Program Overview

Perioperative Studies (Top-up) (Distance Learning) BSc(Hons)

The Perioperative Studies (Top-up) (Distance Learning) BSc(Hons) course provides the opportunity for qualified Operation Department Practitioners (ODP) to undertake a top-up degree through distance learning. This course allows students to use their professional qualification and registration to APEL the first year of a degree programme.

Overview

This course is designed to meet the real-world career development needs of practitioners. It is developed as a result of talking to theatre managers and aims to enhance students' understanding of operating department practice and link this to evidence-based practice.

Key Information

• Start date: 22 September 2025
• Duration: 2 years part-time
• Places available: 30 (subject to change)

Entry Requirements

Due to the top-up nature of this degree, the course is suitable for all Operating Department Practitioners (Diploma HE, City and Guilds 752, NVQ 3 or Cert HE) and registered nurses working in a perioperative setting. Students must be employed in a perioperative setting and hold current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). They must also have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and the ability to access and use online study guidance and support.

Course Detail

The course is delivered through distance learning, allowing students to study at a time that meets their own personal and professional commitments. Students will be taught by leading academics and receive support from fellow students. The modules on this course provide students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills in order to enhance their understanding of operating department practice and link this to evidence-based practice.

Year 1 and Year 2

• Developing an Understanding of Research Processes and Methods (Distance Learning): This module provides students with the opportunity to evaluate and critically appraise published healthcare research, as well as develop an understanding of different designs, methods, and approaches to research.
• Advancing Perioperative Practice (Distance Learning): This module provides the opportunity to advance existing knowledge of patient care by exploring and analyzing evidence-based practice and current research.
• Leadership and Management in Health Professional Practice (Distance Learning): This module provides the opportunity to develop an understanding of leadership and management in healthcare practice.
• Research-Based Project (Distance Learning): Students will examine an area of current practice under the supervision of a member of academic staff and submit a research-based project.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching on this course is delivered through lectures, group work, seminars, tutorials, online learning logs, and distance learning. A variety of assessment methods will be utilized, including negotiated learning contracts, reports, essays, research critiques, and a project.

Technology and System Requirements

As this is a distance learning course, students will need regular access to a computer with a broadband connection to the internet and an up-to-date web browser. The University has a system called the Student Digital Driving Licence, which will carry out a check of the student's computer to ensure it meets the necessary requirements.

Fees and Finance

• Tuition Fees - part-time: The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £1,589 per 20 credit module and £2,384 per 30 credit module per year for part-time students (subject to parliamentary approval).

Career Support

The modules have been developed to assist the career enhancement of theatre practitioners, providing the opportunity to develop an understanding of and implement advanced perioperative theories. This may help the career development of practitioners and their ability to analyze and develop clinical practice.

Research Excellence

The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. The University's researchers carry out work that makes a real difference to people's lives, with three-quarters of all research being world-leading and internationally excellent.