Skip to main content
  • Home
  • Courses
  • Operating Department Practice (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc(Hons)

Operating Department Practice (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc(Hons)

    • How to apply

    Note: Prospective apprentices must consult with their employers to initiate the application.

    Undergraduate Open Days
    Undergraduate Open Days
    {{menu.previous.name}}
    {{menu.center.name}}
    {{menu.next.name}}

    Overview

    This course has been designed to provide the opportunity to study Operating Department Practice BSc(Hons) whilst being employed in the perioperative environment. During this apprenticeship you’ll get a strong grounding in the theory exploring what is involved in the three interconnected aspects of the role: anaesthetic, surgical and post anaesthetic.

    In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you’ll remain employed by your host organisation and will spend 80% of your time in your current workplace. The remaining 20% will be spent at the University undertaking theory work. This apprenticeship is fully integrated, however, on completion of all academic modules and evidence of Maths, English and care Certificate qualifications you’ll be put forward for an End Point Assessment (EPA), which is independently assessed by the Higher Education Institution (Skills Funding Agency, 2018).

    If you’re thinking of studying an apprenticeship course or are an employer looking for an apprenticeship for your employees, you’ll also find useful information on our Degree Apprenticeship webpages.

    Why study Operating Department Practice (Degree Apprenticeship) 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.

    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.

    The University of Huddersfield has the highest Apprenticeship Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR) among Higher Education Institutions in England.*

    Our 2023/24 QAR was 87.6% and coupled with our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating displays the excellent learning experience for apprentices and their employers at the University of Huddersfield.

    *Excludes providers with fewer than 100 apprentices.

    Entry requirements

    BCC at A Level .

    Merit in T Level .

    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.

    You must be employed as an Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner and provide a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and health clearances.

    In addition you must have GCSE English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.

    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.

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

    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.

    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 also learn and be assessed in real practice settings through work-based learning with your employer under the supervision of appropriately qualified mentors/supervisors.

    Assessment is centred on you achieving the standard of competency outlined by the professional awarding body so that you are fit to practice by the end of the course. It includes the verification of practice competency by a qualified mentor/supervisor and integration with written modular assessment in the form of reports, case study analysis, applied assignment work and examinations.

    At the end of the course there is an End Point Assessment (EPA), which is integrated into the course and verified at the course assessment board. The purpose of the EPA is to assess the values, skills, knowledge and behaviours of the apprentice as set out in the apprenticeship standard to confirm that the apprentice is occupationally competent.

    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

    Work based learning is a compulsory element of the course and you’ll spend at least 80% of your time on the course in clinical practice. You’ll undertake blocks of clinical practice within your employed trust.

    You’ll be assessed each year by qualified mentors who meet the requirements of Council of Operating Department Practice (CODP) Standards, Recommendations and Guidance for Mentors and Practice Placements (2009). You and your mentors will be supported by placement education facilitators and university link lecturers whilst undertaking work-based learning.

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

    Discover more about the course

    Your Career

    Discover the job roles our graduates are working in now.

    Professional links and accreditation

    Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate.

    Careers advice

    Check out the personalised guidance we offer you.

    Student Support

    Discover all the support available so you can thrive.

    Further Study

    Learn about pursuing a Master’s or PhD at Huddersfield.

    Research Excellence

    See how our innovative research shapes what you'll learn.

    Important information

    When you enrol as an apprentice learner 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 our disciplinary procedure. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you'll be asked to agree to them when you join us as an apprentice. You'll find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you'll also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to.

    Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

    Changes to a course you have applied for but not yet started

    If we propose to make a major change to an apprenticeship course that you have applied for, then we will tell you and your employer as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Although we always try and run all the courses we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or delay your course start date if we consider this reasonably necessary, 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 and your employer as soon as reasonably possible. In such instances, we will work with you and your employer to agree a deferred start date, or cancel your application and, if appropriate, provide information regarding other local apprenticeship providers.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as an apprentice

    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 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, 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 requirements of an updated version of the apprenticeship standard relevant to your course; 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 damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    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 and your employer as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered or claiming an interim award and exiting the University.

    If a major change affects your course, we will notify you and your employer as soon as possible and will carry out suitable consultation with affected apprentices. If you and your employer reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment we will work with both of you to try to find an appropriate solution. Where one cannot be found we will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring your remaining apprenticeship learning to another training provider if you and your employer wish to do so.

    Termination of employment

    As your employer is funding your apprenticeship course, you must remain in relevant employment for the duration of the course until you have completed your end point assessment. Under the apprenticeship rules, if you are made redundant and you have completed 75% of the practical period or have less than 6 months left, then you may complete the course. Otherwise, unless you find alternative relevant employment within 12 weeks of the date you are made redundant, then you'll be withdrawn from the course.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University. The ESFA is the principal regulator for your apprenticeship course.

    You may also be interested in...

    Operating Department Practice BSc(Hons)

    Full-time

    Undergraduate

    Prepare yourself for a successful career as an operating department practitioner, learning about the three interconnected roles.

    Find out more How to apply
    View more courses