TEF Gold Undergraduate course

MOptom (Hons)

Optometry

Want an exciting career in eyecare? At Plymouth, you'll study a forward-thinking, clinically focused degree that will equip you with core skills, confidence, and industry experience – preparing you for success as a registered optometrist.

Our typical offer

128 UCAS points

Immersive learning, first-hand

At Plymouth, our innovative learning spaces – like the Centre for Eyecare Excellence (CEE) – are designed to help you apply your learning in practice and work with real patients.

Hands-on, real-world experience

You'll be gaining valuable experience on placements in a range of optometry settings, with regional practice placements during Years 1, 2 and 4 and a hospital placement in Year 3.

Graduate ready to enter the workforce

Graduate with the scientific and clinical knowledge, as well as the professional training, required by the General Optical Council (GOC) to practise as an optometrist.
MOptom (Hons) Optometry

292 future students discovered this course in the last week

About Details Experience Careers Fees and funding Apply Register for open day

About

Optometry students using the facilities

What inspires me now is seeing former students become successful optometrists providing eyecare to the UK population. Some of these optometrists have even embarked on becoming supervisors or lecturers themselves, and it's inspiring to see what a difference being in academia can make to individuals and consequently the communities they work in.

Dr Hetal Buckhurst
Dr Hetal Buckhurst Associate Professor in Optometry
 

This course is for you if...

you want to become part of a pioneering clinical degree programme – the first to bring optometry to the South West
Optometry icon
you want to develop your clinical and communication skills while working with real patients
Icon representing optometry - optometrist with eye chart behind
you want to make a difference to society through healthcare
Clipboard with heart showing heart beat
you want to boost your employability by learning through problem-solving and collaboration
Icon representing optometry - optometrist holding tool to check vision

Details

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll focus on learning the basic scientific principles of optometry. You’ll also begin developing the clinical skills essential to the profession. During your one-week observational placement, you’ll see first-hand what working as an optometrist involves.
MOptom (Hons) students learning optometry

Core modules

OPT404
Visual Perception 20 credits

This module is designed to help the student develop the necessary knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception, visual pathways and psychophysical methodology associated with visual perception.

100% Examinations

OPT405
Geometric and Physical Optics 10 credits

This module introduces the student to the physical and geometric properties of light and prepares the student for the module Visual optics and Ophthalmic lenses

100% Examinations

OPT406
Visual Optics and Ophthalmic Lenses 20 credits

This module introduces the student to the optical properties of the eye, ophthalmic lenses and other optical instruments.

70% Examinations

30% Clinical exams

OPT407
Anatomy and Physiology 20 credits

This module is designed to introduce optometry students to the fundamentals of ocular and human anatomy and physiology relevant to practice in this profession.

70% Examinations

30% Practicals

OPT408
Clinical Optometry Skills 20 credits

This module enables the student to develop the skills and competencies to conduct a basic refraction and ocular health examination.

50% Examinations

50% Clinical exams

SOHP401
Preparation for Practice 20 credits

This inter-professional module will introduce students to professional practice and the inherent standards expected of them. The characteristics and identity of allied health professionals, as evidence based practitioners, will underpin learning.

100% Coursework

HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1

Year 2

In the second year, you’ll learn about advanced ophthalmic examination and study ocular diseases and pharmacology in more detail. On your two-week clinical placement, you’ll start getting hands-on experience, applying the skills you’ve learnt so far and working directly with patients.
Optometry

Core modules

SOHP503
Project Studies 20 credits

This module develops knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content is designed to enable the students to understand different research designs, to evaluate the research literature and to prepare them to undertake research at undergraduate level. Meets all or part of HCPC Standards of Proficiency: 2b.1, 3a.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

OPT503
Paediatric and Binocular Vision 20 credits

This module will enable the student to understand and assess extra-ocular muscles and their relation to eye movements.

100% Examinations

OPT505
Clinical Optometry Skills and Refractive Management 30 credits

This module will enable the student extending and enhancing the clinical skills to conduct an eye examination and interpret the results to make basic clinical and refractive management recommendations.

50% Examinations

50% Clinical exams

OPT506
Specialist Optometry Skills 20 credits

This module addresses specialist skills in clinical optometry, including contact lenses and visual impairment.

50% Examinations

50% Clinical exams

OPT507
Introduction to Pathology and Therapeutics 30 credits

This module is designed to develop the necessary understanding, differential diagnosis and investigation of ocular and systemic pathology, including the principles of ocular pharmacology and medicines relevant to optometric practice and use in management of some ocular diseases.

70% Examinations

30% Practicals

HIPL500
Interprofessional Learning 2

Year 3

In your third year, you’ll continue developing confidence and clinical skills by working directly with real patients at the University’s Centre for Eye Care Excellence optometry practice. Alongside this practical learning, you’ll study complex case scenarios in the key areas of optometry and complete a supervised research project in an area you’re interested in. You’ll also investigate the legal and ethical issues around managing a business.
Optometry clinical equipment and techniques (1752760.jpg)

Core modules

SOHP605
Project 20 credits

This module consolidates knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. The content will support the students to undertake research at undergraduate level, to discuss their findings in the context of the contemporary evidence base and to evaluate the implications of their activities on their future practice.

100% Coursework

OPT601
General Optometric Practice 30 credits

This module will enable the student to apply and integrate previous experience to carry out a routine eye examination and consider occupational and lifestyle requirements to make appropriate management decisions.

100% Clinical exams

OPT602
Specialist Optometric Practice 30 credits

This module will enable the student to apply and integrate previous knowledge and skills gained in contact lenses, binocular vision and visual impairment to carry out routine and non-routine patient assessment and management.

100% Clinical exams

OPT603
Enhanced Pathology and Therapeutics 20 credits

This module is designed to build on and expand the student's knowledge and understanding of ocular and systemic pathology and therapeutics and supplements the second year introductory module.

100% Clinical exams

OPT604
Clinical Case Management in Optometry 20 credits

This module will enable the students to develop their problem solving and professional reasoning skills, including the legal and ethical framework, in optometric practice. The module will also help to develop an awareness of business skills relevant to optometrists.

60% Practicals

40% Coursework

Final year

In your fourth and final year you will undertake a 44 week placement where you will have the opportunity to hone your clinical skills. During this year you will work in clinical practice under the supervision of a Registered Optometrist.
Optometry clinic

Core modules

OPT701
Clinical Optometric Learning in Practice 1 40 credits

This module builds on studies in Year 3 and permits students to further develop their clinical testing and management skills under supervision in a clinical placement setting.

50% Examinations

50% Clinical exams

OPT702
Clinical Optometric Learning in Practice 2 40 credits

This module builds on studies in Year 3 and permits students to further develop their clinical testing and management skills under supervision in a clinical placement setting. The module ensures that students can work effectively and efficiently in the clinical environment, including addressing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) issues and delivering safe and effective testing, management and referral of patients.

50% Examinations

50% Clinical exams

Optional modules

ACO701
Glaucoma 20 credits

This module will enable students to extend their theoretical knowledge of glaucoma and develop their clinical skills to an enhanced level to support accurate referral and monitoring of diagnosed ocular hypertension and suspect chronic open angle glaucoma patients.

70% Examinations

30% Practicals

ACO702
Medical Retina 20 credits

This module will enable students to extend their theoretical knowledge of medical retina and develop their clinical skills to an enhanced level to support differential diagnosis, referral, management and treatment pathways.

70% Examinations

30% Practicals

ACO703
Acute and Emergency Eye Care 20 credits

This module will enable students to extend their theoretical knowledge of acute and emergency eyecare and develop their clinical skills to an enhanced level to support differential diagnosis, referral, management and treatment pathways.

70% Examinations

30% Practicals

ACO704
Cataract 20 credits

This module will enable students to extend their theoretical knowledge of cataract and develop their clinical skills to an enhanced level to support differential diagnosis, referral, management and treatment pathways.

70% Examinations

30% Practicals

 
 
 
  • The MOptom programme is being adapted as part of the GOC Education and Training Requirements.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

Hands-on learning

Our eye care clinic, the Centre for Eyecare Excellence (C.E.E) provides a wide range of eye care services to the community, including eye examinations, spectacle dispensing, contact lens fittings, and specialist clinics for children, individuals with visual impairments, and those with specific eye conditions.
The C.E.E is operated by fully qualified professionals, with some services provided by student optometrists under the supervision of highly trained and qualified staff. This approach ensures high-quality care at competitive prices while also serving as a cutting-edge teaching facility for undergraduate and postgraduate optometry students.
Explore the Centre for Eyecare Excellence
Optometry at CEE
 
 
 
Priya Rajbhandary

I have the opportunity to interact and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and generations every day in practice. I not only learn new things about eye health daily, but also about the society and the people within it. This is the most captivating aspect of pursuing a career in this field.

Priya
Optometry graduate

 
 
 

Work alongside other healthcare students

Teamwork is essential for success in health and social care and many other careers. Interprofessional learning is all about working and learning together with people from different areas of healthcare. It helps you build valuable skills for the future.
The Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre supports interprofessional learning, giving students chances to work with others across different healthcare fields including radiography, dietetics, dental surgery, psychology, and child nursing. By learning together, students become confident and ready to step into their careers from day one.

It is great to know how to ensure all of our professions can work effectively together. This benefits the service user and staff.

Healthcare systems always require improvement, it’s easier to know how to improve your area if you know how other areas work too.

Health students taking part in PIHC interprofessional learning activity
PIHC interprofessional learning session - 3 students kneeling on the floor looking at an exercise
Nursing students in clinical setting
Students using the new Optometry teaching spaces in the University of Plymouth's InterCity Place.

Real-world experience

We introduce you to working with patients and encourage you to start thinking like a healthcare professional right from the start. Practice placements in the first, second and fourth year, and hospital experience in the third and fourth year provide you with insight into your chosen career.
Together with the hands-on clinical experience you gain at our Centre for Eyecare Excellence (CEE) throughout the third year, your placement experience helps to ensure that you develop the clinical ability and confidence required to be a successful, capable clinician.
Your placements are generally over five days, Monday–Friday, and will take place throughout the South West.

I went to a Specsavers for my placement week, and I really enjoyed my time there. I got to see first-hand how the optometry practice worked and by sitting in with optometrists I was able to see cataracts on a real patient, problems such as macular degeneration and even some special emergency cases. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, and it allowed me to see how different professions work together within the practice to provide the best quality care for the patients. Doing it in the first year was very useful as it allowed me to gain a deeper insight into optometry.

Samia
MOtpom (Hons) Optometry student

I first felt like I was becoming an optometrist when I was performing pre-screening tests during my placement near the beginning of my first year. While performing these screenings, I was able to identify the different aspects of the back of the eye and could immediately spot anomalies and reassure patients about their eye concerns. Doing this with confidence is my proudest achievement in optometry so far.

Jumanah
Optometry graduate
Jumanah Akhtar optometry student
 
 
 

Learn from experienced optometry professionals

Our staff are qualified optometrists and vision specialists engaged in active research and clinical practice. They bring a wealth of professional expertise into the classroom, ensuring your learning is grounded in the latest evidence-based care, which you will apply in real-world clinical settings.
Professor Phillip Buckhurst Professor of Optometry


Professor of Optometry

Dr Gunnar Schmidtmann Associate Professor of Optometry and Vision Science


Associate Professor of Optometry and Vision Science

Dr Mahesh Joshi Lecturer in Optometry


Lecturer in Optometry

Show all
 
 
 

Join our optometry society 'OpSoc'

We understand that optometry is a demanding course that makes it difficult to find time to have a life outside of it. OpSoc is there to build a community for students and provide opportunities to socialise and unwind outside of the course. We have a calendar of social events that’s scheduled around commitments to the course, and wellbeing activities designed to give you the break you need.
OpSoc logo
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Luke McRoy-Jones, optometry graduate, 2023

My most memorable time at CEE was when I began to see patients of my own, under supervision, and this experience allowed me to grow clinically under the guidance of the clinical supervisors and develop my clinical skills, clinical routine, decision making skills and interpersonal skills. At CEE, I performed eye examinations, contact lens appointments and dispensing and this provided an excellent foundation for my pre-registration period and career as an Optometrist.

 
 
Gagandeep Matharu

A huge advantage of studying optometry at Plymouth was the chance to attend placements in different optometric settings, as well as at Derriford Hospital. There were also opportunities available for gaining plenty of practical experience within the newly established eye clinic.

Gagandeep
Optometry graduate

Whether you decide to work in high street practices, alongside other healthcare professionals in hospitals or make your mark in vision science research, throughout your degree we’ll help you plan for a successful career.
Optometry graduates find employment in a diverse range of roles, including working in:
  • NHS or private hospitals
  • independent or chain optical businesses
  • laser and refractive surgery
  • community practice in people’s own homes
  • specialist fields such as glaucoma care
  • vision science research and academia
  • industry
  • teaching
  • ]

    90% of all optometry graduates go on to work or further study

  • A

    96% of graduates said the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or 2026-2027.
Full-time study
ÂŁ9,535 per year
Part-time study
ÂŁ795 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
ÂŁ18,650 per year
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
ÂŁ19,200 per year
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 

Additional Costs

You are required to register with the General Optical Council and remain on the register whilst you are a student. There is an annual fee for this which is currently ÂŁ30.

Placements

All students within the School of Health Professions will spend time in placements away from university. The South West is a largely rural region, which often requires students to travel longer and further distances than may be expected when universities are in largely urban areas. In many cases, students will stay away from home for the duration of that placement. Some students on these courses are eligible for reimbursement of additional travel and accommodation costs over normal daily travel costs. This support is part of the Learning Support Fund administered through the NHS Business Services Authority. However, this should be investigated by the student to make sure this applies to their chosen course of study.
It is difficult to give a precise estimate of placement costs for each individual programme, due to the geographical spread of placements, and duration. However it is recommended you attend an Open Day to find out more about what placement costs can be anticipated or discuss placement with a member of our admissions teams.
Despite these costs, placements offer an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and are recognised as an essential part of students' development towards becoming a registered practitioner.

Optometry kit

Students are required to purchase their own Optometry kit which contains the basic equipment you will need during your time at university. The kit is currently priced at approximately ÂŁ60 (subject to change).
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
128 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English and Science. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application and who have achieved at least B/5 grades in Mathematics, English and Science. 
Please note that if you do not have this profile please contact the Admissions Team directly by emailing: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk and they will be happy to advise you further.

A levels
128 points from three A levels. Two A levels must come from either Maths, Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Psychology.
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A level, alongside two science subjects, as listed above. An applicant studying for an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside three A levels that meet the above criteria, will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. To be considered for this the EPQ must be in a relevant science-based topic and be predicted to achieve a strong grade.

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma: D*D*D Science profile, must include either Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma/National Diploma: D*D* and only considered in conjunction with Science or Mathematics A level at grade A.
BTEC modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access to HE Diploma
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (e.g. Science, Combined Science, Medicine) with at least 45 credits at level 3 of which 30 must be at distinction level and come from at least two specialisms including Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology. At least 9 credits must be in Maths or Physics. The remaining 15 level 3 credits must be at merit.

T level
Accepted – preference pathways would be Health and Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.

International Baccalaureate
32-34 points overall to include 3 subjects at Higher Level and 2 of these subjects must be at 6 points Higher Level. Subjects must come from either maths, use of maths, physics, chemistry, biology/human biology, applied science, psychology.
English accepted within. If overseas and not studying English within IB – must have IELTS.

English language requirements
IELTS: 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all elements.
For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary . 

Extended entry requirements

  • Please note we do not accept Key Skills Level 2 in place of GCSE English or mathematics.
  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification at the grades stated above.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.

Further information

Prospective optometry students are expected to attend an online interview, and complete satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare, and disclosure and barring processes before the start of your course.

Enhancing your application
Meeting the academic minimum does not guarantee you a place, you need to make sure that you are strong across all sections of your application form. Read more about enhancing your application .  

Interview days
Once your application has been received, we will consider your application to help us reach a decision. If successful at the initial screening stage, you will be invited to a short 10-minute online interview (via Zoom). The majority of health courses interview applicants, as this is a requirement of many health regulatory bodies. This applies to all Universities and is vital to the progression of applications.
Interviews enable:
  • you to give the best account of your skills, experience and character.
  • us to decide whether you will thrive in the University of Plymouth’s culture.
  • us to explain more about the University, programme and how we work with our students.
  Optometry interviews with the Faculty of Health : pre-work tasks, what to expect on the day of the interview and what happens after.

Screening
All offers are subject to satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare and disclosure and barring processes, before the start of your course.

Deferred entry
Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
 
 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
B511
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(with placements)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    128 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    B511
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    4 years
    (with placements)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth

    Other routes to this course

    The offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
    Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
     
    Book your place
    Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends
     
     
     
    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.