Independent Prescribing for Optometrists,PgCert

Aston University

United Kingdom, Birmingham

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Aston University

United Kingdom , Birmingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Certificate

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesOctober-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 month(s)

Next Intake October-2026

Independent Prescribing for Optometrists,PgCert

About

Course overview

Please note the application deadline for this course is Saturday 25 January 2025.

Within their scope of clinical practice, Independent Prescribing Optometrists can therapeutically manage any ocular condition affecting the eye and adnexa using a range of medicines. Being an Independent Prescriber can provide new career opportunities, increase professional freedom, and improve job satisfaction. Optometrists who complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing will be eligible to apply to the General Optical Council (GOC) for registration as an Independent Prescribing optometrist.

This course combines theoretical knowledge provided on a distance learning basis and a single compulsory campus clinical skills day. A clinical placement is also required, and candidates are encouraged to secure their hospital placement and supervisor prior to the application process.

Aston University is an established GOC-accredited provider for Independent Prescribing. In line with the GOC’s recently updated ‘Independent Prescribing Education and Training Requirements’, the Aston Independent Prescribing Postgraduate Certificate has been designed to fulfil these new requirements. Aston University is the first University in the UK to be ‘noted’ by the GOC for these changes, and anticipate full GOC accreditation of the newest version of the programme in the near future.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

You can apply for year 1 of a Bachelors degree with a two-year diploma/certificate. We normally look for average GPA of 3.0/5.0 as a minimum.

Some degree programmes, such as engineering, sciences and languages, require specific subject backgrounds.

If you have or you are on the path to study a different qualification, please contact us at international@aston.ac.uk for an evaluation.

English Program Requirements

Undergraduate (Bachelor Degrees)

School/Programme	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking	Overall
Aston Medical School	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0
Aston Business School	Two bands at 5.5 and other bands at 6.0 and above	Two bands at 5.5 and other bands at 6.0 and above	-	-	6.5
Engineering and Physical Sciences	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	6.0
Health and Life Sciences (except Aston Medical School)	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.5
Health and Life Sciences (Optometry)	6.5	6.5	6.5	6.5	7.0
School of Social Sciences and Humanities	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	6.0

* The above is applicable to students entering Years 1 and 2 of undergraduate programmes. Articulation into the Final year will vary depending on the degree programme and subject to the agreement with the partner.

** BSc Biochemistry, BSc Neuroscience, BSc Biology, and BSc Psychology programmes (all) will accept applications from candidates where one band is at 5.5 and the others at 6.0 and above.

Career

Career prospects

Our courses offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in order to develop your career. In addition, our ethos is to equip you to make a real difference in your field.