Optometry

Holders of the Community College Diploma (2/3 years) with an overall GPA of 2.7 out of 4 will be considered for undergraduate entry.

To study at UWE Bristol you must demonstrate that your English level is high enough for university study. We accept a number of different Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for entry onto our degree courses, with IELTS being the most common. English language requirements vary slightly from subject to subject.

Please see a list of other acceptable English language qualifications.

Careers / Further study

You'll need to complete your degree with a 2:2 to move onto your pre-registration year as a trainee optometrist. You'll need to successfully complete your pre-registration assessed clinical training in practice to be able to register as a practising optometrist with the General Optical Council (GOC).

Throughout this course, you must be registered with the General Optical Council and follow their standards. Without registration or if your registration lapses, you will not be able to carry out any practical work, and your assessments may not count towards your final award. This may therefore prevent your progression.

We'll support you to arrange your pre-registration year, arrange employer introductions and provide interview practice.

You will only receive a GOC approved award having met both the academic and professional (competency and patient experience) requirements:

• Sufficient academic credits have been attained
• The required amount and type of patient experience has been obtained
• The required GOC core competencies have been achieved
• A 2:2 classification (or equivalent standard of 50% at master's level) has been attained
• You have maintained registration with the GOC for the duration of you study

As a registered student optometrist, you'll be well placed to seek work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, private practice,lens manufacturers, optical laboratories or charities providing eye care services around the world.

You could also go into research, or progress onto a master's in optometry. As you become more experienced, you may choose to enhance your clinical skills further by completing higher qualifications with The College of Optometrists.

Get inspired

Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.

We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.

Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.

The University of West of England currently holds provisional approval from the GOC to provide the BSc (Hons) in Optometry programme. Whilst under provisional approval, students recruited on to the programme are not guaranteed entry to the GOC Register and may be required to undertake additional assessments through an alternative GOC approved education provider in the event that any aspect of the programme when delivered does not satisfy the GOC standards.

1. Register and apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
2. Apply through one of our agents or representatives in your country.
3. Meet a representative at one of our regional offices.