MSci Optometry / Application and selection

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. 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.

Communication and dress code

We have adopted the same policy regarding dress code as set out by the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC states that non-verbal communication is at least as important as verbal communication, and so how a student or Optometrist appears to patients, relatives or colleagues means as much as what he or she says.

Students (and optometrists) in professional settings must dress in a manner that adds to, and does not detract from, effective communication.

Furthermore, the Standards for Optical Students states that students must learn how to listen to patients and their carers, and communicate effectively with them in a way they can understand.

This applies not only in clinical settings, but also throughout the educational elements of the undergraduate course, which is built around group work with other students and tutors.

In addition, the convention of some units may require wearing scrubs and being bare below the elbow. Hair should be tied back if it interferes with, or adds risk, to a clinical activity. Nail polish and gel nails are an infection risk and are not permitted in any clinical areas. Students must abide by all workplace dress codes when on placement, which may vary between sites.

You must be able to participate fully in communication and other skills training, discussion and assessment. As well as adhering to the dress code above, it means being able to interact fully with patients, standardised patients, teachers and examiners of any cultural or ethnic background or either gender. This includes conducting physical examinations that are a compulsory component of the course.

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 BBB 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.