Master in
Master of Optometry University of Bradford
Introduction
Optometry is a healthcare profession concerned with the examination, diagnosis and treatment of the human eye and visual system.
In our aging population, the demand for eye care is expected to increase, and optometrists are ideally placed to help meet this demand in both the NHS and private practice.
Our integrated 4-year Master of Optometry (MOptom) programme has been completely redesigned for 2024, modernising our course content and structure to enable you to proceed directly to registration as a fully-qualified optometrist with the General Optical Council (GOC) upon completion.
The course is clinically-focussed from the start. You will learn all the practical techniques, theoretical underpinnings, professionalism and communication skills required to qualify as an optometrist.
You will be taught at one of the UK’s longest-established optometry schools by academics and tutors who are experts in their fields. Our world-class teaching facilities have recently been refurbished with £1.2 million of new state-of-the-art equipment and include an integrated eye clinic and our unique Directed Learning Suites.
Our course is renowned for its clinical emphasis and these skills are taught right from the start of the course. You will learn the essential skills required of an optometrist during years 1 and 2, before progressing to gain experience, under expert supervision, in the University’s own eye clinic in year 3. You will then proceed into a 44-week extended clinical placement delivered in partnership with the College of Optometrists in year 4.
The extended clinical placement is a period of paid employment within optometric practice, external to the University. You will be responsible for applying for and securing this placement with the support of the College of Optometrists and the University’s Career and Employability service.
Upon graduation, you will be a skilled, patient-focussed optometrist ready for modern optometric practice. You will be eligible to register with the GOC and practise independently as an optometrist in the UK. You will be highly employable, having developed excellent clinical and communication skills and will be well equipped for lifelong learning and ongoing professional development throughout your career.
Professional accreditation
This programme is accredited by the General Optical Council.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship.
Rankings
The University of Bradford is ranked 6th in the UK in the Complete University Guide Optometry, Ophthalmics and Orthoptics Subject League Table 2023.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Most graduates, on completion of the pre-registration year and having passed the Final Assessment Examinations set by the College of Optometrists, become registered with the General Optical Council to practise as optometrists.
Once qualified you can work in private practice, in hospital optometry or in optometric teaching and research. You will need an interest and ability in scientific work, in helping and communicating with people, and a measure of manual dexterity.
Career support
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.