Program Overview

Overview of the Operating Department Practice BSc(Hons) Course

The Operating Department Practice BSc(Hons) course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to work as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) in a variety of healthcare settings. ODPs work alongside surgeons, anesthetists, and other medical staff to provide care for patients during surgery.

Why Study Operating Department Practice BSc(Hons)

This course offers students the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in the theory and practice of operating department practice. Students will learn about the three interconnected aspects of the role: anesthetic, surgical, and post-anesthetic care. The course is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets the standards of the profession.

Course Structure

The course is divided into three years, with each year building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive education in operating department practice.

• Year 1:
  • Core modules include Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Operating Department Practice, Introduction to Perioperative Practice and Patient Care (Placement 1), Principles of Anesthesia for Operating Department Practice, and Principles of Surgery for Operating Department Practice.
  • Students will also study Research and Professional Accountability for Operating Department Practice.
• Year 2:
  • Core modules include Critical Care of the Perioperative Patient, Implementation of Perioperative Practice (Placement 2), Patho-physiological Processes Related to Peri-operative Practice, and Research and Professional Accountability for Operating Department Practice 2.
  • Students will also explore Theories of Perioperative Practice.
• Year 3:
  • Core modules include Developing Perioperative Practice, Leadership and Management in the Perioperative Environment, Managing Enhanced and Complex Perioperative Practice (Placement 3), and Perioperative Research-based Project.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching on the course involves a combination of academic and clinical development, providing links between theory and practice in the perioperative environment. Students will learn through a variety of teaching approaches, including seminars, group work, practical sessions, lectures, simulation, and problem-based learning. Assessment methods include coursework, simulation assessments, and examinations.

Placements

Clinical placements are a compulsory element of the course, providing students with the opportunity to develop the required clinical skills and experience a variety of placements and procedures in the perioperative environment. Placements will be undertaken in a range of settings, including NHS hospitals and private hospitals.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this course can pursue a range of career opportunities, including roles as perioperative practitioners, specialist practitioners, team leaders, managers, educators, and academics. The course enables graduates to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration and work as a perioperative practitioner.

Fees and Finance

The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students. Students studying this course may be eligible to receive a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each year. Further information is available on the NHS Learning Support Fund Website.

Entry Requirements

• A Level: BBC-BCC
• BTEC: DMM-MMM
• Pass in T Level with grade C or above on core
• 112-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications
• NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade C
• Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits, 15 at Distinction, and 30 at Merit
• 112-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications
• GCSE English Language or Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or equivalent Ofqual regulated qualification

Additional Requirements

• Offers will be subject to an interview and references.
• Students must be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the role and work of the operating department practitioner.
• Satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances are required prior to registration.
• Placement providers may require students to have received a number of vaccinations, unless medically exempt, and provide evidence of these.