Orthoptics is a rewarding profession focused on diagnosing and managing eye movement and vision problems in people of all ages. As an orthoptist, you’ll work with patients to improve their visual function, often as part of a wider clinical team in hospital eye departments.

Our BSc Orthoptics course is the only orthoptics degree in Scotland, and the only course in the UK to be jointly taught with Optometry.

This course is ideal if you are interested in healthcare and enjoy problem-solving and working with people. Whether you're coming straight from school or returning to study later in life, you'll find a supportive learning environment and a clear path to a meaningful career.

From Year 1, you'll gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in NHS departments across Scotland and the UK. These placements grow in scope as you progress, helping you build confidence and practical skills.

We’re delighted to announce that accommodation and travel costs for home (Scottish) students are now completely funded by Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). This applies to any placement located in the UK and Ireland.

If you're curious about how vision works, passionate about helping others, and looking for a career with excellent job prospects, Orthoptics is the perfect degree.

#### Why study Orthoptics at GCU?

* We offer the only Orthoptics degree in Scotland, and the only one in the UK to be jointly taught with Optometry.

* You’ll learn alongside future optometrists and build strong multidisciplinary skills from day one.

* Clinical placements begin early and run alongside your academic studies, helping you build confidence and practical experience from the very start.

* You’ll have access to our Vision Centre, a specialist teaching clinic where you’ll work with Optometry peers and begin your journey as part of a wider eye care team.

* Orthoptics is a niche profession, and our graduates are highly regarded across the UK. With strong demand for skilled practitioners, you’ll have excellent career opportunities in clinical practice and beyond.

## What you will study

We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.

The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.

[Input] Year 1

【96†Foundations in Binocular Vision and Orthoptic Practice】

【97†Visual Optics, Refraction and Binocular Vision】

【98†Biology of the Human Eye and Supporting Structures】

【99†Neural Anatomy and Physiology】

【100†Optics for Orthoptics】

【101†Clinical Practice Education 1】

[Input] Year 2

【102†Introduction to Ocular and Systemic Disease】

【103†Further Refraction and Binocular Vision】

【104†Clinical Practice Education 2】

【105†Ocular Pharmacology】

【106†Diagnostic Instrumentation and Techniques A】

【107†Diagnostic Instrumentation and Techniques B】

[Input] Year 3

【108†Further Ocular Disease】

【109†Clinical Orthoptics 1】

【110†Neuro-ophthalmology and Eye Movement Disorders】

【111†Visual Perception and Methods of Enquiry in Vision Science】

【112†Visual Development and Paediatric Eyecare】

【113†Clinical Practice Education 3】

[Input] Year 4

【114†Project/Dissertation】

【115†Clinical Orthoptics 2】

【116†Understanding Professional Teams and Leadership】

【117†Clinical Practice Education 4A】

【118†Clinical Practice Education 4B- Professional Competence】

We may make changes to your course, and course modules. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.

#### Understanding core and optional modules

The core modules shown are based on the standard full-time route for students entering Year 1 of the course. If you study full time from Year 1, you will normally study the outlined core modules for each year of the course.

Optional modules provide opportunities to tailor your studies. You will not normally study every optional module shown and will be asked to select from the available options during your studies. Information about available options and the module selection process will be provided after you enrol. Please note that the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and is subject to factors including student demand, timetabling, staffing and academic requirements.

The module information shown is based on the standard full-time route through the course. If you study through an alternative entry or study route, including part-time study or Advanced Entry, the modules you take in each year and the order in which you study them may vary.

## Careers

Most graduates begin as Band 5 Orthoptists in NHS hospital eye departments across the UK, where they assess and manage a wide range of vision and eye movement disorders.

With experience, Orthoptists can progress to senior roles such as:

* Specialist Orthoptist

* Head of Service

* Advanced Clinical Practitioner.

Our BSc (Hons) Orthoptics degree is internationally recognised. Graduates have also gone on to work around the world, including across Europe and Singapore.

Beyond clinical practice, you’ll have opportunities to go on to postgraduate study, research, and careers in education, public health, and industry, including roles in the optical industry and pharmaceutical sales.

You’ll benefit from strong links with professional bodies like the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS), which offer networking opportunities, continuing professional development (CPD), and career support.

The course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for HCPC registration and join national and international orthoptic organisations.

## Course information

### Study options arrow_forward

Award | Mode of study | Duration | Start date | Location | UCAS |

BSc (Hons) | Full Time | 4 years | Sep 27 | Glasgow | B520 | 【119†Enquire】【120†Apply†www.ucas.com】

### Entry requirements arrow_forward

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in 【3†our International Study section.】

#### Year 1

##### Standard entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 102

Scottish Higher: BBBC or equivalent incl Higher in two sciences

A Level: BCC or equivalent incl A Level in 2 Sciences

##### Minimum entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 90

Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent incl Higher in two sciences

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in 2 Sciences

#### English language

IELTS score of 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent).

#### Additional information for international applicants

* 【19†Entry requirements by country】

* 【121†Application deadlines】

* 【122†English language tests】

* Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the 【123†gov.uk website.†www.gov.uk】

#### Additional information for all applicants

##### Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's 【124†Recognition of Prior Learning】 (RPL) scheme.

##### Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending 【125†SWAP†www.scottishwideraccess.org】, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

### Fees and funding arrow_forward

The tuition fees you pay are mostly determined by your fee status. 【126†What is my student fee status?】

Fees are subject to change and are published here for guidance only.

#### Annual tuition fees

Please visit our central 【12†tuition fees section】 for details.

#### Additional costs

As a student at the University, there are additional fees and costs which may or may not apply to you, but that you should be aware of.

【127†View additional costs.】

You’ll be required to purchase Orthoptic equipment in your first year, at approximately £30.

Additional costs for Scottish domiciled students on this programme

Scottish domiciled students, eligible for SAAS, do not need to pay for PVG checks, occupational health checks or uniforms.

You will need to consider costs for accommodation and travel while on placement. However, you may be able to apply to SAAS for additional expense support to help meet these costs.

Check out the 【128†SAAS Nursing and Midwifery student placement expenses claim†www.saas.gov.uk】 or 【128†Allied Health Professions student placement expenses claim†www.saas.gov.uk】 forms.

Additional costs for all other students (rest of UK, EU and International) on this programme

During this course, you will be required to cover the cost of:

* Accommodation and travel while on placements

* Uniforms: approximately £14 each. The number of uniforms you require depends on the duration of your course and can range from two to four.

* Occupational health checks and vaccination set fee of £372

* Membership of 【129†Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG)†www.mygov.scot】 scheme. New applications cost £59. Updates to the existing scheme record cost £18.

Invoices will be issued by the University for payment of all of the above additional costs in Trimester B (March/April) of the first year of your programme.

### Additional information arrow_forward

Assessment methods

We use a wide range of learning and teaching methods to ensure that you have both the necessary knowledge and understanding of biomedical science and a portfolio of intellectual, personal and scientific skills.

Each module in the course uses its own learning, teaching and assessment strategy to achieve learning objectives. Assessment methods vary between modules and may include unseen examinations, class tests, essays, laboratory reports, case studies, presentations and group work.

Membership

As a student on the BSc Orthoptics course, you’ll automatically become a member of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society. After graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for membership with international and European orthoptic organisations, opening opportunities to practise as an Orthoptist around the world.

【130†Visit the British and Irish Orthoptic Society website.†orthoptics.org.uk】

Professional accreditation

This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are eligible to register with the HCPC, which is essential for working as an Orthoptist in the NHS or other healthcare settings across the UK.

These accrediting bodies are internationally recognised across Europe and by SingHealth (the Singapore Health Services). This means that our graduates can also register as Optomotrists in Singapore.

【131†Visit the HCPC website.†www.hcpc-uk.org】

Take a virtual

tour with us

【132†Start a tour†explore.gcu.ac.uk】

Vision Sciences Facilities Take a look inside the GCU Vision Centre and explore the spaces where eye care, clinical training and research come together. From welcoming patients and helping them find the right eyewear, to using advanced diagnostic technology to assess eye health, each area plays an important role in modern vision science. You'll also see specialist consulting rooms and simulation facilities where students develop practical clinical skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Related courses

Prev Next

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus of their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

【133†Download the programme specification】 for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

【134†Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.】

請查看下方完整入學要求原文，或向院校確認。

成績符合不等於錄取；資料取自院校官方公開頁，取得日期見各課；最終以院校為準。

報告這課資料錯誤