Course summary
Why choose this course? Our Operating Department Practice degree allows students to learn in a manner which matches their future employment as an Operating Department Practitioner. We use a case study format throughout our teaching and assessment, meaning that all content relates directly to the real-life operating theatre environment. Our degree is part of a collaboration with our local NHS Trust and local service users to ensure the course fulfils the requirements of the health service and community. The support on offer from the University and teaching team reflects the core values of Wrexham University. We are committed to widening participation and providing support to students. This will be felt by students, as they will play an active part in their own development into professional registration and employment. *This course is part of a subject area ranked 1st in the UK for Student Experience Joint 1st in the UK for Graduate Prospects 1st in Wales and top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality in the Subjects Allied to Medicine subject area league table in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025 *This course is rated 1st in Wales in the Health Studies subject area league table in the Daily Mail University League Table, 2024. *This course is rated 4th in the UK for Satisfied with Teaching in the Health Professionals subject area league table in the Guardian University Guide, 2025.
Modules
What you will study Our ODP degree programme is structured as a spiral curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced in Year One, and then expanded upon in Years Two and Three. Year 1 (LEVEL 4) Year One is an introduction to the main topics of Operating Department Practice, including clinical, professional, research and life sciences topics. MODULES Introduction to Operating Department Practice: introduction to the fundamental topics of anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care Introduction to Perioperative Clinical Skills: introduction to the practice placement element of being an ODP. This module will focus mainly on elective, scheduled cases. Introduction to Life Sciences (IPE): introduction to the life sciences, including physical anatomy and physiology and mental health Foundations in Professional Practice (IPE): introduction to the professional roles and responsibilities of an Allied Health Professional covering topics such as confidentiality, dignity, care, and reflection Foundations in Research (IPE): introducing students to the concepts of research, becoming familiar with research articles, assignment writing, and statistics Year 2 (LEVEL 5) Year Two will expand on topics which were introduced in the first year. There will be greater complexity, and greater application to practice of an ODP. MODULES Developing Operating Department Practice: expanding on the theory behind anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care Developing Perioperative Clinical Skills: more complex skills introduced within the practice element of the programme. More focus on emergency scenarios, emergency anaesthetics and surgery. Applying Life Sciences to Perioperative Practice: re-visiting topics of life sciences with an application to anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care. Expanding on the considerations for, and treatment of body systems within the perioperative environment. Contemporary Studies in Operating Department Practice: exploring policies which govern and shape modern Operating Department Practice, beginning with WHO Safe Surgery Saves Lives Evidence in Practice (IPE): exploring how research directly impacts the practice of Allied Health Professionals in their clinical work. Year 3 (LEVEL 6) Year Three introduces students to expanding roles of ODPs, including Surgical First Assistance, Critical Care and Resuscitation. Students will also be prepared for practice by exploring elements such as audit, research, leadership, and management. MODULES Advanced Operating Department Practice: exploring the theory behind surgical first assistance, critical care, resuscitation, and caring for patients with complex needs. Advanced Perioperative Clinical Skills: the practice placement element of more advanced perioperative practice with placements in departments outside of the theatre department to expose students to a greater depth of their scope of practice Research for Practice (IPE): students will complete a research project exploring an area of Operating Department Practice where they will be able to collect their own data. Transition to Professional Practice (IPE): students will explore leadership and management theories, preparation for employment and professional registration, and quality policies and procedures. The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
Assessment method
Teaching & Assessment Teaching, learning and assessment will follow a blended approach with online content, videos, small group sessions and practical sessions. We have a case study format throughout, relating concepts to the real-life environment. The Active Learning Framework (ALF) will be used throughout each module, at each level. There is a broad range of assessments, using practice, case study portfolios, presentations, and posters. Assessment methods include: Essays Presentation Examination OSCE Teaching and Learning Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential. We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our Student Support has more information on the help available. In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion team can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.
How to apply
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:
- OD22
- Institution code:
- G53
- Campus name:
- Wrexham (Main Campus)
- Campus code:
- W
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 - 112 points
A level - CCC - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 0 credits M: 45 credits P: 0 credits
Scottish Higher - CDDDDD
AS
Scottish Advanced Higher - DDD
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Leaving Certificate - Ordinary Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Wrexham University takes into account a variety of qualifications and experience when considering applications to our programmes. If you are unsure if the qualifications you currently hold will be accepted for entry, or if you're not sure you'll achieve the required UCAS Tariff points, please contact us at [email protected] for further advice and guidance.
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Health checks
Interview
Student Outcomes
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 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
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
Provider information
Wrexham University
Plas Coch
Mold Road
Wrexham
LL11 2AW