BSc Optometry

The General Optical Council student registration fee is currently £30 (renewable each year) but is reimbursed to you by the university. 

At the beginning of your first year, we provide you with a lab coat. By the end of the second year, you are encouraged to purchase your own ophthalmoscope and retinoscope, which can cost between £800 and £1000.

We require grades AAB-AAA, which should include two science subjects (Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry) normally to be taken in one sitting. We also require a pass in the practical assessments.

We will consider resit applications provided you have obtained a minimum of A-level grades BBB at the first attempt (or equivalent qualifications).

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

We require at least five GCSEs at minimum grade 5 (B), including English Language and Mathematics. We will accept C+ in the Northern Ireland reformed GCSEs.

For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP+ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool , we will allow an overall reduction of 2 grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than C/4.

For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP++ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool , we will allow an overall reduction of 4 grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than C/4. 

35 points overall with grades 665 in 3 higher level subjects, to include 2 sciences (from Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Physics).

For this course we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation. 

We welcome applications from overseas students. Country-specific information can be found on the University website.

We require grades AABBB to include 2 science subjects (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Biology) together with grade B in an Advanced Higher science subject. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and mathematics at Higher level.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and we do require two A-levels or equivalent to be included within this (please see subject requirements for A-level).

We accept the Welsh Baccalaureate in place of the third A-level only.

We require an overall grade of 80% with a minimum of Grade 8 in two science subjects.

In addition, all applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English Language.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Science, are required to achieve AAB in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics and an EAP score of B. INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students are required to attend an interview.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Science are required to achieve AAB in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics and an EAP requirements score of B.

We consider your full educational background. A decision about your suitability for this course will not be taken based solely on the foundation year completed, and will include all prior qualifications. Applicants should pass the Foundation Year at the first attempt as resits may not be considered.

BTEC National Extended Diploma

We do not consider the National Extended Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking a National Extended Diploma must achieve DDD alongside 1 science A-level (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grade A.

BTEC National Diploma

We do not consider the National Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking a National Diploma must achieve DD alongside 2 science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AB.

BTEC National Foundation Diploma

We do not consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking a National Foundation Diploma must achieve D alongside 2 science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AA.

BTEC National Extended Certificate

We do not consider the National Extended Certificate for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking a National Extended Certificate must achieve D alongside 2 science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AA.

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

We do not consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma must achieve DDD alongside 1 science A-level (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grade A.

Cambridge Technical Diploma

We do not consider the Cambridge Technical Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking the Cambridge Technical Diploma must achieve DD alongside 2 science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AB.

Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma

We do not consider the Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking the Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma must achieve DD alongside 2 science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AA.

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

We do not consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate for entry onto this course as a single qualification. Applicants undertaking the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate must achieve D alongside 2 science A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at grades AA.

We require 60 credits overall with 45 at Level 3, including a minimum of 15 credits in Biology with a Distinction grade, plus a minimum of 15 credits in Chemistry with a Distinction grade and a further 15 credits with Distinction.

Applicants should also have GCSE English Language at grade 5 (B) or above and GCSE Maths at grade 5 (B) or above, or equivalent. We also consider other factors such as additional educational achievements, life experience and skills on an individual basis. We will accept C+ in the Northern Ireland reformed GCSEs.

Students educated up to GCSE level who have only taken a one-year Access course will not normally be accepted.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken to include two science subjects (Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Physics). Grades required will be D3-M2 and/or A-B.

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We will accept grade B in Core Mathematics in lieu of the correct grade in GCSE Mathematics.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

We require one of:

• GCSE, IGCSE or O-Level English Language at grade 5 (B). We will accept C+ in the Northern Ireland reformed GCSE;
• IELTS 7 (with no less than 6 in any component);
• TOEFL (iBT) - 100;
• an equivalent qualification.

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.

Both international and EU applicants are considered on the basis of their UCAS form. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Zoom.

Interviews are part of the selection process. All suitable UK applicants will be interviewed via Zoom. Please refer to the application process page for more information.

Full guidance on how to apply for a visa to study at the University can be found on the  Visa guidance page . Most international students will obtain a student visa for the three-year duration of the BSc Optometry course.

You may be offered the opportunity to transfer to the four-year Master of Science in Optometry (MSci Optometry) during your second year of study. If you apply to transfer onto this course, you will be able to extend your student visa until the end of the course. You would become fully qualified to practice in the UK on completion of the MSci Optometry, and there is no requirement for a separate pre-registration year.

Once you complete the MSci Optometry, you can then apply for a graduate route (post study) visa if you would like to continue working in the UK.

Visas for the Pre-Registration period

If you complete the three-year BSc Optometry course and you wish to become fully qualified to practice in the UK, you will need to complete a one-year pre-registration year outside of the University, which usually takes place at a hospital or a high street practice. This is not required if you complete the four-year MSci.

The pre-registration year is overseen by The College of Optometrists and you will need to apply for a Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) scheme visa. You can do this while you are in the UK. The College of Optometrists will sponsor BSc Optometry students in their role as an approved licenced sponsor under the Tier 5 (GAE) scheme. Full details can be found on the  College of Optometrists website .

Upon completion of your pre-registration year, your entitlement to stay in the UK under Tier 5 GAE is no longer valid and you will be required to return to your home country or apply for a different visa type, e.g. a Tier 2 (General) visa.

If you need any additional help, please contact us at  ug.optometry@manchester.ac.uk  for guidance.

All applicants will be required to complete a Pre-acceptance Health Questionnaire. Please see the Optometry Applicants - Fitness to Practise Guidelines (PDF) for more information.

We do not require applicants to complete an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check during the admissions cycle.

However should you register on the Optometry course, you will be required to complete the enhanced DBS check during the first semester of formal teaching.

International applicants will need to submit an overseas police check and this will be included as a formal offer condition.

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Requests for deferred entry are granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and are normally granted for one year only. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date.

We will consider resit applications provided you have obtained a minimum of A-level grades BBC at the first attempt (or equivalent qualifications).

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

You will be introduced to the scientific principles that underpin optometry including the properties of light, the anatomy of the eye and the processing of vision in the brain. You will also learn about ophthalmic appliances such as lenses and instrumentation such as retinoscopes.

The clinical element of the course will introduce you to general eye examination techniques that you will initially carry out on fellow students followed by volunteer patients in Semester 2.

You will cover a range of new topics including human disease processes, pharmacology, contact lens practice and binocular vision. You will also further develop your knowledge of ophthalmic appliances, and optometric instrumentation.

The clinical element of the course will develop your skills so that you will have the confidence to examine members of the public under supervision by the end of the year.

You will spend a week in the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital on a full-time placement during the vacation between the second and third years of the course. This provides a wealth of clinical experience in a hospital department.

An even greater emphasis is placed upon the clinical element of your course during your final year. You will have several clinics each week including contact lenses, low vision, paediatric and orthoptic clinics - some of which take place at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

You will visit the refractive surgery facilities of a leading eye-care organisation.

Topics at the cutting edge of technology and practice are discussed in final year lectures on emerging optometry.

You will be supported to apply clinical and scientific research to patient management through our evidence based practice unit.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Optometry degrees are approved by the General Optical Council.

In order to be eligible for progress to the pre-registration year you need to achieve a 2:2, demonstrate all of the GOC stage 1 core competencies and maintain GOC student registration throughout your studies.