̽»¨ÏµÁÐ

Top 5 for Health Professions

Our Health Professions courses are ranked 4th best in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2026.

Key facts

Typical offer

UCAS points:

128


A Level:

ABB

Including two A levels in science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths) at grade B or above


BTEC:

DDD

BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science

Key facts

Duration:

4 yrs full-time


Study mode:

Full-time


UCAS code:

B512


Institution code:

D26

Typical offer

UCAS points:

128


A Level:

ABB

Including two A levels in science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths) at grade B or above


BTEC:

DDD

BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science

UCAS code

B512

Duration

Four years full-time

Study mode

Full-time

Train as a GOC registered optometrist with ̽»¨ÏµÁÐ’s Master of Optometry where science, clinical skills, and patient care come together.

Optometry is an exciting and fast-evolving healthcare profession that combines clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology to protect and improve ocular health. ̽»¨ÏµÁÐ’s brand new integrated Master of Optometry (MOptom) prepares you for registration with the General Optical Council (GOC) and a successful career as a practicing optometrist.

This four-year, full-time degree blends academic excellence with substantial clinical experience. You’ll study the science of the visual system, explore disease detection and management, and develop the professional and communication skills required to deliver patient-centred eye care.

From your first year, you’ll develop your clinical practice skills in our newly-built optometry teaching suites and through external placements that span each year – providing practical exposure to vision assessment and clinical techniques. In your final year, you will complete a paid 44-week Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) placement, delivered nationally in partnership with the College of Optometrists (CoO), where you will apply your learning directly in a real optometry setting.

By embedding reflective practice, patient-centred care, and evidence-based decision-making throughout the programme, our MOptom course ensures that graduates meet the outcomes required for entry onto the GOC register.

At ̽»¨ÏµÁÐ, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality programmes with an excellent student experience at the heart of what we offer. As with all new programmes, this course is currently progressing through the university’s validation process, alongside the General Optical Council’s (GOC) staged approval process, which is the standard procedure for a new MOptom degree in the UK*.

The course is subject to validation but the GOC has granted ̽»¨ÏµÁÐ permission to accept applications and issue provisional offers for September 2026 entry. Full GOC approval of the programme will not be confirmed until a later stage in the process. Once full approval is granted, graduates will be able to register as optometrists and practise in the UK.

Key features

  • Top 5 for Health Professions: Our Optometry course is taught in the Leicester School of Allied Health Science home to our Health Professions courses which are ranked 4th best in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2026.
  • Integrated Master’s: Combines undergraduate and postgraduate level study in a four-year degree.
  • Extensive clinical training: Includes a 44-week Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) paid placement delivered in partnership with the College of Optometrists.
  • Strong professional links: Developed with input from the College of Optometrists and sector experts, ensuring you are taught the latest developments and techniques relevant to your future career.
  • Excellent career prospects: Graduates can enter NHS, high street, and independent practice, or progress into specialist areas and research.
  • Free registration with the GOC: we’ll cover the cost of your registration fee with the GOC for all four years of your studies, saving you the upfront cost.

*All applicants will be kept informed of progress with the validation and GOC approval processes throughout the cycle and will be notified before enrolment of any changes that may affect September 2026 entry.

What you will study

Pure and Applied Optics

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of optics and their applications in clinical and technological contexts. You will explore the physics of light, geometrical and physical optics, and the interaction of light with optical systems.

Vision and Refractive Correction 1

You will study the optics of the eye and the use of basic optical appliances, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to recognise, select, and dispense such appliances. You will gain an understanding of visual perception and psychophysical principles relevant to clinical optometry, as well as the fundamental principles of refraction and visual assessment. Practical training will enable you to develop basic clinical skills for both objective and subjective refraction and the assessment of visual acuity.

Ocular Health and Eye Examination 1

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy, structure, and function of the eye and visual pathway. It integrates human physiology relevant to vision and introduces clinical techniques used to assess ocular health and integrity. You will explore mechanisms of ocular and systemic diseases affecting the visual system, along with approaches to their management.

Professional Studies 1

You will be introduced to the principles of professionalism, law, and ethics within ophthalmic practice in the UK. The module will develop essential patient communication skills and provide an understanding of how to critically appraise evidence for clinical decision-making. You will be given training in the knowledge and practical skills required to perform core clinical procedures in optometric practice, enabling effectively to patient management.

Vision and Refractive Correction 2

This module will deepen your understanding of ophthalmic lenses, dispensing, and lens fitting. It also introduces the principles and clinical approaches to the assessment and management of binocular vision anomalies. You will further develop skills for working with paediatric patients and patients with low vision, applying appropriate techniques and professional judgement in clinical practice.

Ocular Health and Eye Examination 2

This module will develop your understanding of the anatomy, structure and function of the eye, helping to enhance your clinical techniques when assessing health and integrity of the eye and visual pathway. You will also deepen your understanding of the mechanics of ocular and systemic diseases affecting the eye and visual pathway and how these are managed.

Contact Lenses and Binocular Vision

This module develops your knowledge and practical skills in contact lens and binocular vision care. You will explore the properties, materials, designs, and physiological effects of contact lenses, alongside the principles and anomalies of binocular vision. Through clinical training, you will learn to perform contact lens fitting, aftercare, and binocular vision assessments, applying appropriate management strategies for patient care. Emphasis is placed on professional conduct and effective patient communication throughout all clinical interactions.

Professional Studies 2

This module prepares you for direct patient interaction in optometric practice by developing essential professional communication skills. It draws together prior knowledge and clinical skills, supporting their application within the context of patient management. Emphasis will be placed on building confidence in clinical communication, decision-making, and the integration of theoretical learning into practice.

Ocular Disease and Therapeutics

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of common ocular diseases and their systemic associations, alongside the principles of ocular pharmacology and therapeutics. It will equip you with the knowledge and clinical skills to recognise, investigate, and manage ocular conditions appropriately, and to apply evidence-based therapeutic strategies while maintaining high standards of patient care and professional responsibility.

Clinical Optometry

This module will develop knowledge, skills, and professional competence in the clinical assessment and management of patients in optometric practice. It integrates core diagnostic techniques, refraction, ocular health assessment, and patient management strategies, preparing for safe, evidence-based, and patient-centred optometric care. 

Research Project/Dissertation

This module enables you to complete an independent literature-based dissertation on a topic of your choice. You will critically engage with existing scholars work, evaluating theories, debates, and research within the field.

The dissertation develops skills in identifying research problems, synthesising complex sources, and constructing coherent arguments. You will demonstrate autonomy, critical analysis, and advanced academic writing in a substantial piece of independent work.

Professional Studies 3

You will prepare for supervised patient interaction in optometric practice, through development of professional communication skills and integration of prior knowledge and clinical skills to support patient assessment and management. The module emphasises confidence-building in clinical communication, decision-making, and the practical application of theoretical learning in real-world patient care settings.

Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) 1

This module Is a structured, supervised clinical experience in an optometric practice setting through the College of Optometrists’ CLiP scheme. You will consolidate theoretical knowledge and clinical skills, gaining hands-on experience in patient assessment, management, and professional practice. You will focus on competence, professional behaviour, clinical decision-making, and reflective learning in real-world optometric care.

Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) 2

This module builds on prior clinical experience obtained in Clinical Learning in Practice 1 to further develop competence, confidence, and autonomy in optometric practice. Through the College of Optometrists’ CLiP scheme, you will engage in supervised practice across diverse patient presentations, consolidating and extending clinical, diagnostic, and management skills.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Teaching and assessment

The Master of Optometry teaching and learning strategy is aligned with the University’s overarching framework, The Empowering University. It is grounded in the principles of inclusivity, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed while developing the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required for registration as an optometrist. The strategy is authentic and contextualised, with learning activities designed to reflect real-world professional practice. The use of group seminars and workshops are used to promote student engagement and ownership of learning.

A wide range of assessment methods are employed to reflect the programme’s emphasis on inclusivity, authentic learning, and professional preparation. These include traditional and oral examinations, presentations, reflective writing, patient management plans and practicum-based assessments. The variety of approaches allows students from all educational backgrounds to evidence knowledge, critical awareness, and understanding in ways that best reflect their abilities. Both formative and summative assessments are embedded across the programme to ensure progressive skill development. Diagnostic and formative tasks provide early opportunities for students to receive constructive feedback, which can then be applied to summative submissions.

Academic support is structured through an assessment introduction session, assessment guide with detailed criteria, timetabled formative support, and drop-in sessions prior to submission deadlines. Clinical skills, professional proficiency, and values are continuously assessed throughout practice-based learning and placements. This ongoing evaluation ensures that students are supported in developing the professional behaviours, reflective capability, and technical skills necessary for successful registration with the General Optical Council and future employment as competent, confident optometrists.

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Our facilities

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences has made significant investment in providing specialist teaching facilities that support the development of both scientific knowledge and clinical proficiency across our pharmaceutical, healthcare, lab based and social science disciplines.

Within the historic Hawthorn Building and Portland Building are dedicated spaces designed to replicate current practice in allied health sciences, including an industry-standard diagnostic radiography suite, clinical simulation suites with high-specification mannequins and Lifecast Body Simulation manikins to practise patient communication and clinical care skills, and modern analytical chemistry laboratories.

You will benefit from brand new optometry facilities which are currently under-development, such as simulation environments for mock eye examinations and dispensing and a modern diagnostic laboratory with advanced imaging and refraction equipment. You will receive expert guidance and support from our teaching team and technical staff, allowing you to develop your confidence and skills in a safe environment before your practice placements.

Alongside dedicated teaching facilities, you will have full access to a wide range of support services and facilities that will ensure you have an excellent student experience both on and off campus. From helping you with academic study skills and assessments through our Library and Learning Services, to our award-winning careers hub and life-long employability support – you will be fully empowered to succeed in Higher Education.

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What makes us special

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̽»¨ÏµÁÐ Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world. Through , we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Where we could take you

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Placements

Practical placements are embedded across all four-years of the programme. Early patient-facing experience in years one to three will introduce you to core professional values, communication skills and clinical competencies. Placement opportunities may include high street opticians, hospitals, and community eye care providers and private providers.

In your final year, you will apply for a 44-week paid Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) placement through the College of Optometrists (CoO). This is a centralised process which all Optometry students must complete nationally. Whilst the CoO will try to allocate placements that are fairly located, this can’t be guaranteed and therefore you may be required to relocate elsewhere in the UK whilst undertaking you CLiP placement.

̽»¨ÏµÁÐ’s Placements Team and your Academic Tutor will provide ongoing support throughout this process.

Four students sitting around a table at the Careers Hub

Graduate careers

̽»¨ÏµÁÐ is currently progressing through the General Optical Council’s (GOC) staged approval process, which is the standard procedure for a new MOptom degree in the UK. Full GOC approval of the programme will not be confirmed until a later stage in the process. Once full approval is granted, graduates are eligible to register with the General Optical Council (GOC) as practicing optometrists. Career destinations can include:

  • High street optometric practice (independent or corporate).
  • NHS or hospital eye services.
  • Specialist areas such as contact lenses, low vision, or paediatric optometry.
  • Research, academia, and industry roles in product development or clinical affairs.

̽»¨ÏµÁÐ’s award-winning Careers Team and ̽»¨ÏµÁÐ Works initiative offer workshops, mock interviews, and employer networking to help you secure your ideal role. Graduates may also progress to postgraduate qualifications such as Independent Prescribing or Master of Optometry Professional Certificates in Glaucoma or Medical Retina.

Course specifications

Course title

Optometry

Award

MOptom

UCAS code

B512

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Start date

September

Duration

Four years full-time

Fees

2026/27 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2026/27 international tuition:
£17,300

*subject to a compounded annual inflationary increase announced by the government in October 2025, the amount of which is yet to be confirmed for the 2026/27 academic year

Additional costs

Entry requirements

Typical offer

UCAS points:

128

From at least two A-levels including one science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths).


A Level:

ABB

Including two A levels in science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths) at grade B or above


BTEC Extended Diploma:

DDD

BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science


Contextual Offer:

TBC


T Levels:

Not accepted for this programme.


Access to HE:

QAA-accredited Access to HE Diploma in Science with 128 UCAS points (including 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit).


International Baccalaureate (IB):

28 points with at least 6 at Higher Level in a science subject.

QAA-accredited Access to HE Diploma in Science


GCSEs:

Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths.


Additional requirements

Interview: No interview is required for this course.

Enhanced DBS check: Yes

As part of your application process, you will be required to submit an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application before starting the course.

For overseas applicants, you will also need to submit a criminal records certificate from your home country.

Further details will be provided by our Admissions team after you receive an offer to study with us.

Occupational Health clearance: Yes

Professional body registration: It is a requirement that all optometry students are registered with the GOC and follow their throughout the four years. Failure to register at any point may impact on your ability to fully progress with your studies. Registration with the GOC incurs an annual upfront payment (currently £30 per year) which students are responsible for paying.

Availability: This course has a limited number of places so that we can ensure a good quality placement experience. In exceptional circumstances this may result in the course becoming full before you have completed the admissions process. In this situation we will offer you the opportunity to be considered for deferred entry or a place on an alternative course.

Non-academic criteria: You must meet and fulfil all non-academic requirements before 17 July 2026 to ensure your offer remains valid. Not meeting this deadline risks your offer being withdrawn at a later stage of the process.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 7.0 overall and 7.0 in all components except writing which should be 6.5 or higher is required.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning (CELL), is available both before and during the course.

Additional costs

The core textbooks for all modules will be available in the Kimberlin Library, and journal articles in your reading lists are also mostly available electronically from your my̽»¨ÏµÁÐ login.

Some students like to purchase their own text books or print course documents and we suggest allowing approximately £200 per year for this.

Students will be responsible for registering with the professional regulatory body the General Optometry Council (GOC). This will incur an annual cost – which we’ll cover with the GOC for all four years of your studies, saving you the upfront cost.

All students are required to pay for their DBS check.

In addition students will be required to pay for their travel costs to placements or project locations.

All students are provided the opportunity to participate in ̽»¨ÏµÁÐ Global trips. These trips are self-funded experiences that are subsidised by the University, and the cost and subsidy varies by location.

Learn more about fees and funding information.