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Students
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 dateApplication 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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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
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