Master of Optometry MOptom (Hons)

Program Overview

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Master of Optometry

Overview

Optometry is a healthcare profession concerned with the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the human eye and visual system. In our aging population, the demand for eye care is expected to increase, and optometrists are ideally placed to help meet this demand in both the NHS and private practice.

Our integrated 4-year Master of Optometry (MOptom) programme has been completely redesigned for 2024, modernising our course content and structure to enable you to proceed directly to registration as a fully-qualified optometrist with the General Optical Council (GOC) upon completion.

Upon graduation, you will be a skilled, patient-focussed optometrist ready for modern optometric practice. You will be eligible to register with the GOC and practise independently as an optometrist in the UK. You will be highly employable, having developed excellent clinical and communication skills and will be well equipped for lifelong learning and ongoing professional development throughout your career.

Professional Accreditation

This course is approved by the General Optical Council (GOC).

The programme is delivered in partnership with the College of Optometrists (CoO), the professional body for optometrists, ensuring you gain real working experience as part of your training.

Rankings

The University of Bradford is ranked 9th in the UK in the Complete University Guide Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics Subject League Table 2024.

Entry Requirements

At Bradford, we take into consideration a number of factors when assessing your application.

• Typical offer - 136 UCAS tariff points.
• A DBS check is required.

A Levels

• AAB, to include two pure Science subjects (Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths) required at minimum AA. General Studies is not accepted.
• Please note that where a science A level is taken, the University will require applicants to pass the practical element (for A levels awarded from August 2017 onwards).
• Applicants are allowed a maximum of three years on AS and A2 level to meet our entry requirements.

T Levels

• Not accepted for this course.

BTEC Extended Diploma

• Applied Science. DDD. Only accepted if combined with a pure Science A level minimum grade B.
• BTEC National Diploma - any subject with DD. Only accepted if combined with 2 pure Science A levels minimum grade B.
• BTEC National Extended Certificate - any subject with D. Only accepted if combined with 2 pure Science A levels minimum grade A.

Applicants on Access Programmes

• Meet UCAS tariff of 136. Science, Medicine, Science and Engineering, Dentistry, Pharmacy or Medical Sciences accepted.
• Applicants are allowed a maximum of two attempts at an Access course to meet our entry requirements. To be allowed to retake your access course you must have completed the full 60 credits in the first attempt at the access course. Your second attempt at an access course must be a full 60 credits in a relevant access course - you cannot resit individual modules to top up the previous access course results.

International Baccalaureate Requirements

• 136 UCAS tariff points from 3 HL subjects to include 2 HL science subjects at Grade 6 and a third HL subject at Grade 6.
• Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B.
• Plus minimum of
  • Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 to include English Language, Maths (note: GCSE English Language and Mathematics equivalences will not be accepted) and at least one of the following: Double Award Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
  • Those applying with Access courses are only required to have GCSE English Language and Maths, plus one Science subject (Double Award Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at grade C or grade 4.

Additional Entry Requirements

• All students enrolled on the course will be required to register with the General Optical Council (GOC).
• Whilst not mandatory, a period of paid employment in an optical practice (supported by an employer reference) will strongly support an application.
• Applicants will be considered on their highest relevant qualification or study (even if this study is not a complete qualification).

English Language Requirements

• Minimum IELTS at 7.0 with no subtest below 6.5 or the equivalent.

Your Learning Journey

All module information is for 2025 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

• Core
  • Ocular Health and Disease 1
  • Vision, Optics and Refractive Correction 1
  • Optometric Practice 1

Second Year

• Core
  • Ocular Health and Disease 2
  • Vision, Optics and Refractive Correction 2
  • Optometric Practice 2

Third Year

• Core
  • Optometric Practice 3

Final Year

• Core
  • Optometric Practice 4 (with Clinical Placement)
  • Optometric Practice 5 (with Clinical Placement)

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

A wide variety of teaching methods are employed throughout the programme, including lectures, seminars, practical sessions and clinical supervision. They focus progressively on student-centred approaches to learning - you are expected to take increasing responsibility for your learning as you progress through the programme.

A range of assessment methods are used for each module. All modules include both formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment has a developmental purpose and is designed to help you learn more effectively by giving you feedback on your performance and on how it can be improved and/or maintained. Summative assessment for each module includes written exams, whilst many modules will require you to demonstrate practical or clinical ability or competence.

The course is clinically-focussed from the start. You will learn all the practical techniques, theoretical underpinnings, professionalism and communication skills required to qualify as an optometrist.

You will be taught at one of the UK’s longest-established optometry schools by academics and tutors who are experts in their fields. Our world-class teaching facilities have recently been refurbished with £1.2 million of new state-of-the-art equipment and include an integrated eye clinic and our unique Directed Learning Suites.

Our course is renowned for its clinical emphasis and these skills are taught right from the start of the course. You will learn the essential skills required of an optometrist during years 1 and 2, before progressing to gain experience, under expert supervision, in the University’s own eye clinic in year 3. You will then proceed into a 44-week extended clinical placement delivered in partnership with the College of Optometrists in year 4.

The extended clinical placement is a period of paid employment within optometric practice, external to the University. You will be responsible for applying for and securing this placement with the support of the College of Optometrists and the University’s Career and Employability service.

Facilities

In our Ocular Health Room, you'll learn from optometrists with broad experience in optometric practice and teaching. Staff are actively involved in academic research, which you may become involved with in your final year.

Fees, Finance and Scholarships

Tuition Fee

• UK: £9,535
• International: £24,456

Additional Course Costs

As part of this course you will need to register with the General Optical Council. The cost for this is £30.

Funding Your Studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.

Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career Prospects

Most graduates, on completion of the pre-registration year and having passed the Final Assessment Examinations set by the College of Optometrists, become registered with the General Optical Council to practise as optometrists.

Once qualified you can work in private practice, in hospital optometry or in optometric teaching and research. You will need an interest and ability in scientific work, in helping and communicating with people, and a measure of manual dexterity.

Career Opportunities

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Support for Your Studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions.

We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.

In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.

• 78% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 84% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
• 90% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

See course data

Transparency Statement

Information about this programme and its modules has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them.