Optometry MSci
Course Overview - Optometry MSci
The Manchester MSci Optometry course will enable you to gain the knowledge and skills required to register as a UK optometrist.
The course uses mixed learning methods, but the key Manchester approach is the study of themed patient cases in an active learning environment that will allow you to integrate scientific understanding, clinical skills and professional skills throughout the course. Facilitated group activities will emphasise enquiry, discussion, self-education, and the development of critical faculties and communication skills, all essential skills for healthcare pr...
The Manchester MSci Optometry course will enable you to gain the knowledge and skills required to register as a UK optometrist.<br/><br/>The course uses mixed learning methods, but the key Manchester approach is the study of themed patient cases in an active learning environment that will allow you to integrate scientific understanding, clinical skills and professional skills throughout the course. Facilitated group activities will emphasise enquiry, discussion, self-education, and the development of critical faculties and communication skills, all essential skills for healthcare professionals.<br/><br/>You will cover a broad spectrum of industry-relevant study areas that prepare you for work as a professional optometrist, including:<br/><br/><br/>- the key principles of optics;<br/><br/><br/>- clinical optics and treating eye and vision disorders;<br/><br/><br/>- ocular function and structure;<br/><br/><br/>- the science of vision.<br/><br/><br/>We provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment, with each year group looked after by a team of academics and clinicians. Theory assessments are focused on clinical cases and are taken at the end of an academic year, with plenty of opportunity to practise beforehand. Practical skills are monitored and assessed throughout the year rather than using a single set of high-pressure practical tests.<br/><br/>You will meet volunteer patients in your first year and then receive clinical experience in our university optometry clinics from the second year, seeing real patients and working in teams with students from across the course. You will also have the opportunity to gain clinical experience in a wide range of settings external to the University, for example in community, hospital, and domiciliary practice. In your final two years, you can choose to focus on a specialist area of optometry.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
B511
Institution Code
M20
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
We require grades AABBB to include two science subjects (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Biology) together with grade B in an Advanced Higher science subject. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and mathematics at Higher level.
Access to HE Diploma
We require 60 credits overall with 45 at Level 3, including a minimum of 15 credits in Biology with a Distinction grade, plus a minimum of 15 credits in Chemistry with a Distinction grade and a further 15 credits with Distinction. Applicants should also have GCSE English Language at grade 5 (B) or above and GCSE Maths at grade 5 (B) or above, or equivalent. We also consider other factors such as additional educational achievements, life experience and skills on an individual basis. We will accept C+ in the Northern Ireland reformed GCSEs. Students educated up to GCSE level who have only taken a one-year Access course will not normally be accepted.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
35
35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects, including two sciences (from Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Physics). For this course we will accept Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation. Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD
We do not consider the National Extended Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking a National Extended Diploma must achieve DDD alongside one science A-level (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grade A.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
We require at least five GCSEs at minimum grade 5 (B), including English Language and Mathematics. We will accept C+ in the Northern Ireland reformed GCSEs. For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP+ using the University's Contextual Data Elig
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
We do not consider the National Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking a National Diploma must achieve DD alongside two science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AB.
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
DD
We do not consider the Cambridge Technical Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking the Cambridge Technical Diploma must achieve DD alongside two science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AB.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
DDD
We do not consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma must achieve DDD alongside one science A-level (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grade A.
Scottish Advanced Higher
We require grades AABBB to include two science subjects (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Biology) together with grade B in an Advanced Higher science subject. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and mathematics at Higher level.
Extended Project
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
We do not consider the National Extended Certificate for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking a National Extended Certificate must achieve D alongside two science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AA.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D
We do not consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking a National Foundation Diploma must achieve D alongside two science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AA.
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
DD
We do not consider the Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking the Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma must achieve DD alongside two science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AA.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
D
We do not consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate must achieve D alongside two science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AA.
A level
A,A,A
A,A,B
AAA - AAB, including two science subjects (Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry) normally to be taken in one sitting. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels. Typical Contextual Offer: AAB- ABB including two science subjects (Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry) normally to be taken in one sitting. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Lev
T Level
Not Accepted
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and we do require two A-levels or equivalent to be included within this (please see subject requirements for A-level). We accept the Welsh Baccalaureate in place of the third A-level only.
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