Course summary

Our Operating Department Practice degree is aimed at individuals who have an interest in anaesthetics, surgery and patient care and wish to work in operating departments or any other healthcare settings where anaesthetic or surgical intervention is required. You will learn about perioperative practice, supporting a wide range of functions including preparation of patients and facilities, working alongside surgeons to ensure safe and effective practice, and dignified and respectiful care. Operating departments have a special place in healthcare practice, instantly recognised as highly specialist and skilled facilities that fulfil a crucial role in managing a wide range of conditions. Their safe and effective function relies on a wide team, within which operating department practitioners assume a central role. Graduates will be eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the College of Operating Department Practitioners to enable them to practice as a qualified Operating Department Practitioner bringing a wide range of employment opportunities (subject to HCPC and relevant College approval). The course is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge required to practice as an Operating Department Practitioner. Modules studied help develop a core underpinning knowledge of the medical sciences, involve interprofessional learning and working to enable the highest quality integrated practice, and deliver the fundamental skills required by the Operating Department Practitioner. Modules focusing on the basic and medical sciences, cover the layout, equipment and instrumentation associated with patient preparation, anaesthesia, and surgical practice. This knowledge, and the associated skills, are developed throughout all levels of the programme to underpin the management of increasingly complex situations. Unfortunately as this course is funded by the NHS and students have to have placements in the local NHS Health Board we are unable to accept applications from overseas (Non EU) students. This course is recognised by Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and endorsed by the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP).