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Optometry with Independent Prescribing at Glasgow Caledonian University - UCAS

Course options

Course summary

GCU''s Optometry programme, UCAS code B515. Study an integrated Master’s programme and become a qualified optometrist, learning how to detect, diagnose and manage conditions of the eye and vision. Optometrists detect sight problems and prescribe and dispense spectacles, contact lenses and other aids to vision. They also play a key role in diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye conditions, including infective and inflammatory disorders, cataract and glaucoma. GCU’s integrated Master’s programme in Optometry provides a comprehensive training in the theory and practice of optometry to enable graduates to deliver a range of core and enhanced eyecare services to communities across Scotland and beyond. From the outset of the programme, students receive training in fundamental vision science as well as clinical care, to facilitate the development of skills in critical thinking and clinical decision-making. Students develop their clinical skills in our purpose-built, on-campus Vision Centre, and gain extensive clinical experience through external placements.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • General Optical Council

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
B515
Institution code:
G42
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

SWAP Access to Science and Technology /SWAP Access to Radiography/SWAP ACCESS to Optometry/SWAP Access to Ophthalmics considered would require 75% overall (Distinction) or AAA pass. Must have 80% in Physics module. Must pass SWAP at 1st attempt  Access to Science and Technology considered would require 75% overall (Distinction) or AAA on the first attempt (including 80% in Physics module)  Must pass SWAP at 1st attempt Year two entry subject to availability. Ophthalmic Dispensing Degree at overall 65% and professional exams at first attempt. Applicants in their 3rd year of Ophthalmic Dispensing/ Ophthalmic Dispensing Management can apply for consideration.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

Other

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by 1st March of the academic session. Applicants must register with the General Optical Council as a Student Optometrist before the start of term, usually done prior to Induction Week once student is registered at GCU. All student applications are now done online and typically prior to induction week. As part of the information the Vision Sciences Department send out to new students ahead of induction, they include details of how to complete the application.  Welcome packs are usually sent out in early September.   See www.optical.org for details


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)7IELTS of overall 7.0 with 7.0 in speaking and no other element below 6.5

We accept Higher ESOL at A


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
70%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
100%
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

England £9250* Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250* Year 1
Wales £9250* Year 1
Channel Islands £9250* Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250* Year 1
Scotland £1820* Year 1
EU £19300* Year 1
International £19300* Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

The fee amount provided is for 2024-25, details of the 2025-26 fees will be updated in autumn 2024. Please visit our website for helpful information https://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate-moptom-optometry-glasgow
Optometry with Independent Prescribing at Glasgow Caledonian University - UCAS