Tuition Fee
GBP 27,200
Start Date
2025-09-22
Medium of studying
Duration
36 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Ophthalmology | Optometry | Vision Science
Area of study
Health
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 27,200
Intakes
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-22 | - |
| 2024-09-22 | - |
About Program
Program Overview
Graduates are eligible for statutory registration with the HCPC and can pursue careers in the NHS, private clinics, or international opportunities. The program emphasizes research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated faculty.
Program Outline
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with the necessary skills to diagnose and manage conditions affecting patients of all ages, including strabismus disorders, amblyopia, traumatic injuries, tumours, head injuries, diabetes, and strokes.
- Develop a strong understanding of the nervous system, neuro-anatomy, and physiology, and their relevance to orthoptic practice.
- Foster the development of competent and reflective practitioners capable of becoming valuable members of an eye care team.
Outline:
Year One:
- Semester One:
- CLINICAL AND THEORETICAL ORTHOPTICS 1.1 (ORTH137): Introduces fundamental principles of orthoptics and clinical investigation of normal binocular vision, visual function, and ocular motility. Includes mandatory training for clinical practice. Assessed through a written exam and a practical exam. Assessed through a 1500 word assignment.
- VISUAL OPTICS (ORTH138): Introduces basic principles of physical, geometric, and physiological optics. Assessed through a 1.5 hour written exam.
- Semester Two:
- CLINICAL AND THEORETICAL ORTHOPTICS 1.2 (ORTH140): Develops knowledge relating to the investigation of orthoptic patients within clinical practice. Includes practical skills sessions and clinical placement. Assessed through a 2 hour written examination and a 45 minute practical examination.
- OPHTHALMOLOGY 1 (ORTH142): Provides an introduction to the aetiologies, signs, symptoms, and investigation of common ophthalmic disorders encountered during orthoptic clinical practice. Assessed through two online examinations. Assessed through a 1500 word assignment and an individual poster assessment.
Year Two:
- Semester One:
- CLINICAL AND THEORETICAL ORTHOPTICS 2.1 (ORTH237): Develops material relating to concomitant strabismus, near vision anomalies, delayed visual maturation, and amblyopia. Includes clinical placements. Assessed through a written examination, a practical examination, a summative clinical placement mark, and a reflective clinical portfolio. Assessed through a short notes written paper and a clinical skills assessment. Assessed through a 90 minute short notes exam.
- INTERPRETING THE EVIDENCE: RESEARCH METHODS & STATISTICS (ORTH238): Develops research skills and introduces concepts relating to the use of evidence. Assessed through a 1.5 hour online exam.
- Semester Two:
- CLINICAL AND THEORETICAL ORTHOPTICS 2.2 (ORTH240): Develops the theory of orthoptic investigation and management of incomitant strabismus related to mechanical, myogenic, and neurological aetiologies. Includes clinical placements. Assessed through a written examination, a practical examination, a summative clinical placement mark, and a reflective clinical portfolio.
- EXEMPTIONS FOR THE USE OF MEDICINES BY ORTHOPTISTS (ORTH230): Equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to use medicines under exemptions within the scope of orthoptic practice. Assessed through a written exam and practical competencies.
- RESEARCH STUDY (ORTH241): Focuses on the application of research. Students plan a project in small groups, analyze data, and present findings. Assessed through a group project.
Year Three:
- LITERATURE REVIEW (ORTH310): Students choose a specific area of interest and produce a comprehensive literature review. Assessed through a 6000 word literature review.
- Semester Two:
- ORTHOPTIC CLINICAL PRACTICE (ORTH335): Develops content relating to the investigation and management of concomitant and incomitant strabismus and amblyopia. Includes clinical placements. Assessed through a practical clinical examination, ongoing practical assessment on clinical placement, and a clinical portfolio.
- CLINICAL VISUAL OPTICS (ORTH332): Develops understanding of optics and refraction. Assessed through a practical exam and a written exam.
- Developing and enhancing practice (ORTH334): Delivers material related to aspects of ophthalmological practice that orthoptists undertake as an extended or specialist role. Assessed through a group presentation and a 1500 word assignment.
Assessment:
- Assessment Methods:
- Unseen and seen written examinations
- Essay assignments with specific word lengths
- Multiple choice questions
- Case study presentations
- Video analysis
- Interactive practical examinations
- Clinical portfolio
- Group projects
- Oral presentations
- Literature reviews
- Assessment Criteria:
- Demonstrating intellectual abilities in all areas
- Communicating views orally and in written form
- Analyzing, implementing, and evaluating practice
- Extending the research and evidence base of the profession
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods:
- Interactive lectures
- Practical and clinical skills group work
- Simulation
- Directed study
- Role play
- Problem-based learning
- Small group work
- Student-led seminars
- Collaborative project work
- Interactive tutorials
- Faculty:
- Experienced and qualified teaching staff from the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing
- Unique Approaches:
- Liverpool Curriculum Framework: focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment.
- Clinical Skills Resource Room and Human Anatomy Resource Centre: provide access to state-of-the-art equipment for practical work.
- Inter-professional education and learning opportunities across all healthcare professions programmes.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Orthoptist in the National Health Service
- Extended roles and advanced practice in areas such as stroke, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and special educational needs
- Private clinics
- International opportunities
- Opportunities:
- Excellent record of graduate employment
- Opportunities to progress within the profession
- Outcomes:
- Rewarding career as an autonomous practitioner and part of the healthcare team
- Eligibility for statutory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Other:
- Global Opportunities:
- Year in China at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University
- Year abroad at partner universities in up to 26 countries
- Summer abroad at partner institutions
- Language Study:
- Options to study a language as part of or alongside the degree
- Supporting Your Learning:
- Careers and employability support
- Dedicated student services team
- Confidential counselling and support
- Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
- Inclusivity and accessibility
Tuition fees UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) Full-time place, per year £9,250 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £1,385 International fees Full-time place, per year £27,200 Year abroad fee £13,600
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About University
University of Liverpool
Total programs
840
Admission Requirements
Entry Requirements:
- For applicants from Taiwan:
- A-levels, International Baccalaureate, SATs: Students offering A-levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 28 points or SATs can apply for direct entry to year one of undergraduate programmes.
- Available foundation years: Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Orthoptics) (Year 0) BSc (Hons)
- T levels: T levels considered in a relevant subject. Health and Science (Health, Healthcare Science and Science pathways)
- GCSE: 5 GCSE subjects at grade A*-C or grades 9-4. Subjects to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science. Core and Applied Science GCSEs will not be considered. All GCSEs should be obtained at one sitting. Science Dual Award is acceptable. Applied GCSEs will not be considered.
- Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: BTEC Nationals are considered in addition to 5 GCSEs grades A* – C or level 5, which must include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject. Science Dual Award is acceptable. Core and Additional Science are also considered. Please note that Applied GCSEs will not be considered.
- BTEC National Extended Certificate: Will be accepted at a minimum of Distinction accompanied by 2 A2 subjects at grade B to include one of the following: Biology, Maths, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: Will be accepted in either Health and Social Care or Applied Science at Grade DD, plus 1 additional A Level at a minimum of Grade B.
- BTEC National Extended Diploma: Will be accepted in in Health and Social Care and Applied Science at Grade DDD.
- International Baccalaureate: 30 points to include 3 Higher Level subjects at minimum of Grade 5. Biology must be offered at a minimum of Grade 6.
- European Baccalaureate: 74% overall with a minimum mark of 8 in biology and no subject mark below 6.
- Irish Leaving Certificate: 6 Higher Level subjects to include English and Mathematics and one of the following Science subjects: Biology, Physics or Chemistry. Two subjects should be graded at H2 or higher (this should include a Science subject) and the remaining four subjects should be graded at H3 or higher.
- Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher: Highers: BBBBB (must include Biology, Physics, Maths or Chemistry).
- Combination of Advanced Highers and Highers will be considered. A mixed presentation must include Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths at a minimum grade B. Advanced Highers must be in different subjects to those of Highers.
- Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced: Grade BB at A-Level ( which must include one of the following: Maths, psychology, Biology, Physics or Chemistry), plus the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at Grade B
- Cambridge Pre-U Diploma: Will be considered.
- AQA Baccalaureate: Will be considered.
- Graduate application: We welcome applications from graduates holding a minimum of a 2:2 classification. If your degree is not science related, contact the admissions tutor direct. Experience in health care is also an advantage.
- The degree qualification should be supported by a sound academic background, with a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* – C, which should include English Language, Mathematics and Science.
- Access: Essential: 45 credits at Level 3 in Biological, Psychological, Mathematical, Healthcare or Physics based subjects. 30 credits passed at distinction (Must include a minimum of 15 credits in a Biological or Physiological Science) and the remaining 15 credits must be passed at merit or higher.
- 5 GCSE subjects graded A*C and must include: English Language, Mathematics and Science.
- Profession-specific knowledge and skills required:
- Candidates must show evidence, in their UCAS Personal Statement, of a good understanding of the profession. It is highly recommended that a candidate should observe a state registered Orthoptist, but where this is not possible a visit to a clinical department involving discussion with the Orthoptist is required. The experience gained should be discussed in their UCAS Personal Statement, and the applicant must show evidence of a good understanding.
- Candidates should be able to discuss in lay terms the conditions/examination procedures etc observed. They must also be aware of the differences between Orthoptics and Optometry.
- Candidates should have experience of working with the general public and especially children, people with special needs and the elderly.
- Declaration of criminal background: You will understand that as an allied health professions and nursing student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people.
- If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete.
- Health screening: The University and the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing has an obligation to undertake health screening on all prospective healthcare students. Any offer of a place to study is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This will include some obligatory immunisations and blood tests.
- Disability information: If you have, or think you have dyslexia or a long term health condition or impairment that may have the potential to impact upon your studies and/or your Fitness to Practice duty, please complete the Disability form. We will contact you to discuss your support needs.
- International qualifications:
- The IELTS requirement is an overall score of 7.0 with no component less than 6.5
- Please note – whilst we do accept IELTS qualifications, we do not accept IELTS qualifications that have been sat and gained online. We only accept qualifications that have been sat and gained in person.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5
- International Baccalaureate: Standard Level grade 5 or Higher Level grade 4 in English B, English Language and Literature, or English Language
Location
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