MSc Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science

The University of Manchester

United Kingdom, Manchester

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Home/United Kingdom/Manchester /The University of Manchester/MSc Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science

The University of Manchester

United Kingdom , Manchester

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 36,200 / year

Next Intake January-2026

MSc Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science

About

Update your knowledge to ensure you are at the cutting edge of modern ophthalmology if you are an ophthalmologist, optometrist, orthoptist, biological scientist or nurse.
Prepare for a related research or academic career.
Benefit from the research expertise of the University and the clinical expertise of Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
We offer some units from this MSc as standalone courses for continuing professional development (CPD). See the Ophthalmology and Optometry CPD units page for further details.
This course will be delivered using a variety of blended learning methods.
Self-funded and government-funded international students can combine this master's course with a 3 year PhD, as part of our Intergrated PhD programme.

Our MSc Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences course brings together the research expertise in vision from The University of Manchester and the clinical expertise of Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

The course is aimed at optometrists, ophthalmologists, orthoptists and nurses from the UK and overseas. It is suitable for:

individuals who are considering undertaking a research degree in the vision sciences;
those interested in professional development;
those interested in conducting research as part of their clinical training;
ophthalmologists wishing to expand and extend their training into specialist areas;
optometrists considering a career in the hospital eye service.

This course will provide you with a firm grounding in the knowledge needed to pursue a higher degree and to conduct high quality research in ophthalmology, optometry or vision sciences.

It also gives an opportunity for vision-related professionals to advance their knowledge of the scientific foundations of ophthalmology and vision sciences.

PhD with integrated master's

If you're planning to undertake a PhD after your master's, our Integrated PhD programme will enable you to combine your postgraduate taught course with a related PhD project in biology, medicine or health.

You can also visit this page for examples of projects related to integrated master's courses.

Deadline date for applications:

International Applicants – 1st August

Home Applicants – 1st September

Disciplines

MSc

Requirements

Entry Requirements

We require an honours degree (minimum Upper Second) or overseas equivalent in:

Medicine
Optometry
Orthoptics
Clinical and biological sciences
or other science subjects.

Intercalating students

This course is also available for intercalating medical students, both from the University of Manchester and other UK universities, upon completion of their third year. For St Andrews students studying at Manchester, this includes the three-year course plus the following one or two years spent in Manchester. Intercalating medical students need to have passed all assessments at first attempt (if you are in your third year) or have no fails in third year if you are in your fourth year.

Full entry requirements

English Program Requirements

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through a secure and approved testing system. We ask for English language proof from applicants from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found here ).

Specifically, we require a minimum of:

IELTS: 7.0 overall with minimum of 6.5 in all components
TOEFL: 100 internet-based (with 25 in each sub-score)

Career

Career opportunities

This MSc is aimed at optometrists, ophthalmologists, orthoptists, nurses and those from related backgrounds, and can open up a number of career opportunities.

The course will enable you to develop a systematic understanding of ocular diseases, the complex issues involved in their treatment and a critical awareness of current research. You will also be able to apply clinical problem-solving skills to patient care, where decisions must be made in unpredictable situations, using initiative and taking personal responsibility. You will importantly be able to critically analyse and evaluate literature in order to inform the eye care of your patients.

It is also ideal if you want to conduct research as part of your clinical training or pursue an academic career in ophthalmology, optometry and the vision sciences.

Please note, this course does not allow you to register as an optometrist with the General Optical Council.