Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Orthoptics) (Year 0)
UCAS code P0HG
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
- September 2025
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
A year zero foundation programme, designed for mature students who have typically been out of formal education for some time or who have taken non-traditional qualifications, which leads to access onto an Orthoptics BSc programme.
Introduction
The University of Liverpool, in collaboration with local FE partners, has developed a year zero foundation programme for Home students that leads to access onto a variety of vocational Health Studies programmes. Our Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Orthoptics) course is for students seeking entry to undertake the Orthoptics BSc (B520) programme.
Students seeking entry to Orthoptics will study a foundation year (year zero) at Carmel College, St Helens, about nine miles from the university campus, where the class sizes are small and the standards of academic achievement high.
This programme is specifically targeted at Home mature and non-traditional students, who typically have taken a break from studies.
Please note that we will not consider applications from prospective students who have multiple UCAS applications for a variety of programmes, as this does not demonstrate a clear commitment.
For further information on how to apply to this programme please contact: shs@liverpool.ac.uk.
What you'll learn
- Skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level
- Undertaking a variety of learning methods and assessment tasks
- A breadth of patient-focused practical experience in a region with a particularly diverse population
- Skills to diagnose and manage conditions which may present in a range of patients
- The fundamentals of the nervous system, neuro-anatomy and physiology, and where it relates to the practice of orthoptics
Routes
- Orthoptics BSc (Hons)
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year zero
In all modules at year zero, the study skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level are developed. Students are also introduced to a variety of learning methods, such as formal taught sessions, workshops and practical laboratory sessions, as well as a variety of assessment tasks, such as written assignments, in class data handling, written and practical examinations to provide a good grounding for vocational programmes.
There are some shared modules for all students, and then route specific modules to ensure the students are prepared for their chosen undergraduate programmes.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Learning is promoted through a wide variety of activities that enable students to become autonomous and continuous learners. Interactive lectures, practical and clinical skills group work, simulation, directed study, role play, problem based learning, small group work, student-led seminars, collaborative project work and interactive tutorials are key learning strategies of the programmes. Practical work using our imaging suite digital equipment, 3D virtual reality radiotherapy facility, 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 and online interaction will be encouraged and facilitated. There are also inter-professional education and learning opportunities across all healthcare professions programmes.
How you're assessed
Using a mixture of coursework and examination, a range of assessment methods can be seen across the programmes. These include seen and unseen written examinations, essay assignments with specific word lengths, multiple choice questions, case study presentations, video analysis and interactive practical examinations. Assessment of the work-based learning element of all programmes is an important aspect. You will be required to communicate your views orally and in written form; analyse, implement and evaluate your practice; and to 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 the undergraduates to demonstrate their intellectual abilities in all areas to the full.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Your experience
The School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing draws on over 100 years of teaching delivered by dedicated staff with real-world, practical experience. We are a hub for an extensive network of professionals, academics and researchers, so you can be confident that a degree from us will prepare you for a lifelong career in healthcare services.
Explore where you'll study
Virtual tour
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.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
Orthoptic graduates are eligible to apply for statutory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This programme offers graduates a rewarding career as an autonomous practitioner and part of the health care team with an excellent record of graduate employment.
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.