Orthoptics BSc (Hons) | September 2027 entry | Courses

About this course

Orthoptics BSc (Hons) prepares future professionals for an enriching career in a highly significant field within the modern healthcare world.

Introduction

This course combines academic study with extensive clinical experience, preparing you for contemporary orthoptic practice.

You will gain the knowledge and practical skills required to assess, diagnose and manage visual disorders across the lifespan—from infants to older adults. The programme covers a wide range of conditions, including strabismus (eye misalignment), amblyopia (“lazy eye”), and visual complications associated with trauma, tumours, head injuries, diabetes and stroke, to name but a few.

The programme is structured around four key themes: ‘Anatomy, Physiology & Disease’, ‘Clinical Orthoptics’, ‘Optics and Ophthalmology’ and ‘Professional Development’ (incorporating the sub-themes of research, leadership and education). These themes that run throughout the programme ensure that learning is appropriately scaffolded and structured

Throughout the course, you will be supported to become a critical, evidence-informed practitioner, capable of evaluating and enhancing clinical practice while delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. You will also develop as a creative, culturally aware and highly employable graduate, with digital fluency, confidence, and a strong sense of global citizenship.

Upon graduation, you will be a competent and reflective orthoptist, ready to make a meaningful contribution as part of a multidisciplinary eye care team.

What you'll learn

Critical thinking
Problem solving
Numeracy skills
Science acumen
Research gathering
Observational skills

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

In year one, you will develop the core factual knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours that underpin orthoptic practice. This includes gaining a fundamental understanding of human anatomy and physiology, alongside an introduction to ophthalmology, which will enable you to learn about common ocular conditions.

Throughout the year, there will be a strong focus on developing essential clinical skills to support your orthoptic practice. You will also be required to complete seven weeks of clinical placement across the year.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (ORTH150)	30
INTRODUCTION TO ORTHOPTICS: OCULAR MOTILITY AND STRABISMUS (ORTH151)	30
INTRODUCTION TO OPHTHALMOLOGY (ORTH152)	30
ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND DISEASE (ORTH153)	30

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.

Year two

In year two, you will build on your foundational knowledge gained in year one to a wide range of clinical scenarios. Through case-based learning, simulation, and clinical skills sessions, you will strengthen your clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities while taking an increasingly patient-centred approach to care.

You will continue to develop clinical skills and undertake 11 weeks of clinical placement. Alongside your clinical development, you will also expand your professional skills and understanding of healthcare practice.

You will explore communication, leadership, education, and research, and how these contribute to safe, effective, and holistic patient care.

You will also develop your ability to work within multidisciplinary teams, engage with evidence-based practice, and reflect on your own professional development.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
EXPANDING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (ORTH250)	30
APPLIED ORTHOPTICS FOR CONCOMITANT CONDITIONS (ORTH251)	30
DISEASE AND OPHTHALMOLOGY (ORTH252)	30
APPLIED ORTHOPTICS FOR INCOMITANT CONDITIONS (ORTH253)	30

Year three

In year three, you will consolidate your knowledge and develop the advanced clinical, research, and professional skills required for autonomous orthoptic practice. You will refine your ability to assess, interpret, and manage a wide range of conditions, applying advanced clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making with increasing independence.

Through case-based learning, simulation, and clinical placements (12 weeks), you will gain confidence in managing complex cases, justifying your clinical decisions, and working effectively within multidisciplinary teams. You will also further develop specialist skills, including refraction and the management of ophthalmic conditions in contemporary clinical practice.

Alongside your clinical development, you will undertake an independent research project in the form of a literature review, allowing you to explore an area of personal interest and strengthen your skills in critical appraisal and evidence-based practice.

You will also focus on preparing for your transition into professional practice, developing your understanding of leadership, lifelong learning, and the evolving role of orthoptists within modern healthcare.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
LITERATURE REVIEW (ORTH310)	30
PREPARING FOR PRACTICE & CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (ORTH350)	15
EXAMINING ORTHOPTIC PRACTICE (ORTH351)	30
OPHTHALMICS & OPHTHALMOLOGY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE (ORTH352)	15
AUTONOMOUS ORTHOPTIC PRACTICE (ORTH353)	30

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

The Orthoptic programme is modular, and all modules are compulsory. We incorporate a wide variety of activities into our teaching to enable students to become autonomous and continuous learners.

Interactive lectures, practical and clinical skills group work, simulation, directed study, role play, case-based learning, small group work, student-led seminars, collaborative project work and interactive tutorials are key learning strategies embedded within the programme.

Practical work using state-of-the-art, professional-standard equipment, our Clinical Skills Resource Room and the Human Anatomy Resource Centre complement teaching activities.

Face-to-face interactions between all students will occur at shared lectures, tutorials and group work, while online interaction will be encouraged and facilitated. There are also inter-professional education and learning opportunities across all healthcare profession programmes.

How you're assessed

The programme utilises a diversity of assessments across the programme, including practical examinations, assignments, presentations, portfolios, demonstration of clinical competencies and different types of written examinations, e.g., multiple choice, extended matching questions, short answer, video analysis and essay-type questions.

Assessment of the work-based learning element of the orthoptic programme is an important aspect of our students’ lives. You will be required to communicate your views orally and in written form. You will analyse, implement and evaluate your practice, and extend the research and evidence base of your chosen profession.

The various methods of assessments have been chosen to provide a balance that will permit undergraduates to demonstrate their intellectual abilities in all areas to the full.

Liverpool Learning Framework

At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.

You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:

Digital fluency
Confidence
Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges

We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

Your experience

Orthoptic students benefit from the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing‘s experience in delivering over 100 years of dynamic, research-led teaching. As well as crucial skills specifically related to a career in healthcare, we place particular emphasis on developing our students’ scholarship and professionalism which is particularly important for their future careers.

A day in the life of Allied Health Professions and Nursing student Charmain Yip

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Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.

An exciting place to study

Major centre for education and research in health sciences
State-of-the-art facilities
Opportunities for in-depth study and development of advanced clinical skills
Flexible programmes for postgraduate study
Active research environment
Provides specialist training with taught and clinical placement components.

I knew the degree I wanted to do, so it was really a choice of which university would be best for me. I chose Liverpool as it offered a great sense of community and care.

Jordan Pitt, BSc (Hons) Orthoptics

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A day in the life of Allied Health Professions and Nursing student Charmain Yip

Careers and employability

Orthoptic graduates are eligible to apply for statutory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Most graduates choose to work in the National Health Service as an orthoptist in an eye care team. However, there are opportunities to progress within your role as an orthoptist in a number of additional extended roles and advanced practice such as stroke, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and special educational needs. There may also be opportunities to work in a private clinic or even abroad due to the international high recognition of the qualification.

Overall, this programme offers graduates a rewarding career as autonomous practitioners and part of the health care team with an excellent record of graduate employment.

You can pursue a career in the National Health Service, Social Services or the private sector.

99% of School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £10,050
Year in industry fee - £2,010
Year abroad fee - £1,508 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £16,000 (applies to year in China)

The UK fees shown are for the academic year 2027/28. The international fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27 and will be subject for change for the academic year 2027/28. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.

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Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

The Bloomberg Scholarship

4 scholarships are available each year to support undergraduate applicants from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds who permanently reside in the Liverpool City Region. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of £5,000 per year for 3 years. Applications open in August 2026.

Ruth Cannell Scholarship Fund

This scholarship will support undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film with their year abroad.

Whiteley Award

This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

NHS Values will be assessed in all areas of an application including UCAS Personal Statement and at interview. For more details, please download our explanation of Value Based Recruitment.

Qualification	Details
A levels	BBB to include one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology or Mathematics. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers. If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course. Available foundation years: Foundation to Orthoptics (Year 0) BSc (Hons)
T levels	T levels considered in a relevant subject, Health and Science (Health, Healthcare Science and Science pathways) is accepted with an overall grade of Distinction to include in the core. Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.
GCSE	5 GCSE subjects at grade A*-C or grades 9-4. Subjects to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science. Core and Applied Science GCSEs will not be considered. Science Dual Award is acceptable. Applied GCSEs will not be considered.
Subject requirements	Science practical Statement should be For applicants studying A levels with English exam boards: 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.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	BTEC Nationals are considered in addition to 5 GCSE subjects at grade A-C or grades 9-4. Subjects to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science. Core and Applied Science GCSEs will not be considered. Science Dual Award is acceptable. Applied GCSEs will not be considered. BTEC National Extended Certificate* Will be accepted at a minimum of Distinction accompanied by 2 A2 subjects at grade B to include one of the following: Biology, Maths, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology. BTEC Level 3 National Diploma Will be accepted in either Health and Social Care or Applied Science at Grade DD, plus 1 additional A Level at a minimum of Grade B. BTEC National Extended Diploma Will be accepted in in Health and Social Care and Applied Science at Grade DDD.
International Baccalaureate	30 points to include 3 Higher Level subjects at a minimum of grade 5. Biology must be offered at a minimum of a grade 5 or pass the IB Diploma plus 5,5,5 in 3 HL subjects including Biology grade 5.
European Baccalaureate	74% overall with a minimum mark of 8 in biology and no subject mark below 6.
Irish Leaving Certificate	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.
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher	Highers: 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.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced	Grade BB at A-Level ( which must include one of the following: Maths, psychology, Biology, Physics or Chemistry), plus the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at Grade B
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma	Will be considered.
AQA Baccalaureate	Will be considered.
Graduate application	We welcome applications from graduates holding a minimum of a 2:2 classification. If your degree is not science related, contact the admissions tutor direct. Experience in health care is also an advantage. The degree qualification should be supported by a sound academic background, with a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* – C, which should include English Language, Mathematics and Science.
Access	Essential: 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. 2 GCSEs in Maths and English Language graded 4/C.
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 an allied health professions and nursing 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. If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete.
Health screening	The University and the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing 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.
International qualifications	The IELTS requirement is an overall score of 7.0 with no component less than 6.5 Please note – whilst we do accept IELTS qualifications, we do not accept IELTS qualifications that have been sat and gained online. We only accept qualifications that have been sat and gained in person.

Alternative entry requirements

If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
Applications from mature students are welcome.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

Qualification	Details
IELTS	7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature	Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B	Grade 7 at Higher Level

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Send us a message Phone: +44 (0)151 795 6000

Last updated 16 July 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions