BSc Operating Department Practice (ODP)
About this course
BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice (ODP), an undergraduate health sciences degree focusing on perioperative care, surgical interventions, and anaesthetic practice. Core topics include Ethics & Professional Practice. Successful completion allows graduates to apply for registration with the HCPC as an Operating Department Practitioner. The first year covers foundational principles through compulsory modules such as Foundatons of Surgical Practice, Foundations of Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Practice, Anatomy, Physiology and Applied Sciences, and Holistic Care of the Surgical Patient, introducing the core concepts of perioperative care and human anatomy. The second year builds upon this knowledge with compulsory modules including Developing Surgical Practice, Developing Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Practice, Advanced Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, and Research and Evidence Based Practice, exploring pharmacology and evidence-based methods. The final year prepares students for autonomous practice through compulsory modules such as Advanced Surgical Practice, Critical Care Practice, Facilitating Learning, Supervision and Assessment within Perioperative Practice, and Leadership, Excellence and Change Management and Improvement Health Care.
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
112 UCAS points or above Typical qualification requirements A Level: BBC to include Mathematics or a numerate subject Welsh BACC: Grade C and BB at A Level to exclude General Studies BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction, Merit, Merit Access to HE: Science/Mathematics/Health Care/Nursing Diploma. Must complete 60 credits overall with at least 45 at level 3 and equating to 18 Distinctions, 24 Merits and 3 Passes T Level: Pass (C and above) Interview Applicants are required to attend an interview. You will be required to demonstrate a real insight to, and enthusiasm for, the discipline. You should learn as much as you can about the profession, including where practitioners practice, and their role in modern healthcare. You must also demonstrate insight to your organisational skills and ability to effectively manage your studies. Additional The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances. Equivalent qualifications considered are Essential Skills Level Two in Communication and Application of Number, or Functional Skills Level Two in English and Mathematics. (Must be achieved since 2016). One satisfactory reference An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on the Child & Adult Workforce and Child & Adult Barring List and subscription to the DBS Update Service is required. Unfortunately, as the Operating Department Practice course is funded by the NHS and students have to have placements in the local NHS Health Board we are unable to accept applications from students who require a Student Route Visa. We do not accept deferred applications for the BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice course. If you are unable take up your place, you will need to reapply.
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What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 95%
- Assessment and feedback: 94%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 100%
- Learning resources: 83%
- Student voice: 97%
What graduates do next
Based on about 29 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 15%
Most common jobs
- Therapy professionals: 65%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 15%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 5%
- Caring personal services: 5%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 480 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 1%
- London: 1%
- South East: 2%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 91%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 45%
- Access course: 15%
- Foundation course: 5%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 30%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP).
Modules
- Foundatons of Surgical Practice
- Foundations of Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Practice
- Anatomy, Physiology and Applied Sciences
- Holistic Care of the Surgical Patient
- Health Promotion in Operating Department Practice
- Developing Confidence in Operating Department Practice
- Developing Surgical Practice
- Developing Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Practice
- Advanced Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Research and Evidence Based Practice
- Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues In Healthcare Practice
- Informed Decision Making in Operating Department Practice
- Advanced Surgical Practice
- Critical Care Practice
- Facilitating Learning, Supervision and Assessment within Perioperative Practice
- Leadership, Excellence and Change Management and Improvement Health Care
- Becoming Autonomous in Operating Department Practice
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Operating Department Practice (ODP) at University of South Wales earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £28,500 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,000 and £38,500. The £33,500 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Health sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Operating Department Practice (ODP) at University of South Wales do next?
94% 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 (ODP) at University of South Wales?
100% 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 (ODP) at University of South Wales?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 91 UCAS points.
Is BSc Operating Department Practice (ODP) at University of South Wales accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP).