Course summary
If you are interested in working in healthcare, have an interest in eyes and vision or simply want a challenging, rewarding and varied career, consider this two year accelerated MSc programme in Orthoptics. This course will provide you with an authentic experience integrating academic knowledge and clinical skills in a hybrid learning environment. This programme has been designed to allow graduates to learn online and on campus in blocks. This will enable students to continue living at home whilst engaging in distance learning activities and attend campus and placement during specifically identified blocks of time for intensive practical clinical training. At the end of the two year programme you will be eligible to register with the Health Care Professions Council and practice under the protected title ‘Orthoptist’. What does an Orthoptist do? As a qualified Orthoptist you will make valuable and meaningful contributions to the care of a wide range of patients from infants to older adults presenting with disorders of vision and/or eye movements. Throughout your training you will develop the skills and knowledge to help patients to improve their understanding of their condition, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. You will become a key member of the eye care team working with Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Ophthalmic nurses and will contribute to a wider multidisciplinary healthcare team. As a graduate from this programme you will be equipped with the tools to continue to develop and progress to specialist and advanced orthoptic clinical roles. Overview of the programme You will undertake seven modules over two years which are broadly categorised into three main themes: ‘Orthoptic Clinical Practice and Theory’, ‘Ophthalmology and Optics’ and ‘Research Methods in Healthcare Practice’. Clinical education forms a key component of the programme and this will be delivered by giving students the opportunity to learn whilst on clinical placement and also using a high fidelity clinical simulation experience at the University. The programme will ensure that upon graduation you are able to deliver outstanding patient care by using evidence based practice and continue to grow as an Orthoptist. Our programme aligns with the University of Liverpool hallmarks of research connected teaching, active learning and authentic assessment. Each of the modules are designed and assessed in a way that is meaningful to your work as an Orthoptist. Please note that this programme is currently subject to University approval.
Modules
Please visit our website for more details about the programme modules: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/taught/orthoptics-pre-registration-msc/module-details/
Entry requirements
The programme will consider graduates from across a range of disciplines who have obtained a minimum of a 2:2 classification in their degree. An oversees qualification of an equivalent standard will also be considered. Whilst a science background is preferred, those with a non-science related degree will still be considered with contextual information of recent relevant experience or further study. Applications will be considered on an individual basis, please contact the admissions tutor direct. Applicants must present with a good understanding of the profession including an awareness of the procedures undertaken. Candidates are encouraged to arrange a clinical observational visit to an orthoptic department in support of their application. The selection process is competitive and requires completion of a successful interview with an academic and clinical panel. The interview utilises the values-based recruitment (VBR) process and applicants will be expected to demonstrate the relevance of the NHS values and pertinent skills required within the orthoptic role. International Applications We welcome international students with appropriate qualifications for entry to the programme. We ask all applicants applying through the international route to confirm their proficiency in the English language, as the ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial to working as a health professional in the UK. IELTS Students whose native language is not English must show evidence of proficiency in English to a standard equivalent to average academic Level 7 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no component lower than 6.5. Please be advised that TOEFL is no longer classified by UK Visas and Immigration as a Secure English Language Test (SELT). However, at the current time the university is continuing to accept TOEFL, at the required level, for entry on to Undergraduate and Postgraduate academic programmes.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £9250 | Whole course |
| Wales | £9250 | Whole course |
| International | £25450 | Whole course |
Additional fee information
In addition to your tuition fees, you may incur other costs in relation to your studies such as photocopying in the library, buying textbooks and specialist equipment.
As this programme is designed to be on campus in blocks, students will need to consider accommodation and travel costs.
Students are eligible to apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (NHS LSF) grant, and are not required to repay this grant.
Fees cover the cost of your tuition, registration, examinations (but not re-sits) and graduation.
Provider information
University of Liverpool
The Foundation Building
765 Brownlow Hill
Liverpool
L69 7ZX