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
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:
- 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
A level - AAB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*DD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 45 credits
Scottish Higher - AABBB
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H1, H2, H3, H3
Scottish HNC - Pass
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
T Level - D
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
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - Not accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher - ABBBC
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
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 | IELTS 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
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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
Provider information
Glasgow Caledonian University
City Campus
Cowcaddens Road
Glasgow
G4 0BA