Course summary
Course Overview Our BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing is a unique, two-year fast-track programme for those in the industry who want to gain qualifications while working. The programme blends online delivery with week-long, on-campus blocks, embedding learning with clinical and practical skills. You can see how the knowledge from the programme can be applied in the real world within your workplace. On successful completion of this programme, you may have the opportunity to transfer onto the Optometry programme if you meet the requirements to a satisfactory standard. Please note this course is only available to UK students. Why study with us
- A fast-track format means you start your pre-registration in your last year and you could be a registered dispensing optician within two years of starting the course.
- You’ll have access to our brand new purpose-built vision sciences facilities including specialist dispensing and refraction labs.
- You will have the opportunity to learn within our on campus Eye Health Clinic, equivalent to a high street practice and open to members of the public.
- You’ll be taught by experienced practitioners and visiting clinicians who help supervise and facilitate specific aspects of the programme.
- Gain experience with volunteer patients, from visual impairment charities, who are part of the programme too.
- You’ll be able to visit large scale glazing labs and you'll have access to specialist labs such as the Dispensing and Optometry Pre-Clinical space.
- This course is accredited by the General Optical Council. They are the regulator for optical professions in the UK and set standards for optical education and training, performance and conduct. You will need to be registered them throughout the duration of your studies.
Modules
Please visit The University of Central Lancashire’s website for the latest information about our modules.
How to apply
You can no longer submit a new application for courses starting in 2024.
If you already have a 2024 application and are in Clearing, you can add this course as a Clearing choice – contact the university or college first to check they have places.
This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- B590
- Institution code:
- C30
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- U
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
Must be employed within an optical practice and have a suitable mentor. GCSE English, Science and Mathematics plus two others at a minimum grade C or grade 4 (standard pass) equivalent + 1 year optical work experience. Or Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Optical Retail Skills + 1 year optical work experience + 5 GCSEs as above Or SMCTech qualification + 5 GCSEs as above BTEC: Considered as long as GCSE English, Science, Maths and two others at a minimum grade C/4 or equivalent + 1 year Optical work experience is met
Additional entry requirements
Admission tests
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Institutions Own Test (IOT)
Further information will be sent from the University
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Central Lancashire
Preston
PR1 2HE