Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science (UG)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
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AAB-AAA (including specific subjects).
- Typical contextual A-level offer
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AAB-ABB (including specific subjects).
Find out more about
contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
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Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about
contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
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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.
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Full entry requirements
- How to apply
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Course overview
- Gain a professional qualification to prepare you for your career in optometry.
- Study in our modern optometry clinics at an institution with one of the longest traditions of teaching optometry in the UK.
- Gain clinical experience at neighbouring Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, one of the largest eye hospitals in Europe.
- Apply your learning to clinical cases from the start of the course.
- The General Optical Council (GOC) regulates our BSc, and MSci (integrated Masters) Optometry courses. Both programmes hold full approval from the GOC.
Open days
Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying optometry at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days.
We also operate campus tours, which are available most days. These are with a student ambassador who can tell you all about life at The University of Manchester. It may also be possible to meet with admissions staff (subject to staff availability). Family and friends are welcome too.
To book, please contact the Admissions Office on tel +44 (0)161 529 4563 or email ug.optometry@manchester.ac.uk
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Additional expenses
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.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
A-level
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).
AS-level
AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
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.
International Baccalaureate
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.
Other international entry requirements
We welcome applications from overseas students. Country-specific information can be found on the
University website.
Scottish requirements
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.
Welsh Baccalaureate
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.
European Baccalaureate
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.
AQA Baccalaureate
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.
Foundation year
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.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
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.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
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.
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.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken to include two science subjects (Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Physics). Grades required will be D3-M2 and/or A-B.
T Level
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.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
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.
Core Maths
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.
Home-schooled applicants
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
Non-standard educational routes
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/ )
English language
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.
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the three years prior to entry.
If your most exact qualification was taken more than three years ago, please contact the Admissions Office. We will consider each application individually and may require you to submit further information, such as transcripts and details of employment.
Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.
Please note that if you are offered a place on this course, you will be required to register with the General Optical Council and, as a result, will be subject to their standards and disciplinary proceedings in addition to those of the University.
Fitness to practise / health requirements
All applicants will be required to complete a Pre-acceptance Health Questionnaire. Please see the Optometry Applicants - Fitness to Practise Guidelines (PDF) and HEOPS Student Fitness Standards for more information.
Vaccinations
Previous guidance regarding mandatory vaccination for Covid for courses with a clinical or healthcare placement has been paused, in line with government advice. However both NHS England and NHS Improvement view getting vaccinated for healthcare staff and students as a professional duty. We therefore continue to highly recommend all students on this course to take up their COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as they are eligible.
How your application is considered
Both international and EU applicants are considered on the basis of their UCAS form. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Zoom.
Interview requirements
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.
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
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.
Fitness to practise / health requirements
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.
Disclosure and Barring Service check
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.
Deferrals
Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Requests for deferred entry are granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and are normally granted for one year only. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
We will consider resit applications provided you have obtained a minimum of A-level grades BBB at the first attempt (or equivalent qualifications).
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.
Course details
Course description
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 professionals.
You will cover a broad spectrum of industry-relevant study areas that prepare you for work as a professional optometrist, including:
- the key principles of optics;
- clinical optics and treating eye and vision disorders;
- ocular function and structure;
- the science of vision.
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.
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.
Please note this course is subject to approval.
Aims
Our course integrates science and clinical learning, so you can apply scientific knowledge, decision-making and critical thinking, and the latest concepts to your clinical practice. We will foster your leadership abilities, and your commitment to continuing professional development after graduation.
Upon graduation, you will be able to apply knowledge to understand and manage the complex healthcare needs of individuals and society. You will also develop the resilience to meet the demands of changing healthcare environments. You will have the practical and professional skills needed to practise person centred optometry.
You will meet the requirements of the General Optical Council to register as a UK optometrist.
Special features
Unique clinical experience
Gain experience at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, one of Europe's biggest eye teaching hospitals, to learn about the management and treatment of eye disease.
Early patient contact
Start to meet volunteer patients in Year 1 and begin to work with real patients in the Manchester Optometry Clinics from Year 2 onwards.
Close-knit student cohort
Join the active student-run Optometry Society to take part in formal and informal social activities.
Integrated master's
Direct registration with the General Optical Council on successful completion of the course.
Opportunity to specialise
Specialise in a clinical or academic area in your final year.
Teaching and learning
We use a range of teaching and learning methods including lectures, clinics and practical sessions. Students learn by applying their knowledge to cases in groups in both simulated and real environments.
Coursework and assessment
Subjects are taught throughout the year will be examined at the end of the second semester. To progress between years and to successfully graduate, students must demonstrate competence in specified clinical practical skills.
The final degree classification is based on marks obtained during all years of the course, weighted as follows:
- Year 1 - 6%
- Year 2 - 19%
- Year 3 - 37.5%
- Year 4 - 37.5%
Course content for year 1
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.
Course content for year 2
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.
Course content for year 3
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.
Course content for year 4
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.
What our students say
“I have always wanted to be an optometrist, and am absolutely delighted to have had the opportunity to study at Manchester. The learning experience is remarkable, with first-rate lectures and practical teaching delivered by practising optometrists, ophthalmologists, and researchers at the cutting edge of development in vision and optometric study.” Sean Matthews.
“I really enjoyed the practicals. They are great for getting to know others in your year, and the majority of the supervisors are practising optometrists, so learning from them provides an invaluable insight into how it is done in practice. Having patients from the first year also vastly improves your clinical and communication skills, and the patients aren't as scary as you might think!” Sophie Godley.
Find out more about what it's like to study at Manchester on the Biology, Medicine and Health Student Blog.
Facilities
You will learn in purpose-built facilities that include a dispensing clinic, 16 bespoke optometric examination rooms, numerous dedicated specialist clinic rooms and dedicated laboratories for non-clinical practical sessions.
Take a look at the optometry facilities tour.
You will also have access to the University's other facilities for undergraduates.
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email:
dass@manchester.ac.uk
Careers
Career opportunities
Optometrists work in high street practice or hospital eye clinics, where they:
- prescribe and dispense spectacles and contact lenses;
- provide low vision rehabilitation;
- treat problems with binocular vision;
- monitor ocular disease.
Optometrists are now also involved in the primary care of patients with diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma. They can also undertake postgraduate study to become independent prescribers with the authority to treat a range of eye conditions.
After registration with the General Optical Council, you can take your career forward in private practice or within the National Health Service. Of our exact graduates, 95% are working in private practice and 5% in the NHS.
See a blog post from one of our graduates who is now working as an optometrist on the Biology, Medicine and Health Student Blog.
Accrediting organisations
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.