MSci Optometry
About this course
MSci in Optometry, an integrated four-year undergraduate degree. Clinical learning begins in the first year with patient contact in the training suite and external placements. In the third year, students see real patients in the on-site clinic supported by a qualified optometrist mentor. The final year features an extended placement carried out in association with the College of Optometrists, leading to eligibility for professional registration.
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: Grade B/5 or above in Mathematics and Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature, and Double Science or Physics, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills and Numeracy as alternatives to a Maths GCSE for this course. Tariff points: 136 Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page. English Language Requirement: If your first language isn't English, you need an IELTS score of at least 7 overall. Individual scores for each section of the test must not be lower than 6.5, with the exception of the 'Speaking' section, where a minimum score of 7 is required. For full details of the language test, contact the British Council. The University's list of alternative English language qualifications doesn't apply. A-level subjects: Grades B and C from two of the following at A2: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science or Psychology. BTEC: You'll need a minimum of a Distinction and a Merit overall in an Applied Science Extended Diploma. Ten units would need to be from two of the following subjects: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science or Psychology. You may be asked to do more based on the size of your units. Please list the units you are studying in your application. For further advice on acceptable units, please email us. We do not accept BTEC qualifications in Sport (Performance and Excellence), Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness), or Sport and Exercise Science. For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page. Access: 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit in at least 2 of the following subjects (15 credits in each): Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology and Psychology. Baccalaureate IB: A minimum of H5 and an H6 in two relevant subjects. Subjects include Maths, Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science or Psychology. We accept the IB Career-related Programme in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. Welsh Baccalaureate: We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. This qualification cannot be used to satisfy any subject specific entry requirements. Cambridge Technical: You'll need a minimum of a Distinction and a Merit overall in an Applied Science Extended Diploma. Ten units would need to be from two of the following subjects: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science or Psychology. You may be asked to do more based on the size of your units. Please list the units you are studying in your application. For further advice on acceptable units, please email us. We do not accept Cambridge Technical qualifications in Sport and Physical Activity. T Levels: You will have either a B or C in your Core Component in Science or Healthcare Science. Your T Level would be considered as meeting the equivalent of 1 Science A-Level meaning you would need to have further study to meet our full entry requirements. If you partially achieve your T Level, you can meet our subject requirements if you have at least an A in your Core Section. For further advice on acceptable subjects please email us.
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What students say
Based on about 19 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 81%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 84%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 89%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 17 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 30%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Other Health Professionals: 100%
- 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 280 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 9%
- South East: 13%
- South West: 59%
- Wales: 8%
Who gets in
Based on about 55 students who started
- A levels: 79%
- Access course: 6%
- A degree: 4%
- Other HE qualification: 11%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Contact Lenses
- Dispensing and Optical Appliances 1
- Foundation Optometry Skills
- Investigative Skills
- Ocular Anatomy and the Visual System
- Professional Development and Communication
- Advanced Contact Lenses
- Dispensing and Optical Appliances 2
- Ocular Pathology
- Primary Care Routine and Binocular Vision
- The Ageing Eye
- The Body and Pharmacology
- Advanced Ocular Pathology and Pharmacology
- Clinical Optometry and Leadership
- Clinical Optometry and Preparing for Clinical Learning in Practice
- Evidence Based Optometry
- Shared Care and Prescribing
- Clinical Learning in Practice 1
- Clinical Learning in Practice 2
- Lifelong Learning Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Optometry at UWE Bristol earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,000 and £37,000. The £30,500 median after five years is £5,500 less than the UK median for Ophthalmics.
What do graduates of MSci Optometry at UWE Bristol do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Optometry at UWE Bristol?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Optometry at UWE Bristol?
The average entrant had 145 UCAS points.
Is MSci Optometry at UWE Bristol accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC).
How many students continue on MSci Optometry at UWE Bristol?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.