Optometry MOptom

Duration: 3 years full time with integrated placements, or 4 year MOptom course to include an additional year of practise-based learning during the pre-registration period

UCAS Code: B510 (BSc), B512 (MOptom)

Please note:

• We welcome applications from candidates interested in our courses who have the skills and capability to excel. All candidates are considered on an individual basis based on all previous and predicted qualifications, experience, references and motivation. I f you meet the basic academic entry requirements, you will be invited to an interview day where you can meet staff, students, and see the campus. Offers are made shortly after each interview day. While we expect applicants to achieve our required entry grades, we will consider applicants with predicted grades that fall below our entry requirements for individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to and aptitude for healthcare practice, however, initial offers will not be lower than stated below.
• You do not need to apply for both the BSc and MOptom courses on UCAS. Students can choose to swap between the two at any point up to the end of Year 3. Students are required to have achieved an average mark of at least 50% at the end of Year 3 to progress to the MOptom course.
  
• This course requires all applicants to uphold professional standards of behaviour.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements.
• GCSE requirements: Five GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English Language and Maths Grade B/5 and above, GCSE Physics Grade B/5 and above (if not held at A Level) or Dual Award Science Grade BB.
• Find out more about our admissions policy.
• The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
  
• Suitably qualified students based in Singapore can study Aston's BSc Optometry & Clinical Practice course in country. Visit our course page here .
  
• Take a look at our FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

• A Level
• IB
• BTEC
• Access to HE
• International and other qualifications

AAA if an applicant is taking two sciences. AAB if an applicant is taking three sciences. You will need to successfully complete the practical elements of at least two of your sciences.

This must include at least two sciences at A level, including Biology with either Maths or Physics. Chemistry may be acceptable as an alternative. General Studies not accepted as part of the offer. Additional AS/A levels welcomed.

A Level applicants who select this course as their Firm UCAS choice may be eligible for our lowered offer scheme. This means that the grades that you will need in order to be accepted on to the course will be reduced.

We welcome applications from students who have tried to improve their examination grades by taking a maximum of one set of resits. We treat these applications in exactly the same way as other applications. However, if you have had more than one attempt at improving your grades, your application will be considered on an individual basis and we reserve to make an amended (higher) offer, or not make an offer.

32 points overall, to include 666 at Higher Level, which must include Biology and either Chemistry or Physics. 5 points in HL Maths or 6 points in SL Maths

We welcome applications from students who have taken BTEC qualifications as a first option and who achieved five or more GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade C or above. You must also meet the A-Level requirement listed below and pass the practical element of the A-levels.

We do not consider applications from students who are unsuccessful in obtaining the required number and/or standard of A-levels for admission to our programmes and subsequently embark on a BTEC as a second option. Instead we would encourage you to resit your A-levels (see our A Level resit policy).

D*DD in BTEC National Diploma / BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Forensic Science, Laboratory & Industrial Science or Medical Science) together with grade B in A level in Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics).

DD in BTEC National Certificate / BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science (Forensic Science, Laboratory & Industrial Science or Medical Science). With these qualifications we also require grades A and B in two A level science subjects.

We do not accept Access courses for entry to this degree.

Scottish Highers: AAAAB, including Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Maths. 360 UCAS tariff points in Irish Leaving Certificate including a minimum of A2 in Biology, Maths, and Physics or Chemistry and excluding Irish.

Degree: 2:1. Must be in a related field, with BCC at A-level including two sciences. If applicants have not taken A Levels prior to Degree study, other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

Diploma in Optometry from Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic: Considered on an individual basis for 1st year entry.

Dispensing Opticians: Suitable applicants with FBDO status will be considered on an individual basis.

International Foundation Programme in Science (Aston University): We also welcome international students with equivalent qualifications to apply for our programmes. For international students without equivalent qualifications, it is also possible to gain entry to this undergraduate degree programme by completing an International Foundation Programme at Aston University, although please note the progression requirements to our programmes, which include successfully passing an interview. International applicants expected to gain foundation diplomas from other providers are welcomed and will be considered on a case by case basis.

Foundation Programme in Science (Aston University): For students with good A-level (or equivalent) grades, but who narrowly miss our standard requirements, it is also possible to gain entry to this course by completing a Foundation Year, although please note the progression requirements, which include successfully passing an interview. The minimum A level grades we normally consider for entry to Optometry programmes via the Foundation Programme in Science are BBC, including two science subjects. We encourage you to apply for entry direct to the 1st year of the BSc Optometry in the first instance.

Other international qualifications: International students can d iscover more about the qualifications we accept on our international pages.

For 2017 entry:

• UK / EU students: £9,250 per year

• International students: £17,200 per year
• Please note : Second year students will be required to purchase their own retinoscope, ophthalmoscope, trial frame, Volk, Cross Cyl and Confirmation Stick as well as a few other hand held items. We will provide opportunities for you to purchase discounted equipment directly from the manufacturers and we estimate the cost to be around £2000. You will not be expected to purchase this equipment until the start of the second year.
  

Explore the costs involved in university and the financial support that may be available to you.

• Optometrists are professional clinicians responsible for many aspects of vision care, trained to examine the eyes for optical defects and to detect visual system diseases that may originate in the eye, brain or elsewhere in the body. Their training includes fitting and supplying spectacles, contact lenses and other optical devices.

  This course is highly ranked for overall student satisfaction and graduate employability.

  A key feature of the Optometry course at Aston is the hands-on clinical experience that you will benefit from throughout all years of your degree. You will use our unique virtual patient simulators help you develop initial clinical skills, and then later encounter real patients in our fully functioning Optometry clinics. You will help to provide patients with a full range of eye care services under the close supervision of our clinical staff, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists and dispensing opticians.

  Throughout the programme you will be taught techniques of:

  • General eye examination;
  • Spectacle dispensing;
  • Fitting and aftercare of contact lenses;
  • Paediatric and geriatric optometry.

  These skills and additional optometry specialties are integrated in the clinical investigation and management of visual problems.

  To broaden your knowledge and practical experience, you will have the opportunity to attend a series of observation sessions in local hospital eye departments, a specialist low vision centre, and the Aston University Day Hospital: Optegra refractive surgery hospital.

  The MOptom

  Students who achieve good grades at the end of Year 3 (an overall average mark of at least 50%) can choose to continue with further study, leading to an MOptom qualification.

  You will undertake the MOptom qualification during the pre-registration period - the period after graduation, when you are in practice and training on the College of Optometrists’ Scheme for Registration.

  You will remain enrolled on a full-time basis at Aston University and undertake 6 masters’-level modules, four of which will be "taught" modules and two are coursework modules. Course material is delivered online and tutors can be accessed via email, phone or in person. You will also attend four days of on-campus tutorials, workshops and exams. T hese module can serve as "Advance Prior Learning" for our Doctorate in Optometry, which can be completed two years after graduation.

  Year 1

  • Medical Biology and Pathology
    
  • Clinical Optometry
  • Basic Investigative Techniques
    
  • Clinical Visual Biology
    
  • Ophthalmic Lenses
    
  • Optics and Medical Imaging
    
  • Vision and Visual Perception
    
  Year 2
  • Contact Lenses
  • Further Investigative Techniques
    
  • Ophthalmic Optics
    
  • Primary Optometric Examination
    
  • Clinical Professional Development
  • Vision Science and Research Methods
    
  Year 3
  • Anterior Eye
  • Posterior Eye and General Ophthalmology
  • Binocular Vision and Paediatrics
  • Clinical Practice
  • Elective Studies
  • Professional, Occupational and Low Vision
  • Ophthalmic Drugs
  Year 4 (optional MOptom Year)
  • Interprofessional communication
    
  • Evidence-based clinical research
    
  • Retinal and Macular Disorders
    
  • Advanced Investigative techniques
    
  • Ocular Prescribing
    
  • Glaucoma