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.