Optometry
Aston University, Birmingham
UCAS Code: B512 | Master of Optometry - MOptom
Entry requirements
A level
AAA in three A Levels including two science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics AAB in three A Levels including two science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics, for Contextual Offer students* (https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready) AAB in three A Levels in three science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. ABB in three A Levels including two science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics, for Contextual Offer students* (https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready). Excluded Subjects: We welcome the following subjects as an additional A level, but not as one of the core three A Levels - General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies. Resits: We welcome applications from students who have tried to improve their examination grades by taking a maximum of one set of resits. We treat these applications in exactly the same way as other applications. However, if you have had more than one attempt at improving your grades, your application will be considered on an individual basis and we reserve to make an amended (higher) offer, or not make an offer.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Five GCSEs required as follows: B/5 Mathematics C/4 English Language plus three GCSEs at grade C/4. Please note we do not accept Key Skills or Functional Skills in place of these.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
2 Science Subjects: 32 points overall, three Higher Level subjects at 6 6 6, must include 2 science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in English Language and grade 6 in Maths. Or 32 points overall, three Higher Level subjects at 6 5 5 must include 2 science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in English Language and grade 6 in Maths for contextual offer students.* 3 Science Subjects: 32 points overall, three Higher Level subjects at 6 6 5 must include 3 science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in English Language and grade 6 in Maths. Or 32 points overall, three Higher Level subjects at 6 5 5 must include 3 science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in English Language and grade 6 in Maths for contextual offer students.*
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
With this BTEC you must achieve grades BB in two A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. If you are taking the BTEC in Applied Science subject, you must also achieve grade B in one A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
With this BTEC you must achieve grades BB in two A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
With this BTEC you must achieve grades BB in two A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. If you are taking the BTEC in Applied Science subject, you must also achieve grade B in one A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
With this BTEC you must achieve grades BB in two A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
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About this course
Aston School of Optometry was one of the first providers to start offering an updated optometry programme, in September 2023, to fit the new requirements of the General Optical Council. Our Master of Optometry (MOptom) is studied over four years, with clinical experience integrated throughout the programme from year one. In the final stage, all students complete a 44-week period of external Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) delivered in collaboration with the College of Optometrists.
Optometrists are professional clinicians responsible for multiple aspects of vision care, specialising in preserving sight by diagnosing and treating visual problems. They are trained to examine the eyes and detect disorders originating in the eye, brain or other parts of the body. Studying Optometry at Aston will give you the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and clinical experience needed to prepare you for a rewarding career in this exciting field of healthcare.
You’ll experience a wide range of learning methods and opportunities like:
- Supervised hands-on clinical experience working with patients at the Aston Eye Clinic, based on our vibrant city centre campus.
- Virtual reality training simulators to help you develop your skills and expertise.
- Clinical experience in multiple external settings such as specialist clinics, local hospital eye departments and community practices. Patient-facing clinical experience begins in year 1 of the programme.
- Interprofessional learning with students from a range of health professions.
**Key course benefits:**
- Ranked 2nd in the UK for Health Professions (MOptom)(Guardian University Guide, 2023).
- Aston is ranked in the Top 5 in the UK for Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics (Complete University Guide 2023).
- Within the School of Optometry, we conduct world-leading research in a wide range of areas relating to optometry and eye health. Top 10 in the UK for research quality (Optometry, Opthalmics & Orthoptics (Complete University Guide 2023).
- 4th in the UK for student satisfaction (Optometry, Opthalmics & Orthoptics (Complete University Guide 2023).
**Please note we do not offer a Foundation Programme, if you select Year 0 on your application form this will be amended to Year 1 at the admissions review stage.**
Modules
Our integrated curriculum structure allows you to see how the material you learn throughout the course is connected. You’ll study twelve integrated themes, within three broad areas of study:
The Professional: Themes focusing on the safe and effective delivery of care and supporting you in the development of your professional identity as an optometrist, including developing an evidence-based approach to practice.
The Patient: Themes covering health and disease, ocular structure and function, and how optometrists examine the eye to detect abnormality. You will learn how to examine the eyes using a wide range of the latest technology.
The Management: Themes focusing on how optometrists manage patients using optical appliances including spectacles, contact lenses and low vision aids, pharmacology and prescribing.
Themes run throughout the course, so you build on your knowledge and skills in a progressive way.
Year 1
You will develop your knowledge of the scientific principles that underpin optometry, while acquiring a range of core clinical skills. You will begin to demonstrate professional skills and behaviours which are required for registration as an optometrist and complete a one-week period of external clinical learning at a local practice.
Year 2
You will further your knowledge of the scientific foundations of the profession and extend your skills in clinical assessment and interpretation. A range of person-centred care themes are explored in readiness for increasing patient exposure. By the end of the year, you’ll be able to complete a full eye examination, fit a variety of contact lenses, advise on spectacles and perform a range of techniques to investigate binocular vision.
Year 3
You will see a wide range of patients in our public service clinic and gain experience in specialist optometry services. Develop further knowledge in areas such as ocular disease and abnormality, specialist practice and refine your professional skills required for a career in optometry. You will work on our virtual reality simulators to gain experience of a wide range of ocular disorders.
Year 4
You will work under supervision as a student optometrist during your 44 week paid CLiP placement. You will be supported in applying for and securing a CLiP placement by the Careers and Placements team, the Aston School of Optometry careers tutor, and the College of Optometrists. As you’ll be based away from Aston, course material will be delivered online and you’ll have regular tutorials to stay in touch with your tutors and fellow students. Once you have successfully completed stage 4 and achieved the MOptom, you’ll be able to apply to join the GOC register as a qualified optometrist.
Assessment methods
Teaching methods on our optometry programmes are varied and include a wide range of lectures, tutorials, and practical and clinical skills sessions. You’ll learn and gain invaluable insight from practising optometrists, ophthalmologists, orthoptists and opticians specialising in dispensing, contact lenses and low vision. They will be there to supervise and support you during your time working in the public service clinics in small groups. This range of experiences will provide you with, not only the practical skills, but also the personal industry insight and human skills that will really set you apart in the job market after graduation. Like our teaching, assessments are varied and include examinations, written reports, presentations, and assessment of practical and clinical performance, which includes regulations that are part of the Fitness to Practise scheme.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Aston University, Birmingham
School of Optometry
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Ophthalmics
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£17k
£36k
£35k
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