Orthoptics BMedSci

University of Sheffield

United Kingdom, Sheffield

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Home/United Kingdom/Sheffield /University of Sheffield/Orthoptics BMedSci

University of Sheffield

United Kingdom , Sheffield

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

B520

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines24-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,570 / year(s)

Next Intake 24-Sep-2026

Orthoptics BMedSci

About

Course description

Why study this course?

Hands-on clinical experience

Placements in orthoptic departments across the UK and Ireland give you valuable personal and professional experience. Over the three-year course you’ll spend 32 weeks on placement, learning from the experts and spending vital time with patients with a range of eye disorders.

Delve into research

In your final year, you’ll put everything you’ve learned into practice with a research project or literature review on a topic that interests you. You might have the opportunity to present your findings at a conference or have your work published in a medical journal.

£6,000+ annual NHS training grant

Annual NHS grants are available for all eligible UK home students to help you with your studies, as well as funding to cover the cost of placements.

Become a specialist at diagnosing, managing and treating eye movement disorders and visual impairments.

A degree in orthoptics from the University of Sheffield can take you in so many directions in healthcare – from an NHS hospital or community eye clinic to a rehabilitation centre for patients with neurological conditions.

This orthoptics programme is designed to give you a deep understanding of the human eye and different eye conditions.

We’ll lay the groundwork, introducing you to the basic anatomy and physiology of the human eye, before going on to explore topics such as ocular misalignment (strabismus), eye movement disorders, ocular diseases and medical microbiology. You’ll also learn how the NHS works, and explore topics such as medical ethics and law.

You’ll go on to work with patients and clinicians in specialist departments throughout the UK, developing the skills you need to flourish in a multidisciplinary eye care team.

Foundation courses

Mature students without standard entry qualifications can also study this course with a foundation year, which prepares them for degree-level study. For more information and entry requirements, visit Lifelong Learning.

This course is approved and accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

Standard offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBB
including a science subject

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification: BBC including B in a science subject + B in a relevant EPQ; BBC including B in a science subject + B in Core Maths (not applicable if Maths is taken at A Level)
International Baccalaureate: 32 with 5 in a Higher Level science subject
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science
BTEC Diploma: DD in Applied Science + B in an A Level science subject
T Level: Distinction in the Health, Healthcare Science or Science T Level, including grade B in the core component
Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher: ABBBB + B in a science subject
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels: B + BB including a science subject
Access to HE Diploma: Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

Science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology
GCSE Maths, English and Science grade 4/C

Access Sheffield offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBC
including a science subject

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification: BBC including B in a science subject + B in a relevant EPQ; BBC including B in a science subject + B in Core Maths (not applicable if Maths is taken at A Level)
International Baccalaureate: 31 with 5 in a Higher Level science subject
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science
BTEC Diploma: DD in Applied Science + C in an A Level science subject
T Level: Distinction in the Health, Healthcare Science or Science T Level, including grade B in the core component
Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher: BBBBB + B in a science subject
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels: B + BC including B in a science subject
Access to HE Diploma: Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 15 at Distinction and 30 at Merit

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

Science subjects include Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology
GCSE Maths, English and Science grade 4/C

English language requirements |

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course, we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Equivalent English language qualifications

Visa and immigration requirements

Other qualifications | UK and EU/international

Pathway programme for international students

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

Health clearance

If you are infected with hepatitis C or HIV, or if you have a disability, medical condition or learning difficulty, including dyslexia, you must disclose this on your UCAS form. All potential students with significant support needs will be individually assessed to ensure that the University is able to support them on the course.

All new students will undergo health screenings known as an Occupational Health Check, which may require an individual assessment. This is to ensure that you meet the fitness to practise standards detailed on the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners (HEOPS) guidance and is in accordance with the Department of Health National Guidelines.

Occupational Health Checks

We offer support to students with additional needs, for example, through the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service or Student and Academic Services. You can find out more about the network of support services we provide. A very small number of conditions might, on health and safety grounds, affect your registration with the appropriate regulatory body and your ability to practise in certain clinical situations.

Disclosure and Barring Service

All applicants are required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure check.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

English Program Requirements

English language requirements |

Equivalent English language qualifications

Visa and immigration requirements

Other qualifications | UK and EU/international

Career

Graduate careers

Orthoptics is a fantastic field for graduates, with plenty of opportunities to specialise or progress.

Most of our graduates have gone on to work in eye departments in the NHS. Alternatively, you might choose to work in an orthoptic clinic in a private hospital, health centre or school for children with special needs. The course also provides an excellent foundation for future postgraduate research in orthoptics and related fields.

The Sheffield BMedSci in Orthoptics is recognised worldwide. Graduates have worked in New Zealand, Australia, the USA, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Malta, Cypress, Denmark and Gibraltar.

Orthoptists can progress into more senior positions and clinical management as their clinical experience develops. You might end up taking on a specialist role involving ocular assessment, diagnosis and treatment in fields such as low vision, stroke and neuro-rehabilitation, vision screening, and ocular diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.