Operating Department Practice BSc

Program Overview

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Operating Department Practice BSc

Course Description

Surgery requires an immense amount of patience, expertise and level-headedness. Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) have these skills in abundance and they set the highest standards for patient care in the UK.

ODPs work as part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including with surgeons and anaesthetists, from the lead up to surgery right through to recovery and beyond. Working in the Operating Theatre, you’re truly at the sharp end of the care provided to patients undergoing surgery. An operation is often an important step on the road back to normal life, and you’ll become a key member of a team that cares for patients at a crucial time. Working as an ODP is an extremely rewarding career that gives you a real sense of privilege.

Our ODP programme within the School of Healthcare offers course-long placements in Nottingham, Derby, Northampton, Kettering, Chesterfield, Peterborough, Grantham and Boston, as well as Leicester. This gives you the option to enjoy the benefits of our excellent ODP programme whilst learning in a local hospital close to home.

The degree blends academic study and work-based learning - we believe that this is the best way to develop your knowledge and skills. In the classroom, you'll study areas fundamental to an ODP's role, such as biological sciences, operating department technology, clinical leadership and management and the legal, ethical and professional issues that affect clinical practice.

However, building your confidence and breadth of experience with patients is vital, so 65% of your time is spent on placement in one of our partner hospitals. Based in the East Midlands and surrounding areas, all our partner hospitals provide high quality, supportive placements where you will be mentored, taught, supervised and assessed to ensure you have what it takes to step into the professional environment.

We’re really proud to have some of the most satisfied ODP students in the UK. Our exceptional teaching and learning environment was reflected in our National Student Survey (NSS) 2024 results, where we were ranked 8th in subjects aligned to ODP for overall positivity (according to Times Higher Education NSS 2023 methodology applied to the NSS 2024 data).

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs: 3 passes grades 4/C and above (or equivalent), including Maths and English Language
• A-levels: BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from three A-levels
• Access to HE Diploma: 112 UCAS points, including 45 credits at level 3 and minimum 15 at Distinction, in a health-related subject
• BTEC Nationals: Pass relevant Extended Diploma (preferably in a health-related subject) with DMM
• Mature Applicants (21+): Applicants aged 21 or over who in the judgement of the University submit sufficient evidence of serious previous study in the health and social care sector, and the academic aptitude to pursue a programme in Operating Department Practice, along with relevant work experience, may be eligible for admission.
• Armed Forces into Allied Health: Please contact our Admissions Tutors for an advisory consultation. More information about the AFIAH project.
• T Levels: Merit in either: Health (with an Occupational Specialism in Supporting the Adult Nursing team), or Health (with an Occupational Specialism in Supporting the Midwifery team), or Health (with an Occupational Specialism in Supporting the Theatre team), or Health (with an Occupational Specialism in Dental nursing), or Healthcare Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Pharmacy Services Assistant), or Healthcare Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Healthcare Science Assistant).

Fees and Funding

• UK Students: £9,535 (2025/26 academic year)
• International Students: £25,900 (2025/26 academic year)

Accreditation

This course is validated by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and entitles you to apply for registration with the HCPC as a Registered ODP.

The course is also endorsed by the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP), the professional body for Operating Department Practitioners.

Careers and Employability

The Operating Department Practice qualification (BSc ODP) entitles you to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Registered ODP.

Career opportunities are strong, there is a good starting salary and 100% of graduates are in full-time employment within the healthcare sector.

Placement

Operating Department Practice (ODP) is an exciting and varied Allied Health Profession based in the operating theatre and associated acute areas. As such, building your confidence and experience with patients is fundamental; 65% of your studies will be based in clinical placement.

Year 1

• Modules:
  • Foundations of Operating Department Practice
  • Foundations of Surgical Practice
  • Foundations of Anaesthetic Practice
  • Practice Development and Progression 1
  • Foundations of Professional Practice in Healthcare

Year 2

• Modules:
  • Specialist Practice
  • Post-Anaesthetic Practice
  • Critical Care and Non-elective Practice
  • Practice Development and Progression 2
  • Development of Professional Practice in Healthcare

Year 3

• Modules:
  • Enhanced Practice
  • Practice Development and Progression 3
  • Clinical Leadership and Management
  • Major Project

Teaching and Learning

The Operating Department Practice BSc is a vocational degree, designed to maximise your experience. You can start the course in April or September.

Unlike a typical degree, which runs over three terms or two semesters with a long summer break, we run on an ‘all year’ timetable, with a short summer break and two weeks off in December. We also provide additional annual leave, which can be booked throughout the year. This can also be used to book time off for religious holidays and celebrations. You will receive the timetable for the full three year course when you begin studying with us.

Over the three years you will spend up to 30 weeks in the classroom. The rest of the time is spent undertaking your practical clinical placements and self-directed study.

Clinical placements account for around 65% of your course. You will be allocated a placement in one of our partner hospitals for the duration of your studies. This will allow you to become part of the clinical team at that hospital, develop your clinical skills and be fully supported by colleagues. Our partner hospitals are:

• Chesterfield Royal Hospital
• Derby Teaching Hospitals
• University Hospitals Leicester
• Boston Pilgrim Hospital
• Grantham District Hospital
• Northampton General Hospital
• Kettering General Hospital
• Nottingham General Hospital

The course is divided in to 15 modules covering key areas, including biological sciences, principles of peri-operative care, operating department technology and the legal, ethical and professional issues that affect clinical practice.

We use a variety of learning methods, including classroom sessions, private study and critical evaluation, as well as experiential learning and reflective practice. You will be assessed through practicals, student assignments, presentations and projects, as well as examinations.

Along with classroom study, you will work with real patients and expert ODP teams, allowing you to get varied and detailed experience. This wealth of first-hand experience will enable you to develop and enhance your clinical skills and confidence.

In addition, you will have regular meetings with your personal tutor to discuss progress in your studies. Your personal tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether they be academic, financial, housing, career or social issues.

Independent Learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.

Academic Support

Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:

• study and exam skills
• academic writing
• presentations
• dissertations
• numerical data skills
• referencing sources

Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.

Program Outline

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Operating Department Practice BSc - University of Leicester

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Degree Overview:

This 3-year, full-time BSc in Operating Department Practice (ODP) prepares students for a rewarding career as a specialist registered practitioner in the operating department. The program combines technical and caring skills to deliver the best possible patient care.

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Objectives:

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as a Registered ODP.
• To develop students' understanding of the biological sciences, operating department technology, clinical leadership and management, and the legal, ethical, and professional issues that affect clinical practice.
• To provide students with practical experience in a variety of clinical settings, including surgery, anesthesia, and recovery.
• To foster students' confidence and competence in providing patient care.

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Outline:

The program blends academic study and work-based learning, with 65% of the time spent on placement in partner hospitals.

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Year 1:

• Foundations of Operating Department Practice: Introduces core skills and knowledge for the surgical and anaesthetic phases of the role.
• Foundations of Surgical Practice: Covers fundamental surgical principles and techniques.
• Foundations of Anaesthetic Practice: Explores the principles and practices of anesthesia.
• Practice Development and Progression 1: Focuses on developing professional skills and knowledge.
• Foundations of Professional Practice in Healthcare: Examines the ethical and legal framework of healthcare practice.

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Year 2:

• Specialist Practice: Builds upon Year 1 skills in clinical specialties, including post-anaesthetic care, obstetric, and emergency specialties.
• Post-Anaesthetic Practice: Covers the care of patients recovering from anesthesia.
• Critical Care and Non-elective Practice: Explores critical care and non-elective surgical procedures.
• Practice Development and Progression 2: Continues to develop professional skills and knowledge.
• Development of Professional Practice in Healthcare: Deepens understanding of ethical and legal issues in healthcare.

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Year 3:

• Enhanced Practice: Focuses on advanced clinical skills and procedures.
• Practice Development and Progression 3: Further develops professional skills and knowledge.
• Clinical Leadership and Management: Explores leadership and management principles in healthcare.
• Major Project: Students undertake a research project related to ODP practice.

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Course Schedule:

• The program runs on an "all year" timetable, with a short summer break and two weeks off in December.
• Students receive the timetable for the full three-year course at the beginning of their studies.
• Up to 30 weeks are spent in the classroom over the three years.
• The remaining time is dedicated to clinical placements and self-directed study.

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Assessment:

• Assessments include practicals, student assignments, presentations, projects, and examinations.
• Students are assessed on their knowledge, skills, and ability to apply their learning in practical settings.

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including classroom sessions, private study, critical evaluation, experiential learning, and reflective practice.
• Students are taught by a dedicated team of experts with extensive experience in ODP practice.
• The program includes a dedicated ODP practical room for simulation and rehearsal of clinical skills.

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Careers:

• Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Registered ODP.
• Career opportunities are strong, with a good starting salary and 100% of graduates finding full-time employment within the healthcare sector.
• Graduates work in local, regional, and national NHS hospital trusts, as well as in independent sector hospitals.

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP) and validated by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Students are eligible for a grant of at least £5,000 a year, which does not need to be repaid.
• The program is part of the Higher Education Pathway for Armed Forces project, which recognizes the qualifications, skills, and experience of ex-armed forces personnel.
• The University of Leicester offers a three-year Apprenticeship in Operating Department Practice in partnership with the NHS and other healthcare providers.
• The program includes a wide range of partner hospitals across the East Midlands, providing students with diverse clinical experiences.
• The University of Leicester has a dedicated Careers and Employability Service to support students in their career development.

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UK Students

Starting in September 2024 or April 2025:

• £9,250 in the first year.
• Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years.
• You may be eligible for support from the Learning Support Fund, administered by the NHS Business Authority.
• From September 2020, the LSF has been extended to include a non-repayable £5,000 per year bursary for new and existing students.

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International Students

Starting in September 2024 or April 2025:

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£25,900

per year.

• If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place.
This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
• From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee.