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Optometry with Integrated Foundation Year at University of Plymouth - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

University of Plymouth has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

26Apr
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate
18Jun
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Do you want to pursue an exciting career as an eye-care professional? Here at Plymouth you will benefit from a forward-thinking clinically focused degree. Our course allows you to engage in the industry while equipping you with the core clinical skills, professional training and confidence required for a successful career as a registered optometrist.

  • Become part of a pioneering clinical degree programme – the first to bring optometry to the South West.
  • Develop your clinical and communication skills while working with real patients at our Centre for Eyecare Excellence (CEE) optometry practice throughout your third year.
  • See your studies in a real-world context, with regional practice placements during Years 1, 2 and 4 and a hospital placement in Year 3.
  • Explore the theory side of the course at InterCity Place with brand new clinical facilities, equipment and learning spaces.
  • Join a close-knit team of staff and students and benefit from an open, supportive environment.
  • Boost your employability through learning in a way that’s based on solving problems, working together and communicating well with others.
  • Graduate with the scientific and clinical knowledge, as well as the professional training, required by the General Optical Council (GOC) to practise as an optometrist.
  • To complement your formal learning we offer regular PALS sessions that provide the opportunity for you to learn with and from your peers. Share knowledge, discuss ideas, and ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Modules

Our Integrated foundation course prepares you for the undergraduate degree in MOptom (Hons) Optometry. Taught by University lecturers on campus, you’ll be part of the University from day one. If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level, this course is for you. Students completing the MOptom (Hons) Optometry with Integrated Foundation Year course will normally progress to year 1 of the MOptom (Hons) Optometry course. For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Assessment method

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

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:
B519
Institution code:
P60
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

International applicants

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Applicants need to achieve 5 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects: · English (Consideration may be given to equivalent literacy qualifications) · Mathematics (Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics) · Science Students not achieving mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 on application may be offered a free online mathematics support package and an examination equivalent to C grade GCSE to enable the achievement of appropriate entry requirements prior to commencing the programme. This examination is offered during the recruitment cycle to all eligible candidates. Within the foundation, we aim to build a picture of the circumstances that may have adversely affected an applicant’s education and academic potential. When assessing an application, we will consider a range of educational, social, family, and individual characteristics and experiences. Applications for this course will therefore only be considered if contextual entry requirements are met alongside the required academic criteria. The contextual factors will be noted from your submitted UCAS application, so it is key that these areas are completed on your application. Applicants for this course must not meet the A level and GCSE grade requirements for the three year MOptom (Hons) Optometry course.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

Health checks

Interview

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)7With 6.5 in all elements.

Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website.

English Language Requirements

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
70%
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

For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees * Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Optometry with Integrated Foundation Year at University of Plymouth - UCAS