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.
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