TEF Gold Undergraduate course

MOptom (Hons)

Optometry with Integrated Foundation Year

Want an exciting career in eyecare? At 50¶È»Ò, you'll study a forward-thinking, clinically focused degree that will equip you with core skills, confidence, and industry experience – preparing you for success as a registered optometrist.

Our typical offer

80 UCAS points

Immersive learning, first-hand

At 50¶È»Ò, our innovative learning spaces – like the Centre for Eyecare Excellence (CEE) – are designed to help you apply your learning in practice and work with real patients.

Hands-on, real-world experience

You'll be gaining valuable experience on placements in a range of optometry settings, with regional practice placements during Years 1, 2 and 4 and a hospital placement in Year 3.

Graduate ready to enter the workforce

Graduate with the scientific and clinical knowledge, as well as the professional training, required by the General Optical Council (GOC) to practise as an optometrist.
MOptom (Hons) Optometry with Integrated Foundation Year

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About

Students using the new Optometry teaching spaces in the University of 50¶È»Ò's InterCity Place.

What inspires me now is seeing former students become successful optometrists providing eyecare to the UK population. Some of these optometrists have even embarked on becoming supervisors or lecturers themselves, and it's inspiring to see what a difference being in academia can make to individuals and consequently the communities they work in.

Dr Hetal Buckhurst
Dr Hetal Buckhurst Associate Professor in Optometry
 
 
 

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
 
A foundation year is for you if...
  • You would like to build your confidence to study at university level.
  • You want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
 
 

This course is for you if...

you want to become part of a pioneering clinical degree programme – the first to bring optometry to the South West
Optometry icon
you want to develop your clinical and communication skills while working with real patients
Icon representing optometry - optometrist with eye chart behind
you want to make a difference to society through healthcare
Clipboard with heart showing heart beat
you want to boost your employability by learning through problem-solving and collaboration
Icon representing optometry - optometrist holding tool to check vision

Details

Year 0

Our Integrated foundation course prepares you for the undergraduate degree in MOptom (Hons) Optometry. Taught by University lecturers on campus, you’ll be part of the University from day one. If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level, this course is for you. Students completing the MOptom (Hons) Optometry with Integrated Foundation Year course will normally progress to year 1 of the MOptom (Hons) Optometry course.
MOptom (Hons) students learning optometry

Core modules

BHCS001
Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics 20 credits

This module will provide an introduction to microbiology and the human immune system. Students will learn the fundamental biology relating to bacteria, helminths, viruses and fungi. And also develop an understanding of how our immune system has evolved to combat infection. The module will also explore methods to control microbial contamination and therapeutic strategies to prevent disease.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

BHCS002
Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences 20 credits

This module examines the role of science in addressing key contemporary issues in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences. The module aims to take an integrative approach, aiming to develop in students both a critical appreciation of the ways in which issues in Human Biology can be approached and resolved, and to develop an understanding of the skills and attributes needed for effective study of such issues at undergraduate level.

100% Coursework

FMD001
Molecules to Cells 20 credits

This module introduces key concepts involved in cell regulation including genetic inheritance, metabolism and protein expression. The important role of enzymes in the control of biochemical pathways will be introduced, as will an introduction to cell signalling. Cellular organisation within different tissues will also be outlined, enabling students to recognise links between structure and function. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

100% Examinations

FMD002
Introduction to Human Physiology 20 credits

This module will provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Using example systems, it will emphasise relationships between structure and function and examine homeostatic regulation in these systems. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

50% Examinations

50% Other

FMD004
Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning) 20 credits

This module is designed to enable learners to develop key skills required for working in multidisciplinary teams. Students will be encouraged to work with their colleagues to manage tasks and tailor learning according to their own particular discipline

100% Coursework

SOHP001
Learning Skills for Health and Social Care Professions 20 credits

This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education by developing an independent, reflective and managed approach to learning and professional development.

100% Coursework

Year 1

In year 1, you’ll focus on learning the basic scientific principles of optometry. You’ll also begin developing the clinical skills essential to the profession. During your one-week observational placement, you’ll see first-hand what working as an optometrist involves.
BSc (Hons) Optometry students providing an eye examination (eye test) during a teaching session

Core modules

HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1

OPT404
Visual Perception 20 credits

This module is designed to help the student develop the necessary knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception, visual pathways and psychophysical methodology associated with visual perception.

70% Examinations

30% Practicals

OPT405
Geometric and Physical Optics 10 credits

This module introduces the student to the physical and geometric properties of light and prepares the student for the module Visual optics and Ophthalmic lenses

100% Examinations

OPT406
Visual Optics and Ophthalmic Lenses 20 credits

This module introduces the student to the optical properties of the eye, ophthalmic lenses and other optical instruments.

70% Examinations

30% Practicals

OPT407
Anatomy and Physiology 20 credits

This module is designed to introduce optometry students to the fundamentals of ocular and human anatomy and physiology relevant to practice in this profession.

70% Examinations

30% Practicals

OPT408
Clinical Optometry Skills 20 credits

This module enables the student to develop the skills and competencies to conduct a basic refraction and ocular health examination.

50% Examinations

50% Clinical exams

SOHP401
Preparation for Practice 20 credits

This inter-professional module will introduce students to professional practice and the inherent standards expected of them. The characteristics and identity of allied health professionals, as evidence based practitioners, will underpin learning.

100% Coursework

 
 
 

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

 

Hands-on learning

Our eye care clinic, the Centre for Eyecare Excellence (C.E.E) provides a wide range of eye care services to the community, including eye examinations, spectacle dispensing, contact lens fittings, and specialist clinics for children, individuals with visual impairments, and those with specific eye conditions.
The C.E.E is operated by fully qualified professionals, with some services provided by student optometrists under the supervision of highly trained and qualified staff. This approach ensures high-quality care at competitive prices while also serving as a cutting-edge teaching facility for undergraduate and postgraduate optometry students.
Explore the Centre for Eyecare Excellence
Optometry at CEE
 
 
 
Priya Rajbhandary

I have the opportunity to interact and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and generations every day in practice. I not only learn new things about eye health daily, but also about the society and the people within it. This is the most captivating aspect of pursuing a career in this field.

Priya
Optometry graduate

 
 
 

Work alongside other healthcare students

Teamwork is essential for success in health and social care and many other careers. Interprofessional learning is all about working and learning together with people from different areas of healthcare. It helps you build valuable skills for the future.
The 50¶È»Ò Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre supports interprofessional learning, giving students chances to work with others across different healthcare fields including radiography, dietetics, dental surgery, psychology, and child nursing. By learning together, students become confident and ready to step into their careers from day one.

It is great to know how to ensure all of our professions can work effectively together. This benefits the service user and staff.

Healthcare systems always require improvement, it’s easier to know how to improve your area if you know how other areas work too.

Health students taking part in PIHC interprofessional learning activity
Students using the new Optometry teaching spaces in the University of 50¶È»Ò's InterCity Place.
Students using the new Optometry teaching spaces in the University of 50¶È»Ò's InterCity Place.
PIHC interprofessional learning session - 3 students kneeling on the floor looking at an exercise

Real-world experience

We introduce you to working with patients and encourage you to start thinking like a healthcare professional right from the start. Practice placements in the first, second and fourth year, and hospital experience in the third and fourth year provide you with insight into your chosen career.
Together with the hands-on clinical experience you gain at our Centre for Eyecare Excellence (CEE) throughout the third year, your placement experience helps to ensure that you develop the clinical ability and confidence required to be a successful, capable clinician.
Your placements are generally over 5 days, Monday-Friday, and will take place throughout the South West.

I went to a Specsavers for my placement week, and I really enjoyed my time there. I got to see first-hand how the optometry practice worked and by sitting in with optometrists I was able to see cataracts on a real patient, problems such as macular degeneration and even some special emergency cases. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, and it allowed me to see how different professions work together within the practice to provide the best quality care for the patients. Doing it in the first year was very useful as it allowed me to gain a deeper insight into optometry.

Samia
MOtpom (Hons) Optometry student

I first felt like I was becoming an optometrist when I was performing pre-screening tests during my placement near the beginning of my first year. While performing these screenings, I was able to identify the different aspects of the back of the eye and could immediately spot anomalies and reassure patients about their eye concerns. Doing this with confidence is my proudest achievement in optometry so far.

Jumanah
Optometry graduate
Jumanah Akhtar optometry student
 
 
 

Learn from experienced optometry professionals

Our staff are qualified optometrists and vision specialists engaged in active research and clinical practice. They bring a wealth of professional expertise into the classroom, ensuring your learning is grounded in the latest evidence-based care, which you will apply in real-world clinical settings.
Professor Phillip Buckhurst Professor of Optometry


Professor of Optometry

Dr Gunnar Schmidtmann Associate Professor of Optometry and Vision Science


Associate Professor of Optometry and Vision Science

Dr Mahesh Joshi Lecturer in Optometry


Lecturer in Optometry

Show all
 
 
 

Join our optometry society 'OpSoc'

We understand that optometry is a demanding course that makes it difficult to find time to have a life outside of it. OpSoc is there to build a community for students and provide opportunities to socialise and unwind outside of the course. We have a calendar of social events that’s scheduled around commitments to the course, and wellbeing activities designed to give you the break you need.
OpSoc logo
 
 
 

Life in 50¶È»Ò

50¶È»Ò's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what 50¶È»Ò and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Luke McRoy-Jones, optometry graduate, 2023

My most memorable time at CEE was when I began to see patients of my own, under supervision, and this experience allowed me to grow clinically under the guidance of the clinical supervisors and develop my clinical skills, clinical routine, decision making skills and interpersonal skills. At CEE, I performed eye examinations, contact lens appointments and dispensing and this provided an excellent foundation for my pre-registration period and career as an Optometrist.

 
 
Gagandeep Matharu

A huge advantage of studying optometry at 50¶È»Ò was the chance to attend placements in different optometric settings, as well as at Derriford Hospital. There were also opportunities available for gaining plenty of practical experience within the newly established eye clinic.

Gagandeep
Optometry graduate

Whether you decide to work in high street practices, alongside other healthcare professionals in hospitals or make your mark in vision science research, throughout your degree we’ll help you plan for a successful career.
Optometry graduates find employment in a diverse range of roles, including working in:
  • NHS or private hospitals
  • independent or chain optical businesses
  • laser and refractive surgery
  • community practice in people’s own homes
  • specialist fields such as glaucoma care
  • vision science research and academia
  • industry
  • teaching
  • ]

    90% of all optometry graduates go on to work or further study

  • A

    96% of graduates said the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 

Additional Costs

You are required to register with the General Optical Council and remain on the register whilst you are a student. There is an annual fee for this which is currently £30.

Placements

All students within the School of Health Professions will spend time in placements away from university. The South West is a largely rural region, which often requires students to travel longer and further distances than may be expected when universities are in largely urban areas. In many cases, students will stay away from home for the duration of that placement. Some students on these courses are eligible for reimbursement of additional travel and accommodation costs over normal daily travel costs. This support is part of the Learning Support Fund administered through the NHS Business Services Authority. However, this should be investigated by the student to make sure this applies to their chosen course of study.
It is difficult to give a precise estimate of placement costs for each individual programme, due to the geographical spread of placements, and duration. However it is recommended you attend an Open Day to find out more about what placement costs can be anticipated or discuss placement with a member of our admissions teams.
Despite these costs, placements offer an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and are recognised as an essential part of students' development towards becoming a registered practitioner.

Optometry kit

Students are required to purchase their own Optometry kit which contains the basic equipment you will need during your time at university. The kit is currently priced at approximately £60 (subject to change).
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at 50¶È»Ò, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

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Entry requirements

Our typical offer
80 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
Applicants need to achieve 5 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects:
  • English
  • Mathematics (Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics)
  • Science
Students not achieving mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 on application may be offered a free online mathematics support package and an examination equivalent to C grade GCSE to enable the achievement of appropriate entry requirements prior to commencing the programme. This examination is offered during the recruitment cycle to all eligible candidates.
Plus suitable Level 3 qualifications or experience as outlined below.

A levels
80 points from a minimum of 2 A-levels including grade C in a Science subject. Excluding General Studies.
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C/4 at GCSE level).

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
MMP in a science related subject.

Access to HE Diploma
Pass an Access to HE Diploma (e.g science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing) with at least 33 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction.
Other qualifications and professional experience may be considered. Interview may be required, please refer to institution for individual consideration.

T level
Accepted, a minimum of a Pass (C or above in the Core) preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.

International Baccalaureate
25 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.

English language requirements
IELTS: 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all elements.
For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary . 

Extended entry requirements

  • We do not accept Key Skills Level 2 in place of GCSE English or mathematics.
  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C or above you will have to achieve an IELTS or equivalent qualification at the grades stated above.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.

Further information

Prospective optometry students are expected to attend an online interview, and complete satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare, and disclosure and barring processes before the start of your course.

Enhancing your application
Meeting the academic minimum does not guarantee you a place, you need to make sure that you are strong across all sections of your application form. Read more about enhancing your application . 

Interview days
Once your application has been received, we will consider your application to help us reach a decision. If successful at the initial screening stage, you will be invited to a short 10-minute online interview (via Zoom). The majority of health courses interview applicants, as this is a requirement of many health regulatory bodies. This applies to all Universities and is vital to the progression of applications.
Interviews enable:
  • you to give the best account of your skills, experience and character.
  • us to decide whether you will thrive in the University of 50¶È»Ò’s culture.
  • us to explain more about the University, programme and how we work with our students.
  Optometry interviews with the Faculty of Health : pre-work tasks, what to expect on the day of the interview and what happens after.

Screening
All offers are subject to satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare and disclosure and barring processes, before the start of your course.

Deferred entry
Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
 
 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
B519
Institution code
P60
Duration

5 years
(with placements)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
50¶È»Ò
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    80 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
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    • UCAS course code
    B519
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    5 years
    (with placements)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    50¶È»Ò
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of 50¶È»Ò.
     
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    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.