Optometry and Ophthalmology MSc

About this degree

The UCL Institute of Ophthalmology along with expertise from Moorfields Eye Hospital, one of the leading eye hospitals in the world, will provide you with a rewarding MSc programme in Optometry and Ophthalmology.

The aim of the programme is to develop clinical practice and to contribute to the advancement of eye care delivery in primary, secondary, or tertiary care settings. The programme has been developed by practicing clinicians and researchers for multidisciplinary ophthalmic clinicians such as optometrists, orthoptists, and ophthalmic nurses.

The structure of the programme is based on the four main pillars in healthcare: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research. Modules that are offered to you provide training in the four busiest ophthalmic specialties in the UK and worldwide: Glaucoma, Medical Retina, Ophthalmic Emergencies and Cataract.

Ophthalmic professionals are extending their scope of practice to help manage the increasing burden of patient care in these areas.

Links to other professional qualifications

1. College of Optometrists Professional Higher Qualifications

For UK based, GOC registered optometrists and HCPC registered orthoptists only:

This MSc programme provides the academic component of the College of Optometrists Higher Qualifications in medical retina and glaucoma only. You will need to undertake further assessments outside the degree and arrange work-based learning and assessments (placements) to complete the qualifications. UCL does not arrange placements on your behalf.

If you choose the Optometry and Ophthalmology (ACP) MSc route, your placement can be put towards the Higher Qualifications to achieve this professional qualification.

For UK-based optometrists, you will at the also be able to get CPD points required to maintain your professional registration on completion of academic modules on the programme.

2. Ophthalmic Practitioner Training

Work-based learning and assessments undertaken as part of the Optometry and Ophthalmology (ACP) MSc can be put towards attaining the OPT qualification with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Students will need to arrange registration with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists independently and may need to undertake further assessments.

Access to observerships at Moorfields Eye Hospital

There are a limited number of observerships available at Moorfields Eye Hospital which will incur an extra charge. These are available on a first come, first served basis to students. You should organise this directly with the Moorfields Observership Scheme. Note that observerships cannot substitute placements.

The aim of this programme is to develop clinical practice and to contribute to the advancement of eye care delivery in primary, secondary, or tertiary care settings. This Optometry and Ophthalmology MSc programme has been developed by practicing clinicians and researchers for multidisciplinary ophthalmic clinicians such as optometrists, orthoptists, and ophthalmic nurses. You may also be interested in the Optometry and Ophthalmology PG Cert.

BSc (Hons) Optometry, Orthoptics, General Nursing (evidence of ophthalmic specialty training is also required for ophthalmic nurses or OPT levels 1 and 2) or an equivalent overseas qualification.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Alumni are expected to take on roles working autonomously as practitioners in ophthalmology extended roles, shared care schemes, leading clinical teams, taking on roles in ophthalmic education and research.