Enrol on our two-year, accelerated Orthoptics MSc programme to kickstart a rewarding, varied career in what is an interesting and challenging healthcare industry.
If you are interested in working in healthcare, have an interest in eyes and vision or simply want a challenging, rewarding and varied career, consider this two year accelerated MSc programme in Orthoptics.
You will undertake seven modules over two years which are broadly categorised into three main themes: ‘Orthoptic Clinical Practice and Theory’, ‘Ophthalmology and Optics’ and ‘Research Methods in Healthcare Practice’. Clinical education forms a key component of the programme and this will be delivered by giving students the opportunity to learn whilst on clinical placement and also using a high fidelity clinical simulation experience at the University. The programme will ensure that upon graduation you are able to deliver outstanding patient care by using evidence based practice and continue to grow as an Orthoptist.
This course will provide you with an authentic experience integrating academic knowledge and clinical skills. Students will learn via a mix of home online learning, on campus teaching and clinical placement during specifically identified blocks of time for intensive practical clinical training. At the end of the two year programme you will be eligible to register with the Health Care Professions Council and practice under the protected title ‘Orthoptist’.
This course is for you if you are interested in working in healthcare and have an interest in eyes and vision. You must have a good understanding of the profession and an awareness of the procedures undertaken.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In year one, you will be introduced to the fundamental professional theory that underpins the industry. You will also develop primary clinical skills that will serve you throughout your academic and professional journey in Orthoptics.
Modules specifically relate to vital general academic skills like research as well as core subject themes including Neuro-orthoptics and Ophthalmology.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In the second year of your studies, your theoretic understanding of Orthoptics will evolve with the introduction of more sophisticated academic themes and subjects.
You will be given the opportunity to expand your clinical skills into more advanced areas of practice, and will demonstrate your knowledge of the industry through a dissertation module in which will you will be expected to explore a key aspect of your profession in considerable detail.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION: HEALTHCARE PRACTICE (HEAL418) | 45 |
| OPHTHALMOLOGY AND OPTICS II (ORTH423) | 20 |
| ORTHOPTIC CLINICAL PRACTICE AND THEORY II (ORTH424) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Learning and teaching will be delivered using a hybrid model. Students will have blocks of on campus and online teaching.
The online blocks can range from 1-5 weeks where teaching and learning will be delivered online using asynchronous and synchronous activities. The ‘on campus’ blocks range from 2-7 weeks where students will engage with face-face teaching to consolidate their online learning and have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice. The simulation weeks will also be delivered on campus.
The learning and teaching strategy aligns with S2026 and meets the Liverpool Curriculum hallmarks and attributes. The students will experience the Liverpool hallmarks: ‘Research-connected teaching’, ‘Active learning’ and ‘Authentic assessment’.
Through these learning opportunities the students will develop graduate attributes: confidence, digital fluency and global citizenship. Students will be required to interact with a number of digital platforms, for example, the University VLE, Microsoft Teams, recorded clinical skills, innovative Virtual Reality technology, Endnote and formative assessments tools like Kahoot to enhance their digital fluency and active learning.
The programme is culturally rich using inclusive teaching methods, having the opportunity to learn with and from individuals from diverse backgrounds and to interact with groups of people from all backgrounds. These hallmarks will enable students to develop into confident independent orthoptists who are autonomous, self-aware and capable of undertaking evidence based practice.
In year one of the programme, students will have the opportunity to attend a clinical placement site anywhere in the UK for 10 weeks (2x blocks of 4 weeks and 1 block of 2 weeks).
In year two, students will attend clinical placement for 11 weeks (1 block of 3 weeks and 2x blocks of 4 weeks) gaining valuable clinical experience to consolidate their knowledge.
The assessment strategy for this programme aligns with the ‘Authentic assessment’ hallmark of the Liverpool Curriculum Framework where students will undertake assessment tasks across the two years that is reflective of the skills and knowledge required to practice as an orthoptist.
These include a range of different assessment methods requiring the student to demonstrate active learning and assesses their ability to demonstrate an integrated application of academic knowledge and practical skills relevant to orthoptics. Assessments include Online quizzes, written and practical examination and portfolios. These are scheduled appropriately throughout the 2-year programme. The research modules involve the student writing a project proposal at the end of year one and a journal article at the end of year two.
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:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.
The School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing has been at the forefront of healthcare education and training for over 100 years. We place particular emphasis on cross-School education and research activities, and the diversity of disciplines we specialise in has created a stimulating environment which enriches our student’s academic experience.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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Graduates in Orthoptics are key to the National Health Service healthcare workforce as this field is a highlighted skill shortage area within the NHS.
Qualified orthoptists have the opportunity to develop into ‘specialist’ and ‘advanced’ professionals who can become consultant orthoptists and team and department managers.
Furthermore, upon graduation, this degree will allow individuals to pursue a range of general graduate and research careers in health sciences or the wider healthcare industry.
Employment opportunities are available nationally and internationally.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £9,536
Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
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 could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
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.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | You should include a personal statement of no more than 700 words in support of your application. This should reflect on your understanding of the profession and relevant qualities valuable to a healthcare professional. You will normally need a 2:2 honours degree, or above, or equivalent. While science subjects are preferred, we will consider graduates from a range of disciplines. Applicants with a non-science degree will be considered with supporting information outlining relevant recent experience or further study. Each application will be assessed on its own merits. You must demonstrate a good understanding of the orthoptist profession, including an awareness of the procedures undertaken. You are encouraged to arrange a clinical observational visit to an orthoptic department in support of your application. An interview forms part of the selection process. The interview follows the values-based recruitment (VBR) process and you will be expected to demonstrate the relevance of the NHS’ values and pertinent skills required within the orthoptic role. Please note: meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a place on the programme as competition is high. You are encouraged to present the strongest possible application. Declaration of criminal background If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete. Health screening |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
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 iBT | 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 21, reading 21, writing 21 and speaking 23. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 130 overall, with no component below 120 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 69 overall, with no component below 61 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 75 overall, with no skill below 70 |
| PSI Skills for English | C1 Pass in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5, for further details.
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Last updated 13 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions