Course Summary

The Orthoptics programme aims to develop your knowledge of how the vision system works, binocular vision involving how the eyes work together, and eye movement systems including the importance of assessing ocular motility. In addition, you will focus on the fundamentals of the nervous system, neuro-anatomy and physiology, and where it relates to the practice of orthoptics. This background knowledge will enable a graduate orthoptist to perform as a competent and reflective practitioner and be a valuable member of the eye care team. The Orthoptic programme will equip a graduate with the skills to diagnose and manage conditions which may present in a range of patients from newborns to the elderly, eg strabismus (eye misalignments), amblyopia (sometimes called lazy eye), traumatic injuries, tumours, head injuries, diabetes and strokes. This programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as an orthoptist.

Course Details - Modules

Modules are not listed for this Course.

Course Details – Assessment Method

Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.

Course Details – Professional Bodies

Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.

How to Apply

26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application Codes

Course code: B520

Institution code: L41

Campus Name: Main Site

Campus code:

Points of Entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.

International applicants

Standard Qualification Requirements

Three A2 Levels (or two A2 Levels and two AS Levels with potential higher grades required) with at least one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology or Mathematics to full A-Level. Note: General Studies is not accepted Higher grades may be required from resit students and Applied Science A2 Level must be accompanied by another Science A-Level, not applied. For applicants from England: 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.

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.

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.

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.

30 points to include 3 Higher Level subjects at a minimum of grade 5. Biology must be offered at a minimum of a grade 6.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: Accepted at a minimum of Distinction accompanied by 2 A levels at grade B (A levels must include one of the following: Biology, Maths, Chemistry or Physics). Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (120 Credits) in either Health and Social Care or Applied Science at Grade DD, PLUS 1 additional A Level at a minimum of Grade B. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care will be considered at Grade DDD. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science will be considered at DDD.

Junior Certificate: 6 subjects at Grade B or above, to include Science, Mathematics and English Language. and 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.

Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate: Grade BB at A-Level ( which must include one of the following: Maths, Biology, Physics or Chemistry), plus the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at Grade A.

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. Careers conventions, information leaflets, and websites may also provide helpful background information. Declaration of Criminal Background You will understand that as a health sciences student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police. Please complete the Declaration of Criminal Background form‌‌. Health screening The University and the School of Health Sciences 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. Important information The academic profile, reference and personal statement of each candidate are given equal consideration. Due to the large number of applications it is advised that candidates ensure that they present with the strongest possible application. Additional essential requirements Additional requirements include: Knowlegde/understanding of the profession Evidence of care/compassion for others Evidence of teamwork and personal achievement Evidence of verbal/written communication skills Please download Orthoptics entry criteria 2017 for full details.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.

English language requirements

Test Grade AdditionalDetails
English Language Entry Requirement Information are not listed for this Course.

Unistats information

Student satisfaction : 90%

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs): 75%

Go onto work and study: 100%

Fees and funding

Additional Fee Information

If this is your first degree and you are a Home student applying for entry in 2021, you do not have to pay your fees upfront. Instead, you can take out a tuition fee loan which is paid straight to the University. This is available to most students, no matter what their household income. For students applying for 2021 entry Tuition fees for 2021 entry are £9,250. Exceptions to the £9,250 fee: Some of our programmes charge less than the full £9,250 fee: •Foundation programmes: the fee for the foundation year of specified programmes at Carmel College and Birkenhead Sixth Form College is £5,140. •Programmes with a year in industry or a year abroad: the fee for students spending a full year working in industry is £1,850. The fee for students spending a full year abroad is £1,385.

Provider information

The Foundation Building
765 Brownlow Hill
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Liverpool
L69 7ZX

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