The Student Room Group

Leicester or Anglia Ruskin for ODP?

ive applied for ODP and got an offer at ARU but im now stuck between Leicester and aru.
does anyone know what is should do. whicj should i pick in terms of diversity,the course etc.
Original post by NA-learner
ive applied for ODP and got an offer at ARU but im now stuck between Leicester and aru.
does anyone know what is should do. whicj should i pick in terms of diversity,the course etc.

Hi @NA-learner 👋

Great to hear you're considering us as one of your choices! To help you make an informed decision, I thought I'd share some insights about our ODP course.

Our ODP degree at the School of Healthcare combines academic study and work-based learning. You'll spend 65% of your time on placement at one of our partner hospitals in locations such as Nottingham, Derby, Northampton, Kettering, Chesterfield, Peterborough, Grantham and Boston, and Leicester. This gives you the option to enjoy the benefits of our excellent ODP programme whilst learning in a local hospital close to home.

You'll learn everything needed for a successful ODP career, including subjects like biological sciences, operating department technology, clinical leadership and management and the legal, ethical and professional issues that affect clinical practice. While on placement, you'll be supported and mentored by professionals to help you grow in confidence and skills.

The course is accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners and approved by the HCPC. Our students are among the most satisfied in the UK; we were ranked 8th nationally for ODP-related subjects in the 2024 National Student Survey. For more information about the course, click here.

As a current student, I’d highly recommend Leicester it’s the ideal place to thrive both academically and socially. Leicester is a multicultural city that is consistently ranked among the most affordable student cities in the UK ⭐️
Whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation, this city offers a balanced experience! For more information about student life in Leicester, click here.

Wishing you the very best of luck with your decision! If you have any questions, let us know ☺️

Siya
Business and Management BA
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

Original post by NA-learner
ive applied for ODP and got an offer at ARU but im now stuck between Leicester and aru.
does anyone know what is should do. whicj should i pick in terms of diversity,the course etc.

Hey there!

I studied ODP at ARU and I’d highly recommend it. The great thing about ARU is that you’ll spend most of your time on placement, unlike most other universities. When speaking to other students from other unis, they all said they wished their own course was structured more like ARU. ARU also splits all areas into terms, which means that if you’re on a scrub placement that entire term will be dedicated to all things scrub, all classes, placements and assignments. This is really helpful in linking the theory to the practical!

They also try splitting the terms between practical and theory classes, so when you are in uni you’re not just sat looking at presentations. The skills sessions are always really fun and everyone gets a chance to get hands on. The lecturers always make these classes fun and challenging! Lectures are also made interesting too, we often got split into groups or played games to check our knowledge.

I’m not sure what campus you’re considering at ARU but I went to Cambridge and it’s such a beautiful and vibrant city! I absolutely LOVED it there!

If you can I’d definitely recommend going to an open day, this is a great way to get a feel of the uni and the surrounding area. I was stuck between 2 unis too, until I attended an open day and then my heart was set on ARU!

I hope this helps 🙂 good luck whatever you decide to do and I hope you love everything ODP as much as I do!

Sophie
Original post by NA-learner
ive applied for ODP and got an offer at ARU but im now stuck between Leicester and aru.
does anyone know what is should do. whicj should i pick in terms of diversity,the course etc.


As the courses are approved by the HCPC it won't matter where you go in terms of course content as they will be held to the same standard. Consider the location and timings of placements and think about ease of travel. Also ask for copies of this year's timetable from the departments and compare - some unis use large chunks of the standard uni holidays for placements, others don't.

Reply 4

Original post by normaw
As the courses are approved by the HCPC it won't matter where you go in terms of course content as they will be held to the same standard. Consider the location and timings of placements and think about ease of travel. Also ask for copies of this year's timetable from the departments and compare - some unis use large chunks of the standard uni holidays for placements, others don't.

i think im more worried on diversity and culture as a black muslim

Reply 5

Hey,

I totally understand why you might be feeling a bit worried, I felt the same way before starting uni. But honestly, having just graduated from ARU, I can say with confidence that it’s a really welcoming and inclusive place.

There’s such a diverse mix of students at ARU from all kinds of backgrounds, cultures, and religions, and that really stood out to me during my time there. It made the experience feel so much richer and more comfortable, especially when you're new and trying to find your place.

There are also loads of societies, including ones focused on specific cultures and religions. I know both the Chelmsford and Cambridge campuses have active Islamic societies, and they’re a great way to meet people who share your values or experiences. I made some amazing friends through societies, and it really helped me feel at home.

I hope that gives you a bit of peace of mind. You’re definitely not alone, and you’ll be joining a really supportive community if decide to study at ARU.

All the best, Sophie 🙂
Original post by NA-learner
i think im more worried on diversity and culture as a black muslim

Hi @NA-learner,

I completely understand your concern. At the University of Leicester, we are deeply committed to ensuring that all our students feel welcomed, valued, and empowered throughout their time with us.

Leicester is renowned for its diverse and inclusive community, where people from all ethnic and religious backgrounds come together. You’ll experience this first-hand through the city’s many cultural celebrations. Our University reflects this spirit of inclusion, with 52.9% of our students coming from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, making Leicester a truly welcoming place to call home.

Our Embracing Diversity guide offers a unique insight into Leicester’s rich cultural landscape, and hope it serves as a helpful introduction to the representative groups and support systems available at the University. In fact, our Students’ Union has several active Islamic societies where you can connect with others from similar backgrounds and build meaningful experiences.

As a current student, I’ve seen first-hand how the University makes a genuine effort to accommodate its students from dedicated prayer spaces to diverse cultural food options. These initiatives have fostered a truly inclusive environment and made a valuable difference in ensuring everyone feels seen and supported.

I hope this helps! If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch 🙂

Siya
Business and Management BA

Reply 7

Original post by University of Leicester
Hi @NA-learner 👋
Great to hear you're considering us as one of your choices! To help you make an informed decision, I thought I'd share some insights about our ODP course.
Our ODP degree at the School of Healthcare combines academic study and work-based learning. You'll spend 65% of your time on placement at one of our partner hospitals in locations such as Nottingham, Derby, Northampton, Kettering, Chesterfield, Peterborough, Grantham and Boston, and Leicester. This gives you the option to enjoy the benefits of our excellent ODP programme whilst learning in a local hospital close to home.
You'll learn everything needed for a successful ODP career, including subjects like biological sciences, operating department technology, clinical leadership and management and the legal, ethical and professional issues that affect clinical practice. While on placement, you'll be supported and mentored by professionals to help you grow in confidence and skills.
The course is accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners and approved by the HCPC. Our students are among the most satisfied in the UK; we were ranked 8th nationally for ODP-related subjects in the 2024 National Student Survey. For more information about the course, click here.
As a current student, I’d highly recommend Leicester it’s the ideal place to thrive both academically and socially. Leicester is a multicultural city that is consistently ranked among the most affordable student cities in the UK ⭐️
Whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation, this city offers a balanced experience! For more information about student life in Leicester, click here.
Wishing you the very best of luck with your decision! If you have any questions, let us know ☺️
Siya
Business and Management BA

i just have a few questions
in terms of summer holidays for odp, how long are they
how does student timetable look like
how many days per week are spent on placement
what are student blocks and placement blocks and how do they work
are there any available student timetables to view
Original post by NA-learner
i just have a few questions
in terms of summer holidays for odp, how long are they
how does student timetable look like
how many days per week are spent on placement
what are student blocks and placement blocks and how do they work
are there any available student timetables to view

Hi @NA-learner 👋

Thanks for your questions about ODP! The details can vary depending on your year of study and when you're applying, so the best place to start is by exploring our website here.

I'd also recommend coming along to one of our Open Days. It's a great opportunity to chat with academic staff, attend taster lectures and subject-specific talks, and learn more about the ODP course in person. Alongside this, you can join a guided campus tour and experience our state-of-the-art facilities, vibrant student life, and supportive learning environment.

To book your spot at our Open Day, click here. We've also teamed up with National Express to offer 30% off coach travel to our Open Days. With hundreds of stops across the country, generous luggage allowance, and affordable ticket prices, it's a convenient way to get here.

I hope you find this helpful! If you have any further questions, let us know 😊

Siya
Business and Management BA

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