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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Optometry
Area of study
Health
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


The Optometry program at Ulster University is a 4-year Master's degree designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to diagnose and manage visual problems. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in scientific principles, combined with extensive clinical practice and experience. Graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths in the field of eye care, including optometrist, clinical optometrist, research optometrist, and academic optometrist. The program is accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC), ensuring graduates meet the highest standards of professional practice.

Program Outline


Degree Overview:


Overview:

The Optometry program at Ulster University is a 4-year Master of Optometry with Honours degree. It is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and manage visual problems, prescribe visual aids, and work as primary care practitioners in the field of eye care. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in scientific principles and methods, combined with extensive clinical practice and experience.


Objectives:

  • To produce graduates who are competent, confident, and ethical optometrists.
  • To develop students' clinical skills in the diagnosis and management of ocular conditions.
  • To equip students with the necessary skills to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.
  • To foster students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in a clinical setting.

Program Description:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, laboratory practicals, clinical placements, and tutorials. The curriculum emphasizes a student-centered approach, encouraging active participation and independent learning. The program is delivered by a team of experienced and dedicated academics, who are actively involved in research and clinical practice. This ensures that students receive the most up-to-date knowledge and skills in the field of optometry.


Outline:


Program Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Anatomy and Physiology of the Visual System: This module provides students with a thorough understanding of the structure and function of the eye and its associated structures.
  • Clinical Skills: This module equips students with the necessary skills to examine patients and perform a comprehensive eye examination.
  • Binocular Vision: This module focuses on the assessment and management of binocular vision problems, such as strabismus and amblyopia.
  • Contact Lenses: This module provides students with the knowledge and skills to fit and manage contact lenses.
  • Low Vision: This module covers the assessment and management of patients with low vision.
  • Professional and Clinical Practice: This module focuses on the development of professional skills, including communication, ethics, and patient management.

Structure:

The program is delivered over four years, with each year divided into two semesters.


Individual Modules:

A comprehensive description of each individual module, including learning outcomes, assessment methods, and required readings, can be found on the Ulster University website.


Assessment:


Assessment Methods:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module, but may include coursework, examinations, clinical assessments, and presentations.


Assessment Criteria:

Assessment criteria are designed to measure students' achievement of the learning outcomes for each module. This may include their knowledge, skills, and understanding of the subject matter, as well as their ability to apply their learning in a clinical setting.


Teaching:


Teaching Methods:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

  • Lectures: These provide students with an overview of key topics and concepts.
  • Laboratory Practicals: These allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
  • Clinical Placements: These provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a clinical setting.
  • Tutorials: These provide students with an opportunity to discuss and clarify concepts in smaller groups.
  • Problem-based learning: This approach encourages students to take an active role in their learning by solving real-world problems.

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated academics, who are actively involved in research and clinical practice. This ensures that students receive the most up-to-date knowledge and skills in the field of optometry.


Unique Approaches:

The program utilizes a number of unique approaches, including:

  • A strong emphasis on clinical practice: Students gain extensive experience in the University Optometry Clinic, which is a public access primary care clinic.
  • A small student-to-staff ratio: This ensures that students receive individualized attention and support.
  • A focus on student-centered learning: Students are encouraged to take an active role in their learning and to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Advanced instrumentation: The program has access to a wide range of advanced instrumentation for both teaching and research.

Careers:


Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the program may pursue a variety of career paths, including:

  • Optometrist: Optometrists are primary care practitioners who provide comprehensive eye care services, including eye examinations, vision correction, diagnosis and management of eye diseases, and pre- and post-operative care.
  • Clinical Optometrist: Clinical optometrists specialize in the diagnosis and management of eye diseases.
  • They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.
  • Research Optometrist: Research optometrists conduct research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of eye diseases.
  • They may work in universities, research institutions, or the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Academic Optometrist: Academic optometrists teach and mentor future generations of optometrists.
  • Program Accreditation: The program is accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC).
  • Clinical Placements: The program offers a variety of clinical placement opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Summary:

The Optometry program at Ulster University is a comprehensive and rigorous program that prepares graduates for a successful career in the field of eye care. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in scientific principles, combined with extensive clinical practice and experience. Students benefit from a small student-to-staff ratio, a focus on student-centered learning, and access to advanced instrumentation.

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About University
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Bachelors
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Courses

Ulster University


Overview:

Ulster University is a public university in Northern Ireland with campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, Derry~Londonderry, and a dedicated Sports Village. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research opportunities. The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation, ranking in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact.


Services Offered:

Ulster University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

    Accommodation:

    On-campus accommodation options are available at all campuses.

    Sports Services:

    The university boasts a dedicated Sports Village with various facilities and memberships.

    Student Union:

    The Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU) offers a variety of support services and social activities.

    Student Wellbeing:

    The university provides support services for student mental health and well-being.

    Digital Services:

    Students have access to online resources and services through the university portal.

    Library Services:

    The university library offers a wide range of resources and support for learning, teaching, and research.

    Employability and Careers Advice:

    The university provides guidance and support for students seeking employment opportunities.

    Global Partnerships:

    The university offers opportunities for international students and partnerships with other institutions.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Ulster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:

    Strong sense of community:

    Each campus fosters a welcoming and supportive environment.

    Active student life:

    UUSU organizes various social events, clubs, and societies.

    Access to facilities:

    Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and accommodation.

    Opportunities for personal development:

    The university offers various programs and activities to enhance students' skills and well-being.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    High-quality education:

    Ulster University offers a wide range of programs taught by experienced academics.

    Strong research focus:

    The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation.

    Vibrant campus life:

    Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience.

    Excellent support services:

    The university provides comprehensive support services for students' academic and personal needs.

    Career-focused approach:

    The university emphasizes employability and provides career guidance to students.

Academic Programs:

Ulster University offers a wide range of academic programs across various faculties, including:

    Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

    Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment

    Life and Health Sciences

    Ulster University Business School

The university is particularly strong in areas such as:

    Nursing and Healthcare

    Business and Management

    Engineering and Technology

    Arts and Humanities


Other:

  • The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
  • Ulster University is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
  • The university has a dedicated website for alumni and supporters.
  • The university offers a range of online courses and resources.

Total programs
959
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


UK and EU Students


A Level:

Grades ABB, with


Scottish Highers:

ABBBC to include grades AB in two subjects from Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or Maths. English & Mathematics required at Standard Level 1, 2, or 3.


Scottish Advanced Highers:

BBB to include two subjects from Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or Maths. English & Mathematics required at Standard Level 1, 2, or 3.


International Baccalaureate:

Overall profile minimum of 28 points with 14 points at higher level to include two science subjects from Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or Maths.


BTEC:

  • Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science: DDM(including six units from: Fundamentals of Science/Mathematical Calculations for Science/Using Statistics for Science/Physiology of Human Body Systems/Physiology of Human Regulation & Reproduction/Biochemistry & Biochemical Techniques/Medical Physics Techniques).
  • Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science: DD (acceptable with one other A-level at grade B).
  • Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science: D (acceptable with two A-levels at grades AB – including at least one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics).

Access to Higher Education (HE):

  • Pass science-based Access Programme with 120 credits - overall profile of 70% in L3 modules (NI Access Course)
  • Pass science-based Access Programme with 60 credits - overall profile of 39 credits at distinction and 6 credits at merit (GB Access Course)

Additional Requirements:

  • GCSE pass at grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics.
  • GCSE pass at grade C/4 or above in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Double Award Science.

International Students (Outside EU)

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