MOptom Optometry
About this course
MOptom (Hons) in Optometry, a four-year undergraduate degree integrating scientific study with clinical training. Core topics include Research Methods, Clinical Skills, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Clinical learning takes place in facilities including the Centre for Eyecare Excellence (CEE), with regional practice placements in Years 1, 2 and 4 and a hospital placement in Year 3. The programme is accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC).
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
GCSE: 5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English and Science. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application and who have achieved at least B/5 grades in Mathematics, English and Science. Please note that if you do not have this profile please contact the Admissions Team directly by emailing: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk and they will be happy to advise you further. A level: 128 points from three A levels. Two A levels must come from either Maths, Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Psychology. The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A level, alongside two science subjects, as listed above. An applicant studying for an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside three A levels that meet the above criteria, will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. To be considered for this the EPQ must be in a relevant science-based topic and be predicted to achieve a strong grade. BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma: D*D*D Science profile, must include either Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science, Psychology. BTEC Level 3 Diploma/National Diploma: D*D* and only considered in conjunction with Science or Mathematics A level at grade A. BTEC modules If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. Access to HE Diploma: Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (e.g. Science, Combined Science, Medicine) with at least 45 credits at level 3 of which 30 must be at distinction level and come from at least two specialisms including Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology. At least 9 credits must be in Maths or Physics. The remaining 15 level 3 credits must be at merit. T level: Distinction – preference pathways would be Health and Science. International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall to include 3 subjects at Higher Level and 2 of these subjects must be at 6 points Higher Level . Subjects must come from either maths, use of maths, physics, chemistry, biology/human biology, applied science, psychology. English accepted within. If overseas and not studying English within IB – must have IELTS. English language requirements: IELTS: 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all elements. For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary . Enhancing your application: Meeting the academic minimum does not guarantee you a place, you need to make sure that you are strong across all sections of your application form. Read more about enhancing your application . Interview days: Once your application has been received, we will consider your application to help us reach a decision. If successful at the initial screening stage, you will be invited to a short 10-minute online interview (via Zoom). The majority of health courses interview applicants, as this is a requirement of many health regulatory bodies. This applies to all Universities and is vital to the progression of applications. Interviews enable: you to give the best account of your skills, experience and character. us to decide whether you will thrive in the University of Plymouth’s culture. us to explain more about the University, programme and how we work with our students. Optometry interviews with the Faculty of Health : pre-work tasks, what to expect on the day of the interview and what happens after. Screening: All offers are subject to satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare and disclosure and barring processes, before the start of your course. Deferred entry: Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk .
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What students say
Based on about 49 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 90%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 70 students who started
- Continued on course: 97%
- Left higher education: 3%
What graduates do next
Based on about 19 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Other Health Professionals: 95%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 95%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 30 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 10%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 50%
Who gets in
Based on about 105 students who started
- A levels: 87%
- Access course: 4%
- A degree: 3%
- Other HE qualification: 6%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Visual Perception
- Geometric and Physical Optics
- Visual Optics and Ophthalmic Lenses
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Optometry Skills
- Preparation for Practice
- Interprofessional Learning 1
- Project Studies
- Paediatric and Binocular Vision
- Clinical Optometry Skills and Refractive Management
- Specialist Optometry Skills
- Introduction to Pathology and Therapeutics
- Interprofessional Learning 2
- Project
- General Optometric Practice
- Specialist Optometric Practice
- Enhanced Pathology and Therapeutics
- Clinical Case Management in Optometry
- Preparation for Clinical Learning in Practice
- Interprofessional Learning 3
- Applied Clinical and Professional Practice
- Clinical Optometric Learning in Practice 1
- Applied Clinical Practice and Leadership
- Clinical Optometric Learning in Practice 2
- Glaucoma
- Medical Retina
- Acute and Emergency Eye Care
- Cataract
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MOptom Optometry at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £40,000 after 3 years, £48,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £54,000. The £48,000 median after five years is £12,000 more than the UK median for Ophthalmics.
What do graduates of MOptom Optometry at University of Plymouth do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MOptom Optometry at University of Plymouth?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MOptom Optometry at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 137 UCAS points.
Is MOptom Optometry at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC).
How many students continue on MOptom Optometry at University of Plymouth?
97% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.