| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Optometry
Overview
Our four-year integrated Masters degree in Optometry (MOptom) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of optometry. The program is accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC) and enables students to register as fully qualified optometrists upon graduation.
Course Structure
The MOptom program consists of four years of study, with each year building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive education in optometry.
Year 1
- Geometrical and Visual Optics
- Clinical Optometry 1- Introduction to Optometric Practice
- Human and Ocular Anatomy (15 credits)
- Theoretical and Practical Ophthalmic Lenses
- Vision Science
- Into ARU
Year 2
- Clinical Optometry 2 - Skills for Optometric Practice
- Pharmacology and Pathology
- Binocular and Paediatric Vision
- Introduction to Ocular Disease
- Clinical Optometry 3 - Introduction to Professional Practice
- Ruskin Module: How can Professionalism Promote Patient Safety? (15 credits)
Year 3
- Clinical Optometry 4 - Low Vision Assessment and Management
- Clinical Optometry 5 - Professional Practice
- Clinical Optometry 6 - Advanced Contact Lens Practice
- Management of Ocular Disease
- Advanced Clinical Skills
- Research Methods
- Optometry, Lifestyle and the Workplace
Year 4
- Clinical Learning in Practice 1
- Clinical Learning in Practice 2
- Major Project
- Optional modules:
- Advanced Glaucoma Management
- Advanced Management of Medical Retina
Entry Requirements
- Grades AAB at A level with grades AA to come from 2 Subjects from: Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry at first sitting or first resit.
- 5 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths at grade C, or grade 4, and either Physics at grade B, or grade 5, or Double Award Science at grades BB, or grades 55.
- If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 7.0 (Academic level with no individual score being lower than 6.5) or equivalent English Language qualification as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Fees and Funding
- Tuition fees for UK students: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
- Tuition fees for international students: £17,500 per year (2025/26)
- Additional course costs:
- Registration with the General Optical Council (GOC): £30 per year
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: cost varies
- Laboratory coat: £15
- Travel expenses for hospital experience: £100
- Equipment for professional career: costs vary
Accreditation
Our Optometry degree is fully accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC), enabling students to register as fully qualified optometrists upon graduation.
Careers
Our integrated Masters degree in Optometry (MOptom) has been developed to allow students to register with the GOC as a fully qualified optometrist at the end of their four years with us. Graduates can pursue careers in optometry, research, or academia.
Program Outline
Careers:
As a registered optometrist, you could go on to work in your own practice, a hospital, or an international optical company. You could also take the first step towards becoming an academic or a researcher with our postgraduate research degree. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get a discount on your fees. For students who complete their first year of MOptom Optometry to an exceptional high standard, there may be the opportunity to transfer to Year 1 of MBChB Medicine. We encourage your interest in studying medicine, but it should be noted that this is a highly competitive route and there is limited availability.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year):
£9,250
International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year):
£16,700
Additional course costs:
- General Optical Council (GOC) registration fee: £30 per year for students
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: fee not specified
- Laboratory coat: £15
- Hospital experience travel expenses: approximately £100
- Recommended equipment for professional career:
- Retinoscope and ophthalmoscope: approximately £1,500
- Pre-corneal 90D lens: £400
- Frame ruler: £20
- Pen torch: £10
- Occluder: £15
- Budgie stick: £10
Living at university:
- Estimated living costs: £7,000–£9,000 per year (may be lower if living at home)
Payment options:
- Upfront payment in full
- Payment in two installments
- Deposit of £4,000 or sponsorship letter required for international students
Overview:
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a global university with students from 185 countries. It is known for its innovative and entrepreneurial approach to education and research. ARU has been recognized as the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and has received a Gold award for the quality of its education in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The context mentions that ARU is committed to creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for students, staff, and communities. It also highlights the university's focus on providing outstanding facilities and opportunities for student growth.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Ambition:
ARU is academically ambitious for its students and strives to provide high-quality education.Excellence:
ARU is ranked in the top 15% of universities in the UK for graduate employment and has been recognized for its excellence in education, social work, and sports science.Collaboration:
ARU fosters collaboration between students, businesses, and partners, and its courses are recognized by industry and professionally accredited.Impact:
ARU conducts impactful research that addresses pressing issues and makes a difference in the community.Enterprise:
ARU encourages entrepreneurship and provides mentorship, support, and start-up funding through the Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy.Enthusiasm:
ARU's can-do attitude and infectious enthusiasm set it apart from other universities.Academic Programs:
The context mentions that ARU offers a wide range of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, postgraduate research, college courses, apprenticeships, short courses, and distance learning programs. It also highlights the university's commitment to providing career-ready graduates.
Other:
The context mentions that ARU has campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and Writtle. It also highlights the university's commitment to sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Entry Requirements:
- A-Levels: AAB at A-Level with grades AA to come from 2 Subjects from: Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry at first sitting or first resit.
- GCSEs: 5 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths at grade C, or grade 4, and either Physics at grade B, or grade 5, or Double Award Science at grades BB, or grades 55.
- IELTS: If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 7.0 (Academic level with no individual score being lower than 6.5) or equivalent English Language qualification as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Additional Requirements:
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure and registration with the General Optical Council (GOC) will be required prior to commencing your course.
- This course is available for entry to year 1 only.
Alternatives
- A First degree with Honours in a relevant Science subject. (Ophthalmic Dispensing, Optical Management, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Pharmacology, Mathematics, Physics, Biology) at a minimum final classification of 2:1 and with a minimum overall percentage of 65%.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
- with a minimum of 33 points is accepted. This must include three from the following: Maths 6 points at Higher Level, Chemistry 6 points at Higher Level, Physics 6 points at Higher Level, Biology 6 points at Higher Level. In addition, three further subjects are required at Higher or Standard Level at a minimum of 5 points each.
Scottish Advanced Highers
- Grades AAB from Scottish Advanced Highers, with grades AA to come from 2 Subjects from: Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry at first sitting or first resit.
Irish Leaving Certificate
- Grades H1H1H2H2H3 from Irish Leaving Certificate at Higher level, at least 3 must come from: Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.
Baccalaureate Certificates
- are accepted, this must include a minimum of 3 subjects at Higher level from: Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, at a minimum of 6 points each.
If you are applying as a registered Dispensing Optician
- you need to have ABDO Professional qualifications at 65% or above overall at the first sitting or Merit/Distinction in the FdSc Ophthalmic Dispensing registrable degree. Proof of registration with the GOC as a Dispensing Optician will also be required.
Exclusions:
- A level General Studies is not accepted for entry to this course.
- BTEC qualifications are not accepted for entry to this course.
- Access to HE Diplomas are not accepted for entry to this course.
- Scottish Highers are not accepted for entry to this course. We can only accept Scottish Advanced Highers.
- Foundation degrees are not accepted for entry to this course.
Important additional notes
- Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
- Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email answers@aru.ac.uk for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
- You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
- We don't accept AS level qualifications on their own for entry to our undergraduate degree courses. However for some degree courses a small number of tariff points from AS levels are accepted as long as they're combined with tariff points from A levels or other equivalent level 3 qualifications in other subjects.
