to apply knowledge from the Human Body Systems module to various aspects of this module. The module will focus on various ocular structures (including the cornea, lens, retina) and ocular adnexa (including eyelids and extraocular muscles). You'll study these structures in detail and consider how anatomical structure links to function. You'll also begin to consider age-related changes and ocular pathologies.

Geometric and Physical Optics

This module will consider the physics of light; moving from basic light as a ‘ray’ optical properties such as reflection and refraction, lenses, mirrors and prisms through to ‘light as a wave’ optics and diffraction, interference and polarisation. This module provides the foundation for an understanding of visual optics and the mechanics of optical instruments and dispensing in optometry and will use examples from these areas to show application of the principles.

Visual Optics and Perception

This module will cover visual optics building on knowledge gained from the concurrent module on Ocular Anatomy and Physiology to develop an understanding of how those structures contribute to visual functions. You'll study the mechanisms of spatial, temporal and colour resolution and how these elements feed into normal vision and how this vision may be sub-optimal.

Assessment of Vision and Professional Skills

The professional development element of the module will encourage you to explore issues of lifelong learning, reflective practice and continuing professional development that underpin the essential skills needed in order to meet registration requirements in Optometry. Initial elements of the modules will develop your academic skills in mathematics, academic writing, literature searching using electronic databases, evaluation of material and referencing along with team working skills and professionalism. The module will introduce fundamental clinical techniques used in examination of the eye including refraction, direct ophthalmoscopy, history taking and preliminary examinations.

Year 2

Core modules:

Abnormal Ocular Conditions

This module will build on the ocular physiology considered in the first year and, using a systematic approach, explore a range of abnormal ocular conditions. You'll have the opportunity to learn to detect abnormality, discuss salient features, formulate provisional diagnoses and begin to develop optometric management strategies, with a focus on the eye conditions commonly encountered in primary care.

Neurophysiology and Binocular Vision

This module will build on the anatomy and physiology learnt in the first year to develop your understanding of the neurophysiology of vision, how the brain processes images and the mechanisms of binocular vision. The module will also examine a series of case studies demonstrating how binocular vision can be perturbed, how this is assessed in Optometric practice through a binocular refractive routine and how patients with a disruption in binocular vision can be managed.

Correction of Vision 1: Dispensing and Contact Lenses

This module presents knowledge of the composition and structure of modern spectacles and contact lenses so that you develop a theoretical background to dispensing. You'll use your knowledge of optics from the first year and apply it to decisions concerning the optimum outcome for the individual patient. You'll learn the basics of the types of contacts lenses, their insertion, removal, hygiene requirements and aftercare guidelines for patients.

Ocular Pharmacology

This module will begin with an introduction to the field of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics and then consider the major classes of drugs in use in modern optometric practice, for example cycloplegics, staining agents, local anaesthetics. The module will assess the physiological mode of action of the drugs, their benefits and potential side effects, alongside of consideration of the legal constraints concerning the use of the drugs in practice.

Clinical and Professional Skills

This module will build on knowledge and skills introduced in the first year of your course. The module will provide opportunity to further develop fundamental clinical techniques including history taking, preliminary examinations, refraction, slit-lamp, ophthalmoscopy and record keeping, and begin to integrate these techniques into a basic ophthalmic assessment routine in preparation for the third year of your course. The module will also consider factors involved in real-world visual performance including lighting, visual standards and occupational requirements such as eye protection, VDU use, colour vision and driving. This module will also develop the concept of Optometric practice in the wider community, considering the public awareness of ‘eye health’ and the necessity for regular assessments, and consider the use of eye-care strategies in the community. The professional development element of the module will encourage you to explore issues of lifelong learning, reflective practice, clinical governance and continuing professional development. There will also be further opportunity to develop team working and communication skills.

Final year

Core modules:

Paediatric Optometry

The purpose of this module is to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of Paediatric Optometry and will act as a theoretical base for Paediatric Clinics in the Human Lifespan module. A wide range of topics including the care and management of paediatric patients are covered. Detailed case studies will be used to consider new developments in the practice of Optometry as applied to paediatric patients, the evidence base for these developments and the implications for future practice. The aim of this module is to continue to develop your life-long learning and reflective skills and prepare you for future clinical challenges and the changing face of the profession.

Contact Lenses in Practice

This module puts the theoretical knowledge learnt in the second-year module 'Correction of Vision 1' into practice. You will assess the requirements of your patients' needs and expectations; use evidence-based assessment to make clinical decisions about the management and optimum corrective strategy (if necessary) for that individual. You will ensure the correct selection of a contact lens; fit of a contact lens; optimal visual correction and advise patients on the usage and care routines required. You will understand the legal guidelines and responsibilities within the profession for the dispensing and compliance of contact lenses as this relates to patients.

Optometric Practice Across the Human Lifespan

This module will build on the second year material in abnormal ocular conditions to consider the changing requirements for optometric practice across the age range. You'll have the opportunity to consider optometry practice patients, across all age ranges and needs, management of low vision, cataracts and the consequences of ocular degeneration associated with ageing and other systemic diseases such as diabetes. Practical elements of this module will link closely with clinical practice sessions as in the module Clinical and Professional Practice.

Clinical and Professional Practice

This module will provide you with the opportunity to refine your clinical skills on patients who attend the eye clinic. You'll cover the spectrum of cases as required in order to fulfil the Stage 1 requirements for the General Optical Council (GOC), enhancing your portfolios with recording and reflective analysis of each patient contact. You'll use your communication, professional and ethical skills base to provide best practice in the taking of clinical histories, eye assessments, diagnosis and management of patient care.

Research Project

The module will highlight the concepts, philosophy and ethos of using research to provide evidence of best practice. You'll be offered projects related to the research of the academic staff and/or of local optometry practitioners working in collaboration with staff on a variety of optometry related disciplines. You'll have the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the use of literature searching and how your review of this literature generates and consolidates a hypothesis. You'll gain an insight into different research methodologies so that you can design research studies and will be provided with methods on how to interpret your data (with a focus on statistical tests). You'll design your research study, obtain your own data and provide your own interpretations to generate a discussion of your results and present conclusions. This will be submitted in the form of a dissertation. In addition, you'll present your work using an oral format.

Teaching and assessment

This course aims to develop your technical and scientific competence along with your deductive, analytical and communication skills. In the final year you'll have the opportunity to undertake an extended research project in the laboratory with expert supervision.

On average 28%* of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, workshops, practicals etc.

*based on 2020/2021 timetables

You will be taught through a series of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. Assessment will include project work, assignment and examinations. The final year research project contributes to your degree classification.

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.

Huddersfield is the UK’s only university where 100% of the permanent teaching staff are fellows of the Higher Education Academy.*

*permanent staff, after probation: some recently appointed colleagues will only obtain recognition in the months after their arrival in Huddersfield, once they have started teaching.

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. As this is a full-time course 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 modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification. These credits can come from a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules but please note that optional modules may not run if we do not have enough students interested.

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.

Teaching excellence

Triple 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 2022). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.
We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 20 since 2008 (2022 data).
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).

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award 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 the Level 5 in Leadership and Management Award from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), meaning you’ll graduate from the University of Huddersfield with an internationally recognised professional qualification, 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

Entry requirements

AABat A Level which should include two of the following Science subjects, Mathematics, Physics, Biology or Chemistry, plus a third A Level in another subject excluding General Studies. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course.

DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science combined with a Science A Level in Mathematics, Physics, Biology or Chemistry, minimum grade B. Or DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care combined with a Science A Level in Mathematics, Physics, Biology or Chemistry, minimum grade B. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course. Applicants undertaking a BTEC without an additional A Level may be considered for the Science Extended Degree leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree entry route.

136 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications which should include two of the following Science subjects, Mathematics, Physics, Biology or Chemistry. These should be the equivalent of AAB at A Level.

An offer will be influenced by the subjects you are studying, your personal statement and your predicted grades.

T Levels will be judged on an individual basis but are required to be in the Science, Health or Healthcare Science areas. GCSE subjects and grades will be considered in addition to the T Level.

Other suitable qualifications or experience may be considered. Please contact the Admissions Office.

Alternatively, a First degree in a relevant Science subject (Orthoptics, Ophthalmic Dispensing, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Pharmacology, Mathematics, Physics) at a minimum grade of a 1st.

If you are a registered Dispensing Optician wishing to apply you must have met the ABDO qualification (or equivalent) at 65% or better and have obtained a higher specialist certificate either in low vision or contact lens practice. For those with a contact lens specialism they must also be a registered contact lens optician. Proof of registration with the General Optical Council is also required.

Science Extended Degree leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree entry route - If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry onto the Optometry BSc(Hons), you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0).

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check takes place as part of enrolment, this is a compulsory requirement for entry onto this course. As part of this check you are required to have your identification documents verified by the Post Office. There is a charge for this, payable at the point of verification at the Post Office, which you are required to pay (usually around £10). The University will pay for the full DBS check, you are not required to pay for this. Relevant offences disclosed by the DBS will be taken into account regarding your suitability to undertake this course. Once your place is confirmed, you will be required to complete a health check questionnaire. If you have not completed courses of all relevant vaccinations you will be advised to do so. Occasionally these may be chargeable by your doctor. If there are any further medical reports required you may incur additional costs.

Please note that 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. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages.

For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Placements

On our Optometry BSc(Hons) course you can benefit from attending a hospital placement during your final year. The placement provides real-world experience in an NHS eye department and gives you the opportunity to work with other professional colleagues. Placements will be arranged in the local community wherever possible. You'll be required to arrange your own transport. Clinical attire will also be required

Facilities

Eye examination in Optometry clinic

Optometry equipment

Applied Sciences Joseph Priestley building

Applied Sciences students' hub

Your career

Optometry is a regulated profession requiring registration with and adherence to the General Optical Council registration requirements.

You can find out more about careers in Optometry on the College of Optometrists website and registration requirements from the General Optical Council.

As a graduate of this course you may work in corporate optometry, in private independent practice, where you could start your own business, in hospital optometry working with other ophthalmic colleagues or in research and teaching.

*93% of graduates from this subject area were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 19/20, UK Domiciled).

93% Graduates employed*

Professional links and accreditations

This course is aligned to the requirements of the General Optical Council (GOC) and has full approval from the General Optical Council.

This accreditation is reviewed on a regular basis.

As a student of Optometry you are required to obtain and maintain registration with the General Optical Council (GOC) throughout your studies. (Please see Additional costs section for further details).

Career support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

So while you’re here (and even after you graduate) the Careers and Employability Service offer professional help, support and guidance, including industry-supported workshops, careers fairs and one-to-one guidance sessions. Find out more about the service.

Professional links and accreditations
Career support

This course is aligned to the requirements of the General Optical Council (GOC) and has full approval from the General Optical Council.

This accreditation is reviewed on a regular basis.

Career support

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

The full-time undergraduate tuition fee for 2023/24 entry will be £9250.

Tuition fees will cover the cost of your study at the University as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision and examinations. For more information about funding, fees and finance for UK students, including what your tuition fee covers, please see Fees and finance.

If you are an EU or international student coming to study at the University of Huddersfield, please visit the International Fees and Finance pages for full details of tuition fees and support available.

Please email the Student Finance Office or call 01484 472210 for more information about fees and finance.

As a student of Optometry you are required to obtain and maintain registration with the General Optical Council throughout your studies. Current fees for 2022/23 are £30. (Costs for 2023/24 will be updated when available). You'll also be required to attend brief periods (covering 12 hours) of hospital placements in your final year. It is anticipated that the placements will take place in local eye departments. Community vision screenings may also be offered requiring attendance in the local community. Costs associated with travel to these placements are the responsibility of the student and will vary depending on the mode of transport but should not exceed £75 in total. Most of the equipment required for the course will be provided. You will be required to purchase small items of equipment including a PD ruler and facial ruler. The cost of these items will be around £50. Although we will supply them for use in the clinic, you may find it beneficial to purchase your own small items of equipment, including ophthalmoscope and retinoscope sets. These can cost up to £2000, and will be required for future practice.

This course is aligned to the requirements of the General Optical Council (GOC) and has full approval from the General Optical Council.

Fees and Finance

Tuition Fees - full-time

The full-time undergraduate tuition fee for 2023/24 entry will be £9250.

Please email the Student Finance Office or call 01484 472210 for more information about fees and finance.

Additional costs

This course is aligned to the requirements of the General Optical Council (GOC) and has full approval from the General Optical Council.

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

Data protection

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.

Students’ Union membership

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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Full-time

Undergraduate

View more courses

Start date

Duration

Entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

About the course

Reasons to study

Course detail

Human Body Systems

Ocular Anatomy and Physiology

Geometric and Physical Optics

Visual Optics and Perception

Assessment of Vision and Professional Skills

Abnormal Ocular Conditions

Neurophysiology and Binocular Vision

Correction of Vision 1: Dispensing and Contact Lenses

Ocular Pharmacology

Clinical and Professional Skills

Paediatric Optometry

Contact Lenses in Practice

Optometric Practice Across the Human Lifespan

Clinical and Professional Practice

Research Project

Entry requirements

Placements

Facilities

Your career

Career support

Student support

Fees and Finance

Fees and Finance

Important information

Changes to a course you have applied for

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules

Major changes

Termination of course

Equal opportunities

Data protection

Students’ Union membership

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