BSc Operating Department Practice
About this course
BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice is an undergraduate degree focused on the clinical care of patients undergoing surgical and anaesthetic procedures. Core topics include Clinical Skills, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Project Management. Students spend time in a specialised clinical skills centre utilising simulation and practical sessions to build competence. The first year establishes academic foundations and introduces core subjects through modules such as Principles of Operating Department Practice, Anatomy & Physiology for Operating Department Practice, and Introduction to Perioperative Practice. The second year extends clinical knowledge with Applied Operating Department Practice, Pathophysiology in Operating Department Practice, and Enhancing Clinical Skills for Perioperative Practice. The final year focuses on advanced competencies and leadership through modules including Advanced Operating Department Practice, Leadership & Management in Perioperative Practice, and Advanced Skills for Perioperative Practice.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff: 96 to 112 Tariff Points Subject requirements: There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
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What students say
Based on about 18 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 73%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 15%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
Most common jobs
- Other Health Professionals: 85%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 100%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 100%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 70%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 12%
- East Midlands: 1%
- London: 3%
- South West: 1%
- Scotland: 3%
- Northern Ireland: 6%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 65%
- Access course: 25%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as an operating department practitioner.
- Accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Skills for Academic Success in a UK University
- Principles of Operating Department Practice
- Introduction to Perioperative Evidence Based Practice
- Anatomy & Physiology for Operating Department Practice
- Introduction to Perioperative Practice
- Principles of Perioperative Practice
- Skills for Academic Success in a UK University
- Applied Operating Department Practice
- Developing Evidence Informed Operating Department Practice
- Pathophysiology in Operating Department Practice
- Developing Skills for Perioperative Practice
- Enhancing Clinical Skills for Perioperative Practice
- Skills for Academic Success in a UK University
- Advanced Operating Department Practice
- Integrating Evidence into Perioperative Practice Development
- Leadership & Management in Perioperative Practice
- Advanced Skills for Perioperative Practice
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Operating Department Practice at Northumbria University earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £35,500. The £31,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Health sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Operating Department Practice at Northumbria University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Operating Department Practice at Northumbria University?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Operating Department Practice at Northumbria University?
The typical offer is CA at A level. The average entrant had 132 UCAS points.
Is BSc Operating Department Practice at Northumbria University accredited?
Yes. Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as an operating department practitioner. Accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP).
How many students continue on BSc Operating Department Practice at Northumbria University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.