About this course

Our Orthoptics programme prepares future professionals for an enriching career in a highly significant field within the modern healthcare world.

Introduction

Our Orthoptics programme will equip a graduate with the necessary skills to diagnose and manage conditions which may present in a range of patients from infants to the elderly.

These can include strabismus disorders (eye misalignments), amblyopia (sometimes called lazy eye), traumatic injuries, tumours, head injuries, diabetes and strokes.

In addition, you will focus on the fundamentals of the nervous system, neuro-anatomy and physiology, and where it relates to the practice of orthoptics.

This background knowledge will enable a graduate orthoptist to perform as a competent and reflective practitioner, capable of becoming a valuable member of an 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, a wide range of factual knowledge and basic clinical skills are developed. The whole of semester one is spent in the University. This enables you to develop core knowledge and skills and more specifically the knowledge required to undertake orthoptic practice via profession-specific modules. This provides preparation for the professional practice placement observation week which occurs prior to the second semester. During year one, you will learn about the basic principles of eye movement systems and binocular vision, be able to undertake essential orthoptic assessments and have a total of seven weeks clinical placement.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND NORMAL DEVELOPMENT (ORTH139)	15
CLINICAL AND THEORETICAL ORTHOPTICS 1.1 (ORTH137)	30
CLINICAL AND THEORETICAL ORTHOPTICS 1.2 (ORTH140)	30
OPHTHALMOLOGY 1 (ORTH142)	15
PROFESSIONALISM AND HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE FOR ORTHOPTISTS (ORTH141)	15
PROFESSIONALISM AND SCHOLARSHIP (ORTH104)	7.5
VISUAL OPTICS (ORTH138)	7.5

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Year two

In year two, you will learn to apply the knowledge gained in year one to a wide range of clinical scenarios. Additionally, you will also gain the fundamental knowledge to enable you to use medicines under exemptions within the orthoptic scope of practice. You will continue to develop clinical skills at the University and at clinical sites throughout the UK (undertaking a total of 11-weeks clinical placement). Throughout year two, you will also learn essential principles for understanding and undertaking research, with the opportunity to undertake an orthoptic based clinical research project.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
CLINICAL AND THEORETICAL ORTHOPTICS 2.1 (ORTH237)	15
CLINICAL AND THEORETICAL ORTHOPTICS 2.2 (ORTH240)	30
EXEMPTIONS FOR THE USE OF MEDICINES BY ORTHOPTISTS (ORTH230)	15
INTERPRETING THE EVIDENCE: RESEARCH METHODS & STATISTICS (ORTH238)	15
NEUROANATOMY (ORTH242)	15
MANAGEMENT OF OPHTHALMOLOGICAL CONDITIONS (ORTH235)	7.5
ORTHOPTIC NEUROLOGY (ORTH236)	7.5
RESEARCH STUDY (ORTH241)	15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Year three

In year three, you will focus on an evidence-based practice approach to their clinical care. During this year you will undertake a 12-week clinical placement, where you will prepare to become an autonomous practitioner. On completion of this year, you will be able to:

Select and use appropriate orthoptic assessment techniques within their own practice accurately
Devise an orthoptic intervention for a range of patients, and in accordance with established orthoptic standards
Demonstrate a capacity to advise, with a high-level of autonomy and communication skills, individuals or their carers about management options which will be clinically effective
Critically evaluate new concepts, arguments and evidence from a range of current theories and research from relevant disciplines and use these to analyse problems in orthoptic practice.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
ADVANCED THEORETICAL ORTHOPTICS (ORTH330)	30
CLINICAL VISUAL OPTICS (ORTH332)	15
LITERATURE REVIEW (ORTH310)	30
ORTHOPTIC CLINICAL PRACTICE (ORTH335)	30
DEVELOPING AND ENHANCING PRACTICE (ORTH334)	15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

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, problem based learning, small group work, student-led seminars, collaborative project work and interactive tutorials are key learning strategies of all of the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing programmes.

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 whilst 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 our Orthoptic programme. 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 School of Health Sciences programmes is an important aspect of our students’ life. 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

More about taking a summer abroad

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

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

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.

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.

employment

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 - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Year abroad fee - £14,550 (applies to year in China)

The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.

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. This may include a laptop, books, or stationery. Additional costs for this course include Orthoptic equipment and travel to placements.

Stationery and equipment

Orthoptic equipment: £50

Travel to placements

This will vary due to geographical location, but is likely to be between £40 and £200 per week of placement (year one: seven weeks, year two: 11 weeks, and year three: 12 weeks).

* Home students are able to apply for reimbursement of travel/accommodation costs in relation to placement from the NHS Business Services Authority.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

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

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.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

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 £25,000 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 Human and Animal Health Professions (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. All GCSEs should be obtained at one sitting. Science Dual Award is acceptable. Applied GCSEs will not be considered.
Subject requirements	For applicants from England: 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 GCSEs grades A* – C or level 5, which must include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject. Science Dual Award is acceptable. Core and Additional Science are also considered. Please note that 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 minimum of Grade 5. Biology must be offered at a minimum of Grade 6.
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.

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.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification	Details
IELTS	7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5
TOEFL Paper	Grade 7 at Higher Level
LanguageCert	Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level

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.

Contact us

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

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

Last updated 11 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions