OAT course outline - Optometry Admission Test Updated: 2024

The General Optical Council student registration fee is currently £30 (renewable each year) but is reimbursed to you by the University.

In your first year, we provide you with a set of clinical scrubs. During second year, you are encouraged to purchase your own ophthalmoscope and retinoscope (£1,300-£1,700).

You will have the opportunity to go on placement outside of the University. Depending on the location of the practice, this could incur additional costs.

We require grades AAB-AAA, which should include two science subjects (Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry) normally to be taken in one sitting. We also require a pass in the practical assessments.

We will consider resit applications provided you have obtained a minimum of A-level grades BBB at the first attempt (or equivalent qualifications).

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 Eligibility tool, we will allow an overall reduction of 2 grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than C/4.

For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP++ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool, we will allow an overall reduction of 4 grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than C/4.

35 points overall with grades 665 in three higher level subjects, to include two sciences (from Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Physics).

For this course we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation.

We welcome applications from overseas students. Country-specific information can be found on the University website.

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.

We require an overall grade of 83% with a minimum of grade 8 in two science subjects.

In addition, all applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English Language.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A-level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Science, are required to achieve AAB in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics and an EAP score of B. INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students are required to attend an interview.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Science are required to achieve AAB in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics and an EAP requirements score of B.

We consider your full educational background. A decision about your suitability for this course will not be taken based solely on the foundation year completed, and will include all prior qualifications. Applicants should pass the Foundation Year at the first attempt as resits may not be considered.

BTEC National Extended Diploma

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.

BTEC National Diploma

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.

BTEC National Foundation Diploma

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.

BTEC National Extended Certificate

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.

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

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.

Cambridge Technical Diploma

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.

Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma

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.

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

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.

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.

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (eg AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We will accept grade B in Core Mathematics in lieu of the correct grade in GCSE Mathematics.

If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

We require one of:

• GCSE, IGCSE or O-Level English Language at grade 5 (B). We will accept C+ in the Northern Ireland reformed GCSE;
• IELTS 7 (with no less than 6.5 in any component);
• TOEFL (iBT) - 100;
• an equivalent qualification.

Interviews are part of the selection process. All suitable UK applicants will be interviewed via Zoom. Please refer to the application process page for more information.

Full guidance on how to apply for a visa to study at the University can be found on the Visa guidance page. Most international students will obtain a student visa for the three-year duration of the BSc Optometry course. Once you complete the MSci Optometry, you can then apply for a graduate route (post study) visa if you would like to continue working in the UK.

Communication and dress code

We have adopted the same policy regarding dress code as set out by the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC states that non-verbal communication is at least as important as verbal communication, and so how a student or Optometrist appears to patients, relatives or colleagues means as much as what he or she says.

Students (and optometrists) in professional settings must dress in a manner that adds to, and does not detract from, effective communication.

Furthermore, the Standards for Optical Students states that students must learn how to listen to patients and their carers, and communicate effectively with them in a way they can understand.

This applies not only in clinical settings, but also throughout the educational elements of the undergraduate course, which is built around group work with other students and tutors.

In addition, the convention of some units may require wearing scrubs and being bare below the elbow. Hair should be tied back if it interferes with, or adds risk, to a clinical activity. Nail polish and gel nails are an infection risk and are not permitted in any clinical areas. Students must abide by all workplace dress codes when on placement, which may vary between sites.

You must be able to participate fully in communication and other skills training, discussion and assessment. As well as adhering to the dress code above, it means being able to interact fully with patients, standardised patients, teachers and examiners of any cultural or ethnic background or either gender. This includes conducting physical examinations that are a compulsory component of the course.

We do not require applicants to complete an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check during the admissions cycle.

However should you register on the Optometry course, you will be required to complete the enhanced DBS check during the first semester of formal teaching.

International applicants will need to submit an overseas police check and this will be included as a formal offer condition.

In Semester 1, you'll gain the skills needed to flourish in your new academic environment, Studying for successful study and fulfilling university life. You'll then be introduced to the scientific principles behind optometry, including light properties, eye anatomy, and how the brain processes vision. In partnership with your fellow students, you will apply the knowledge you have acquired to clinical cases, considering the ethical and legal dimensions in addition to the scientific aspects. Attending practical sessions will enable you to develop your ability to use optometric instruments and assess ocular function.

In Semester 2, you will build upon the foundational skills and knowledge you've gained, exploring the scientific, legal and ethical principles of optometry in greater depth. In interactive sessions with your peers, you'll have the chance to put your learning into practice. You will further enhance your ability to use optometric instruments in preparation for placements where you will see real patients in your second year.

In Semester 3, you will explore a variety of exciting new subjects, including human disease processes, pharmacology, contact lens practice, and binocular vision. Working with your peers, you will apply this knowledge to clinical cases. Additionally, you will enhance your understanding of optics, ophthalmic appliances, and optometric instrumentation. As part of a team, you will have the opportunity to apply your clinical skills while working with students from different academic years and treating real patients at the Manchester Optometry Clinic.

In Semester 4, you will work with your peers to further expand your knowledge of subjects from Semester 3 in the context of clinical cases. As a member of the Manchester Optometry clinical team, you will have the opportunity to apply your clinical skills while working with students from different academic years and treating real patients in our state-of-the-art clinical facility. There will also be opportunities for short clinical placements external to the University.

From Semester 5, you will spend more of your time learning from your clinical contacts with patients. The majority of your time will be spent actively engaging with patients at the Manchester Optometry Clinics, taking on greater responsibilities within the clinician team. You will have the opportunity to participate in different clinics at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

There will also be opportunities for short clinical placements external to the University. As you progress, you will apply clinical and scientific research to your patient management, becoming an evidence-based practitioner. Furthermore, you will critically examine the influence of technology, including artificial intelligence, on the future landscape of optometry.

In Semester 6, you will build further on your ability to lead on personalised patient management within the Manchester Optometry Clinics in an evidence-based way, aided by technology. There will also be opportunities for short clinical placements external to the University. You will work towards being trusted in key clinical areas in preparation for your final year.

In Semesters 7 and 8, you will have the chance to specialise in a clinical or scientific area. You will also continue to develop your clinical abilities as you spend most of your time in the Manchester Optometry Clinics, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital or on external placements. You will work towards being trusted in all the core areas of optometric practice to enable you to graduate and join the GOC register at the end of the academic year.

Throughout Semesters 7 and 8, you will apply the basic scientific knowledge and clinical skills you acquired in the earlier years and demonstrate your growing professional acumen as an optometrist. Your clinical placements will also provide you the opportunity to learn how a health service works, and understand and experience the role of an optometrist as a first point of contact for patients in the primary care practice.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Optometry degrees are approved by the General Optical Council and the course must abide by their standards and demonstrate their outcomes.

It is a legal requirement to maintain GOC student registration throughout your studies.