Optometry and Ophthalmology CPD units / Entry requirements

You must hold a relevant honours first degree (Lower Second or above, or equivalent) from an approved higher education institution or evidence of previous advanced study, research or professional experience that the University accepts as qualifying you for entry.

Students whose first language is not English require a minimum of one of the following: 

• IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing;
• paper-based TOEFL of 575 or computer-based TOEFL of 230 with 6.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE);
• internet-based TOEFL of 90 with a minimum of 22 in each component.

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

We cannot provide visas for student on this course. If you will require one, you must ensure you will be able to source a visa yourself for the course's duration.

The entry requirements differ by course.

The Professional Certificates in Glaucoma and Medical Retina require applicants to be UK registered optometrists or healthcare professionals working ina patient-facing capacity. You need to be practising in an environment where you are routinely able to apply your clinical skills through direct patient care.

Although only full UK College members will receive paper certificates, all course completers will continue to be considered holders of the higher qualification and entitled to use the corresponding affix accordingly.

Professional Certificate Glaucoma Health Care Professionals (who are not optometrists) are welcome to apply, however they must be working in a glaucoma clinic and have experience of Goldmann applanation tonometry, slit lampand optic disc assessment with indirect biomicroscopy. Candidates must be regularly using these skills in day-to-day clinical practice in order to be likely to meet the standard required for the practical component of this course. We will require a supporting statement from a consultant ophthalmologist.

Professional Certificate in Medical Retina Health Care Professionals (who are not optometrists) are welcome to apply.

Glaucoma/Medical Retina/Contact Lenses/Refractive Management/Dementia Health care professionals who wish to update their knowledge of the above conditions are welcome to apply.