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Optometry at University of Manchester - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

11Nov
The University of Manchester - mini undergraduate virtual open day
Undergraduate

Course summary

The Manchester MSci Optometry course will enable you to gain the knowledge and skills required to register as a UK optometrist. The course uses mixed learning methods, but the key Manchester approach is the study of themed patient cases in an active learning environment that will allow you to integrate scientific understanding, clinical skills and professional skills throughout the course. Facilitated group activities will emphasise enquiry, discussion, self-education, and the development of critical faculties and communication skills, all essential skills for healthcare professionals. You will cover a broad spectrum of industry-relevant study areas that prepare you for work as a professional optometrist, including:

  • the key principles of optics;
  • clinical optics and treating eye and vision disorders;
  • ocular function and structure;
  • the science of vision.
We provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment, with each year group looked after by a team of academics and clinicians. Theory assessments are focused on clinical cases and are taken at the end of an academic year, with plenty of opportunity to practise beforehand. Practical skills are monitored and assessed throughout the year rather than using a single set of high-pressure practical tests. You will meet volunteer patients in your first year and then receive clinical experience in our university optometry clinics from the second year, seeing real patients and working in teams with students from across the course. You will also have the opportunity to gain clinical experience in a wide range of settings external to the University, for example in community, hospital, and domiciliary practice. In your final two years, you can choose to focus on a specialist area of optometry.

How to apply

29Jan

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:
B511
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme: Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Science, are required to achieve AAB in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics and an EAP score of B. INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students are required to attend an interview. Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Science are required to achieve AAB in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics and an EAP requirements score of B. We consider your full educational background. A decision about your suitability for this course will not be taken based solely on the foundation year completed, and will include all prior qualifications. Applicants should pass the Foundation Year at the first attempt as resits may not be considered.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

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.

Health checks

All applicants will be required to complete a Pre-acceptance Health Questionnaire.

Interview

Interviews are part of the selection process. All suitable UK applicants will be interviewed via Zoom.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)77 (with no less than 6.5 in any component)
TOEFL (iBT)100

We require one of: - GCSE, IGCSE or O-Level English Language at grade 5 (B). We will accept C+ in the Northern Ireland reformed GCSE; - IELTS 7 (with no less than 6.5 in any component); - TOEFL (iBT) - 100; - an equivalent qualification.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
65%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

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

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

Fees for entry in 2025 have not yet been set. For entry in 2024 the tuition fees were £9,250 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2025 entry.
Optometry at University of Manchester - UCAS