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Perioperative Studies (Top-up) (Distance Learning) BSc(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

2 years part-time


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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Undertake a top-up degree using your professional qualification and registration to APEL the first two years of a degree programme.
  • Top up your qualification to degree level and boost your career progression as an Operating Department Practitioner or nurse.
  • Build evidence-based practice, leadership and academic skills to advance your role and impact in healthcare.

This fully online top-up degree is designed for qualified Operating Department Practitioners (ODP) and nurses working in perioperative roles who want to complete their undergraduate studies while balancing work and personal commitments. Using your existing professional qualifications, you’ll study 120 credits – equivalent to the final year of a degree – to achieve your award.

Developed in collaboration with theatre managers and healthcare providers, the course reflects current workforce needs and supports career progression in a profession now shaped by degree-level standards. You’ll build confidence in evidence-based practice, research engagement and critical analysis, strengthening your ability to enhance patient safety and service delivery.

You’ll learn from research-active academics and experienced practitioners who bring real clinical insight into your studies. Through flexible distance learning, you’ll explore advanced perioperative theory, develop your analytical and decision-making skills, and apply new knowledge directly to your own clinical context.

The course focuses on developing your academic, leadership and professional capabilities so you can influence change, improve care and progress in your career. Whether you’re aiming for extended clinical roles, management positions or further study, you’ll graduate with the knowledge, confidence and credibility to take the next step.

You’ll also join a supportive online community of practitioners from across the UK and overseas, sharing perspectives and learning together. 

Discover more about Distance Learning at Huddersfield. 

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

Due to the top-up nature of this degree, the course is suitable for all Operating Department Practitioners (Diploma HE, City and Guilds 752, NVQ 3 or Cert HE) and registered nurses working in a perioperative setting.

You must be employed in a perioperative setting and hold current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and the ability to access and use online study guidance and support as this course is delivered through distance learning.

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 7.0 overall with no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module provides you with the opportunity to evaluate and critically appraise published healthcare research, as well as develop an understanding of different designs, methods and approaches to research. Emphasis will be placed on utilising a structured systematic process of reviewing research that provides the necessary evidence to support and develop clinical practice. You'll evaluate and have the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of published research within the context of ethical, national and local healthcare provision.

This module provides the opportunity to advance your existing knowledge of patient care by exploring and analysing evidence based practice and current research. You’ll examine professional principles that impact on contemporary perioperative practice. You’ll develop an online learning log analysing strategies that enable enhanced performance within the care team. Integral to this process is the examination of your professional role and responsibilities in managing patient care.

This module provides the opportunity to develop your understanding of leadership and management in healthcare practice. You will have the chance to explore legislation, understand how to lead teams and solve problems to promote high quality care. The module provides the opportunity to enhance the skills you already possess and further develop you as a capable, autonomous, accountable, and reflective practitioner using examples and scenarios from practice.

You will examine an area of current practice under the supervision of a member of academic staff and submit a research based project which demonstrates an appreciation of the area of practice and research processes. The project design can have a variety of methodologies including literature review, audit, production of learning materials or a proposal for a future empirical study.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Technology and System Requirements

As a Distance Learning student, you must provide and have access to certain IT equipment and facilities to access your Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and to fully participate on your course.

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as Adult nurse, Children's nurse, Health play specialist, Health visitor, High intensity therapist, Learning disability nurse, Mental health nurse, Midwife, Paramedic, Physician associate.*

*Source: Prospects

94% Percentage of our undergraduate students go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, UK domiciled.

This course provided me with the opportunity to further my education through studying online which meant my full-time employment was not affected. it made me appreciate the need for research and evidence-based practice. The course lecturers were great and provided excellent advice and feedback.

- Maria
Graduated Perioperative Studies (Top-up) (Distance Learning) BSc(Hons) in 2016

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£4,890 per year

This information is for Home and International students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Modules credits can range from 15 to 60, dependent on the content of the module. Read more about total credits required for a range of degrees, to allow you to calculate the potential total cost.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy and/or to ensure our distance learning fees are competitive.

Tuition fees will cover the cost of your study at the University. Read more about what is and is not covered by Tuition Fees including compliance for Goods and Services Tax for International Students studying an online course. 

For detailed information please visit www.hud.ac.uk/distance-learning/fees-and-finance/

£4,890 per year

This information is for Home and International students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Modules credits can range from 15 to 60, dependent on the content of the module. Read more about total credits required for a range of degrees, to allow you to calculate the potential total cost.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy and/or to ensure our distance learning fees are competitive.

Tuition fees will cover the cost of your study at the University. Read more about what is and is not covered by Tuition Fees including compliance for Goods and Services Tax for International Students studying an online course. 

For detailed information please visit www.hud.ac.uk/distance-learning/fees-and-finance/

This course may be eligible for CPD funding via your employer. You must have your employer’s support in order to access to a funded place.

Flexible payments

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Funding options

Explore ways to fund your course with exclusive discounts and government loans (subject to eligibility criteria)

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If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

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Careers 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.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you will find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies. Our Distance Learning Unit Team are at hand to make your online learning journey a positive, rewarding and successful one.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Allied Health Professions, Sport and Exercise may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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