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This course is for 2023/24 entry. Details for 2024/25 entry are also available.

Key information

This four-year accredited optometry degree provides the training required for a registered optometrist to examine and manage a range of ocular conditions, making a real difference to people with vision impairment and sight loss. Take your first step into this rewarding career with one of the most respected and oldest institutions for the discipline.

Start date

September 2023

UCAS code

B510

Duration

4 years full-time

Institution

City, University of London

Location

Northampton Square

Entry requirements

Below is a list of countries with information on each about which qualifications we accept.

  • UK

    A-level:
    AAB (including two from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics).
    Tariff:
    136 UCAS tariff points
    International Baccalaureate:
    33 points (including 6 in two Higher Level sciences and 5 in Standard Level English and Mathematics)
    BTEC:
    DDD Applied Science or Medical Science or Biomedical Science in addition to one or two grades B from Biology, Maths or Physics A-level
    GCSE:
    A minimum of five passes grade 4 (C) in GCSE, including English and Mathematics in addition to other stated requirements.

    Introduction to Optometry

    City, University of London also offers a one-year Introduction to Optometry course which can lead to progression onto our Master of Optometry MOptom (Hons) degree.

    Contextual offers

    We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who have been in care, attend a low performing school, or live in an area where few students go to university.

    Those who are eligible may receive a conditional offer with reduced entry requirements, typically up to two grades lower for A-levels and one grade (or eight tariff points) for BTEC or mixed qualifications.

    Mixed qualifications

    We often use tariff points within our offers. Any conditional offer based on tariff is likely to only be based on the equivalent of an applicant's top three A-level grades.

    We do not offer any flexible offers on this course.

    Subject exclusions

    We do not accept General Studies and Critical Thinking. These subjects will not be included in any conditional offer we make.

    Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

    We welcome applications from students who are completing relevant EPQ Projects. Whilst we recognise the value of these projects in preparing students for independent learning at university, the EPQ is unlikely to form part of any conditional offer we make.

    The EPQ will also not lower the specifics of any conditional offer we choose to make. We will consider the EPQ as part of the holistic assessment of the application and it could be used to form part of our final decision at Confirmation stage.

    AS levels

    We recognise that there will be differences of opportunity varying by school and college. As not all students will have the opportunity to sit AS Level exams, it is unlikely we will include AS Level grades in any offer we choose to make.

    Where students have completed an AS Level subject, we will consider this as part of the holistic assessment of the application and it could be used to form part of our final decision at Confirmation stage.

    General Optical Council

    In addition to meeting the entry requirements, you are required to have enhanced disclosure and barring service clearance and are required to register with the General Optical Council and maintain this registration throughout the degree course.

  • Zimbabwe

    The Zimbabwe GCE A Level is considered on a grade for grade basis with GCE A Levels.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Zambia

    The School Certificate / General Certificate of Education.

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Vietnam

    Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc (Upper Secondary School Graduation Certificate) students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Uzbekistan

    Uzbekistan Certificate of Secondary Education.

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Ukraine

    Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education.

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Uganda

    Advanced Certificate in Education (UACE) is considered on a grade for grade basis with GCE A Levels.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • USA

    Advanced Placements.

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the US equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to Advanced Placements will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = Advanced Placements 555
    • A-level AAB = Advanced Placements 554
    • A-level ABB = Advanced Placements 544
    • A-level BBB = Advanced Placements 444
    • A-level BBC = Advanced Placements 443
    • A-level BCC = Advanced Placements 433.
    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • UAE

    Thanawaya (General Secondary Education Certificate Examination)- students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Turkey

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Tunisia

    Secondary certificate.

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Thailand

    Mathayom Suksa 6 (Senior High School Leaving Certificate) students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Tanzania

    Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE)

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Taiwan

    Senior High School Leaving Certificate students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Junior College Diploma

    The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Switzerland

    Federal Maturity Certificate/Maturitatzeugnis/Cantonal Maturity Certificate. The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Sweden

    Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskola. The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Sri Lanka

    Sri Lankan General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level).

    Considered equivalent to UK A-levels on a like for like basis.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Spain

    Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE)

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Polish equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = 8
    • A-level AAB = 7.8
    • A-level ABB = 7.6
    • A-level BBB = 7.4
    • A-level BBC = 7.2
    • A-level BCC = 7.

    Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • South Korea

    Korean High School Diploma students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • South Africa

    The National Senior Certificate will be accepted for direct entry to certain undergraduate courses normally

    The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Slovenia

    Maturitetno spričevalo (Matura Certificate). The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Slovakia

    Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Secondary School Leaving Certificate). The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Singapore

    Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-levels considered equivalent to UK A-levels on a like-for-like basis.

    Polytechnic Diploma students considered for year 1 or year 2 entry on a case-by-case basis depending on subjects taken and CGPA.

    Please contact Admissions to confirm your eligibility and the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Serbia

    Secondary School Leaving Diploma/Matura. The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Saudi Arabia

    Thanawaya (General Secondary Education Certificate) - students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Rwanda

    The Rwanda Advanced Certificate of Education (A-level)

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Russia

    The Attestat o Srednam Obrazov

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Romania

    Diplomă de Bacalaureat. The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Qatar

    Thanawaya (General Secondary Education Certificate) - students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Portugal

    Diploma/Certificado Nível Secundário de Educação. The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the rquirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Poland

    Swiadectwo Dojrzałości / Matura.

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Polish equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to Swiadectwo Dojrzałości / Matura will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = Swiadectwo Dojrzałości / Matura 80% average from 3 extended subjects
    • A-level AAB = Swiadectwo Dojrzałości / Matura 78% average from 3 extended subjects
    • A-level ABB = Swiadectwo Dojrzałości / Matura 76% average from 3 extended subjects
    • A-level BBB = Swiadectwo Dojrzałości / Matura 74% average from 3 extended subjects
    • A-level BBC = Swiadectwo Dojrzałości / Matura 72% average from 3 extended subjects
    • A-level BCC = Swiadectwo Dojrzałości / Matura 70% average from 3 extended subjects.
    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Pakistan

    Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC).

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Oman

    Thanawaya (General Education Diploma) - students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Norway

    Vitnemål fra den Videregående Skole (VVO). The exact requirements MAY differ between courses.

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Norwegian equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to Vitnemal will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = 5
    • A-level AAB = 4.5
    • A-level ABB = 4.5
    • A-level BBB = 4
    • A-level BBC = 4
    • A-level BCC = 3.5

    Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Nigeria

    Senior School Certificate/West African Senior School Certificate

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Netherlands

    Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO). The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Morocco

    The Moroccan Diplôme du Baccalauréat/Attestation du Baccalauréat

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Mexico

    Titulo Académico de Bachiller / Diploma de Bachiller / Bachillerato General - students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Mauritius

    The CIE A Level sat in Mauritius is considered on a grade for grade basis with GCE A Levels sat in the UK.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Malta

    Advanced Matriculation and Matriculation Certificate Examination are comparable to A Levels with the same grading system as UK A levels.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Malaysia

    STPM / UEC.

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Malaysian equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to STPM will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = STPM AAA
    • A-level AAB = STPM AAB
    • A-level ABB = STPM ABB
    • A-level BBB = STPM BBB
    • A-level BBC = STPM BBC
    • A-level BCC = STPM BCC.

    The following A-level equivalences to UEC will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = UEC AAAAAA
    • A-level AAB = UEC AAAABB
    • A-level ABB = UEC AABBBB
    • A-level BBB = UEC BBBBBB
    • A-level BBC = UEC BBBBCC
    • A-level BCC = UEC BBCCCC.
    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Luxembourg

    Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires. The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Lithuania

    Brandos Atestatas (Certificate of Maturity). The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Lebanon

    Lebanese Baccalaureate - students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Latvia

    Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education). The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses.

    Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Kuwait

    Thanawaya (General Secondary Education Certificate) - students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Kenya

    Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Kazakhstan

    Certificate of Completed Secondary Education.

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Jordan

    Thanawaya (Certificate of General Secondary Education) - students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Japan

    Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate) students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Senmonshi (vocational degree), Jun-Gakushi (associate degree) and Tanki Daigaku Shuryo Shoshois (Junior College Certificate of Graduation) considered for direct entry on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Italy

    Diploma di Esame di Stato.

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Italian equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to Diploma di Esame di Stato will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = Diploma di Esame di Stato 85%
    • A-level AAB = Diploma di Esame di Stato 84%
    • A-level ABB = Diploma di Esame di Stato 80%
    • A-level BBB = Diploma di Esame di Stato 78%
    • A-level BBC = Diploma di Esame di Stato 76%
    • A-level BCC = Diploma di Esame di Stato 74%.
    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Ireland

    Irish Leaving Certificate. The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Indonesia

    Surat Tanda Tamat Belajar Sekolah Menengah Umum Tingkat Atas (Senior Secondary School Certificate of Completion) students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Diploma III & IV students considered for year 1 entry on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • India

    HSC XII

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Indian equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to HSC XII will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = CBSE & ICSE Exam Board HSC XII 80%
    • A-level AAB = CBSE & ICSE Exam Board HSC XII 78%
    • A-level ABB = CBSE & ICSE Exam Board HSC XII 76%
    • A-level BBB = CBSE & ICSE Exam Board HSC XII 74%
    • A-level BBC = CBSE & ICSE Exam Board HSC XII 72%
    • A-level BCC = CBSE & ICSE Exam Board HSC XII 70%
    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Iceland

    Stúdentspróf. The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Hungary

    Érettségi. The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Hong Kong

    Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education.

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Hong Kong equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to HKDSE will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = HKSDE 555 (excluding Liberal Studies and Chinese)
    • A-level AAB = HKSDE 555 (excluding Liberal Studies and Chinese)
    • A-level ABB = HKSDE 554 (excluding Liberal Studies and Chinese)
    • A-level BBB = HKSDE 554 (excluding Liberal Studies and Chinese)
    • A-level BBC = HKSDE 544 (excluding Liberal Studies and Chinese)
    • A-level BCC = HKSDE 544 (excluding Liberal Studies and Chinese).
    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Greece

    Greek Apolytirion. Please note that exact requirements may differ between courses.

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Greek equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to Greek Apolytirion will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = 18/20 plus; 18/20 in two PanHellenics
    • A-level AAB = 18/20 plus; 17/20 in two PanHellenics

    Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Ghana

    Senior School Certificate/West African Senior School Certificate

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Germany

    German Abitur.

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the German equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to Abitur will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = Abitur 1.8
    • A-level AAB = Abitur 2.0
    • A-level ABB = Abitur 2.2
    • A-level BBB = Abitur 2.4
    • A-level BBC = Abitur 2.6
    • A-level BCC = Abitur 2.8.
    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • France

    French Baccalaureate.

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the French equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to French Baccalaureate will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = French Baccalaureate 15/20
    • A-level AAB = French Baccalaureate 14/20
    • A-level ABB = French Baccalaureate 13/20
    • A-level BBB = French Baccalaureate 12.5/20
    • A-level BBC = French Baccalaureate 12/20
    • A-level BCC = French Baccalaureate 11.5/20.
    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Estonia

    Gümnaasiumi loputunnistus with the Riigieksamitunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate with the State Examination Certificate).

    The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Egypt

    Certificate of Nile International Secondary Education

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Denmark

    Hojere Forberedelseseksamen (HF). The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Czech Republic

    Vysvědčení o maturitní zkoušce / Maturita (Secondary School Leaving Certificate). The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses.

    Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Cyprus

    Apolytirion plus Pancyprian examinations. The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Croatia

    Maturalna svjedodzba (Matura Certificate). The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Columbia

    Bachiller Académico/Technico

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • China

    Senior High School Certificate students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Gaokao students with exceptional grades considered for direct entry on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Canada

    Grade 12 high school graduation certificate / diploma. Please note that exact requirements may differ between provinces.

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Canadian equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to Canadian year 12 Diplomas will typically be applied:

    • A-level AAA = 85% average across 5 best Grade 12 subjects
    • A-level AAB = 80% average across 5 best Grade 12 subjects
    • A-level ABB = 77% average across 5 best Grade 12 subjects
    • A-level BBB = 75% average across 5 best Grade 12 subjects
    • A-level BBC = 72% average across 5 best Grade 12 subjects
    • A-level BCC = 70% average across 5 best Grade 12 subjects.
    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Cameroon

    The Cameroonian GGCE is normally considered like for like with UK A levels.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Bulgaria

    Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie.

    Please refer to the UK entry requirements for this course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bulgarian equivalent required.

    The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The following A-level equivalences to Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie will typically be applied:

    • A-level ABB = Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie 5.3 average and 5 in state exams
    • A-level BBB = Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie 5.0 average and 4 in state exams
    • A-level BBC = Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie 4.5 average and 4 in state exams
    • A-level BCC = Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie 4.0 average and 4 in state exams
    • A-level CCC = Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie 4.0 average and 4 in state exams.
    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Brunei

    Brunei-Cambridge GCE A-levels considered equivalent to UK A-levels on a like for like basis.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Brazil

    • Certificado de Conclusao de Ensino Médio
    • Certificado de Conclusao de Segundo Grau

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Botswana

    Botswana National qualifications

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Belgium

    Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs/Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur.

    The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Bangladesh

    Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC).

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Bahrain

    Thanawaya (General Secondary Education Certificate) - students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Azerbaijan

    General Secondary Education Certificate.

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Austria

    Reifeprufungszeugnis/Maturazeugnis. The exact requirements from the above qualification differ between courses. Please contact Admissions to confirm the requirements for your course of interest.

    Visa requirements

    International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months.

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Argentina

    Titulo de Bachiller.

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Algeria

    The Baccalaureat de l'Enseignement Secondaire

    Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Albania

    Diplome e Matures Shteterore (Diploma of State Matura). Students must successfully complete a recognised foundation course. Alternatively, IB, A Levels, or other European system will be considered.

    Visa requirements

    International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

    • Students on courses of more than six months
    • Students on courses of less than six months

    For more information see our main Visa page.

  • Other

    If you are unable to find your country equivalents in the above list, City will consider other international qualifications on a case by case basis.

    Please contact the Admissions team for more details.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:

IELTS:
7.0 overall with a minimum of 7.0 in each component.

If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency.

English Language Programmes

Don’t meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.

Apply now

Open day

Prospectus

Why choose this course?

  •  

    Facilities

    Train at the state-of-the-art City Sight Optometry clinic with the latest equipment and techniques

  •  

    1st

    in London for Health Professions (The Guardian League Table 2023)

  •  

    100%

    of Optometry graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing the course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20)

Optometry MOptom (Hons) degree Course overview

On City's optometry degree you will learn about vision and the eye, through topics like optics, biology, eye disease and visual impairment. You’ll also learn about therapeutic solutions such as contact lenses and ophthalmic lenses and dispensing.

You will develop your clinical practice by working in our very own eye clinic, City Sight where you will examine members of the public, from babies to the elderly, presenting with a wide range of ocular conditions and needs. You will attend 44 weeks of clinical placements during the programme to support and develop the skills you will need as a registered optometrist.

  • Practise in excellent facilities, which include a range of purpose-built clinics and laboratories on campus, as well as our clinic, City Sight
  • Learn from research-active academics who are leaders in their field and design the curriculum around cutting-edge developments in the discipline
  • Benefit from a clinical placement at Moorfields, the UK’s leading Eye Hospital.

Accreditation

Structure

Course content

This four-year Masters in Optometry degree prepares you for a career as a registered optometrist in high street, independent practice or hospital optometry.

This programme aims to provide you with enhanced clinical training to examine, diagnose and manage ocular conditions in clinic as well as provide accurate prescriptions for spectacles or contact lenses.

Year 1 has a focus on the basic sciences understanding the eye under ‘normal’ conditions and the fundamental clinical skills of an optometrist.

Years 2 and 3 introduces abnormality and disease-related change and develops advanced clinical investigation and management on real patients.

The final year includes intensive clinical experience, providing the range of experience required to enable a transition to successfully work as a registered optometrist.

Year 1

  • Optics for Optometry (30 credits)

    This module covers the basics of geometrical optics, wave optics and visual optics, with emphasis on the measurement of vision, scattered light, contrast sensitivity, spherical ametropia, astigmatism and accommodation.

  • Biomedical Science for Optometry (30 credits)

    This module covers the basics of ocular tissue, cytology, microscopy, genetics, nutrition and digestion, endocrinology, organ structure and cranial nerves, with emphasis on normal and abnormal findings. 

  • Fundamental Clinical and Professional Practice Skills (30 Credits)

    This module covers the basics of examination of the external and internal eye, refractive error, intraocular pressures and visual fields, obtaining history and symptoms of a patient, principles of a variety of optometric instruments and techniques and introduces the concept and process of evidence-based practice.

  • Dispensing for Optical Appliances (30 Credits)

    This module covers the measurement, verification, design, material, function and manufacture of all types of lenses relevant to ophthalmic dispensing including paediatric dispensing, sport and safety lenses. Frame manufacturing and measurement will also be included.

Year 2

  • Ocular Disease and Management I (15 Credits)

    The module will cover the differential diagnosis of eye disease, comparing and contrasting the aetiology, signs and symptoms and management of anterior and posterior segment eye disease. The module will support your clinical decision making ensuring evidence-based decisions with a focus on patient outcomes and care.

  • Clinical and Professional Practice I (30 Credits)

    This module will cover the professional regulations and guidelines of the professional optical bodies and how they relate to your legal and ethical responsibilities as an optometrist. You will also participate in clinical laboratories which will aid your dispensing skills and help you to develop clinical decision making skills.

  • Visual Perception (15 Credits)

    This module integrates knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the visual system with an understanding of the limits of human visual performance and how this can be measured. The module is illustrated with examples and case studies from clinical practice and draws upon evidence from electrophysiology, psychophysics, functional imaging, and computer modelling to provide a holistic understanding of visual processing.

  • Advancing Clinical Skills (30 Credits)

    This module will help you hone your clinical decision-making skills, building on your knowledge of the routine eye examination and the methods used to diagnose eye disease. You will utilise clinical techniques to determine results of normal and abnormal findings and learn how to interpret these to ensure patient centred care.

  • Contact Lenses I (15 Credits)

    The module covers indications for contact lenses, how to choose a contact lens based on the needs of a patient, physiological changes induced by lenses, properties of materials, fitting of single vision and toric lenses and preliminary investigations and care regimes.

  • Binocular Vision I (15 Credits)

    The module will provide you with the knowledge and skills to investigate and manage a range of normal and anomalous binocular single vision. This will enable you to apply your knowledge to interpret and explain the consequences of important disorders you will encounter later in clinical optometric practice.

Year 3

  • Research, Audit and Quality Improvement (15 Credits)

    This module will allow you to focus on a specific aspect of research in vision science or optometry which will extend your knowledge of the subject beyond the confines of the core curriculum. In the process, you will learn about the research process and acquire the ability to find, reference and cite research literature existing in a variety of media, and to properly and creatively present research information as a report.

  • Ocular Disease and Management II (30 Credits)

    The module covers the clinical presentation and management of common diseases of the anterior eye that are amenable to therapeutic management by the optometrist e.g. dry eye. It also places a strong emphasis on the diagnosis and management of glaucoma and a number of medical and surgical retinal conditions e.g. diabetic retinopathy. To facilitate therapeutic management there is a strong emphasis on pathogenesis of inflammatory and infective disease and the principles of pharmacology.

  • Contact Lenses II (15 Credits)

    The module will help you to decide on appropriate contact lens fits for the normal and abnormal eye, identify contact lens related changes to the eye and enable you to manage and treat issues and be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of contact lens products.

  • Binocular Vision and Paediatric Optometry (15 Credits)

    This module will help you to identify abnormalities of the binocular and/or eye movement systems diagnosed from the interpretation of symptoms/signs and clinical tests. The range of congenital/acquired paediatric ocular disorders detected will be included and you will be able to determine the refractive correction of children of all ages. Safeguarding procedures, local and national guidance in relation to children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable people will also be detailed.

  • Visual Impairment (15 Credits)

    This module will help you understand the epidemiology and demographics of vision impairment and blindness in the UK and worldwide. You will be able to determine magnification requirements and to prescribe and dispense the most appropriate optical and non-optical low vision aids and assistive technology and will have specialised knowledge of social services and support groups with relevance to supporting patients with vision impairment.

  • Clinical & Professional Practice II (30 Credits)

    The module will provide you with the theoretical and practical experience of primary care optometric practice to help prepare you for the Clinical Learning in Practice Modules in the fourth year. You will develop your clinical decision making skills and apply the knowledge gained from clinical experience in dealing with increasingly more complex patients.

Year 4

  • Clinical Learning in Practice I (30 Credits)

  • Clinical Learning in Practice II (45 Credits)

  • Clinical Decision Making and Professional Practice III (15 Credits)

    The module will support your ability to care for patients by assessing individual needs and being able to differentially diagnose eye disease. Building on this you will be able to manage patients successfully from a refractive and eye disease perspective. The module is to support your clinical experience gained in CLiP Parts One and Two.

  • Medical Retina (15 Credits - elective)

    This module aims to provide community and hospital based optometrists with knowledge of common medical retina conditions, enabling them to make accurate and appropriate referral decisions. Additionally, the module aims to prepare optometrists to commence working in diabetic retinopathy screening services, and (under supervision) in medical retina new patient triage clinics and AMD treatment-retreatment clinics.

  • Glaucoma (15 Credits - elective)

    The module will cover the epidemiology, classification and clinical features of glaucoma including visual fields: instrumentation, testing and sources of error, interpretation of results, evaluation of the ONH, differential diagnosis of glaucoma and influence of co-morbidity, tonometry/pachymetry, principles of monitoring and Professional and National guidance on COAG and OHT.

  • Fundamentals of Prescribing (30 Credits - elective)

    The module will cover anatomy and physiology, immunology, microbiology, basic and ocular pharmacology,. eye disease and clinical management guidelines, history taking and examination techniques, evidence-based practice and clinical governance in relation to prescribing, prescribing safely and professionally, public health policy in relation to prescribing, compliance and concordance/confidentiality and data protection/clinical governance and clinical audit /improving prescribing practice.

Teaching and assessment

City's Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences has an excellent reputation with expert academics from a wide range of disciplines including optometrists, ophthalmologists, dispensing opticians, orthoptists, physicists, psychologists, neuroscientists and biologists.

During your optometry degree with us, you will learn through lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory work, clinical practice, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) practice and our web-based virtual learning environment.

You will benefit from state-of-the-art clinics and laboratories, including our City Sight Optometry Clinic and attend clinical placements in community practice.

We use many different techniques to ensure we gain the very best from our students.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed using a variety of methods, depending on module choices:

  • coursework
  • written examinations
  • clinical observation
  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
  • laboratory reports
  • presentations
  • research, clinical audit and quality improvement reports.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The balance of assessment by examination, practical examination and assessment by coursework will to some extent depend on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:

Assessment

Year 1
Written examination: 55%
Coursework: 45%
Year 2
Written examination: 53%
Practical: 24%
Coursework: 23%
Year 3
Written examination: 51%
Practical: 28%
Coursework: 21%

Overall workload

The Programme consists of 26% contact time and 74% self-learning Independent study times are for you to revise and prepare for teaching sessions and prepare for oral presentations of their work.

The contact time of the programme consists of 44% lectures, 47% Practical Classes, 6% tutorials and 1% on external visits. A student will on average have 16 hours per week of direct contact with staff in teaching sessions.

Workload

Year 1
Scheduled learning: 23%
Independent learning: 64%
Placement: 13%
Year 2
Scheduled learning: 25%
Independent learning: 75%
Year 3
Scheduled learning: 28%
Independent learning: 71%
Placement: 1%

Fees and funding

Fees for year 2023/24

UK

£9,250

Overseas/EU

£17,390

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2023/24 academic year only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase in the region of 5%.

Funding options

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

  • There are no fee waivers available for this course
  • Means tested support is available for 2023/24 entry.

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses.

This course is approved by the General Optical Council (GOC) to deliver optometry training, and as with all such courses, there are some additional expenses incurred by students during their training:

  • Students need to register with the GOC when beginning their studies. This registration needs to be renewed annually and costs approximately £30 per year.
  • Students will be required to purchase some specialist equipment, usually during the first and second years of study.

Career

This degree is accredited by the General Optical Council. Full registration with the General Optical Council is gained after successful completion of the four-year programme.

Optometry offers a diverse and flexible career pathway. Optometrists work in:

  • high street and independent practice
  • hospitals
  • research and teaching.

There are opportunities to specialise in areas such as:

  • paediatrics
  • binocular vision
  • visual impairment
  • contact lenses
  • glaucoma
  • ocular prescribing
  • medical Retina

City’s employment rate is very high; 100% of Optometry graduates available to work are in graduate-level work or further study within 15 months of completing the course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20)., With an average starting salary of £31,000, and £62,000 for an experienced optometrist (Government Careers Service).

How to apply

Applications for degree courses must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Apply now

This programme has now been approved and accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC).

Applications made to the BSc Optometry programme will be considered as part of the Master of Optometry selection process. If you have already submitted an application, we will be in touch with you regarding this. If you have queries, please contact our Admission team.

You will be able to apply through your school or college using the Apply system, which enables you to submit your application directly to the UCAS website.

You can apply to up to five universities or institutions on the form. The UCAS code for City, University of London is C60.

Please take care to enter the correct course code when applying, particularly for subjects with a Foundation year or with BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) options.

UCAS has implemented an 'invisibility of choices' policy so that, on the initial application and while you are receiving decisions, each institution can see only their entry and not those of other institutions you have chosen. This ensures that your application for a course at City is considered solely on your academic and personal qualities.

You should submit your completed application form to UCAS with a £26.50 application fee. If you want to apply to City, University of London only, you can make a single choice application at a reduced rate of £22.

For enquiries about the admissions process at City, please contact our Admissions Office

Complete the Admissions enquiry form

Call: +44 (0)20 7040 8716.

If your enquiry is about admission to a particular course, please use the contact details provided on the course page.

Contacting UCAS

Website: www.ucas.com

Address: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3LZ

Telephone:

  • from inside the UK 0871 468 0468
  • from outside the UK +44 (0)871 468 0468

For callers with hearing difficulties:

  • from inside the UK use the Text Relay service on 18001 0871 468 0468
  • from outside the UK dial +44 151 494 1260 (text phone) and then ask the operator to dial 0871 468 0468.

Facilities

City Sight and The Roberta Williams Centre

Staff and students at City's School of Health

Our students

Gain further insights into our courses through our students.

Optometry student Inesh shares his experience of studying at City and his advice for future students.

What's happening

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Useful links

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