Clinical Optometry (MSc)

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.

If you are registered with the GOC, with your online application you will need to provide:

1. Evidence of full GOC registration (UK students). If you are registered with the GOC, you must provide your GOC number in the Membership of Professional Bodies section of the application form.

2. A personal statement which clearly states the modules you intend to study and when you wish to start.

If you are not registered with the GOC, with your online application you will need to provide:

1. A copy of your certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved an honours degree in Optometry or a professional optometric qualification. If your certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.

2. A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.

3. A written professional reference which is signed, dated, and supplied on the University’s reference form or headed paper. The reference will need to comment specifically on your slit-lamp technique to assess the anterior eye and slit-lamp Volk technique to assess the retina. If it is not possible to provide a professional reference academic references will be considered.

4. A personal statement which clearly states the modules you intend to study and your clinical experience including the following skills:

• Slit lamp examination of the anterior eye, including assessment of the cornea and anterior chamber
• Assessing the features of the posterior fundus using slit lamp Volk BIO technique
• Goldmann applanation tonometry
• Visual field and OCT assessment, and basic interpretation
• Retinoscopy

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August for the Part-time programme and at the end of April for the Full-time programme but may close sooner if all places are filled.

Selection process

As the scope of optometric practice varies considerably around the world, interviews may be held with non-UK optometrists, in person or using Zoom, to ensure practitioners have the relevant clinical skills required to undertake this course. You may be required to have particular clinical skills that will be confirmed through references and interview and/or may need to complete primary care modules prior to completing other modules.

Other programme information

Please see the module list for more information on the range of optional modules we offer. There is a very high demand for certain modules and places are allocated on the basis of date of application. If a module is full, wherever possible, we will offer the applicant a place on the next available occurrence.

Modules that are accredited by the College of Optometrists must be completed in order i.e. students must achieve the College’s Professional certificate before selecting the module accredited for the College’s Higher Certificate and must achieve the College’s Higher Certificate before selecting to the module accredited for the College’s Diploma.

Find out more about English language requirements.

Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

• access to computers or devices that can store images
• use of internet and communication tools/devices
• curfews
• freedom of movement
• contact with people related to Cardiff University.