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Check eligibility →MOptom (Hons) Optometry Bachelor's degree at Teesside University
MOptom (Hons) Optometry at Teesside University. Delivered at Teesside University, a nationally recognised degree-awarding body, this course combines theoretical study with practical clinical training to prepare you for professional optometry practice.
About this course
MOptom (Hons) Optometry is a Bachelor's degree (MOptom (Hons)) at Teesside University, based in Teesside University Main Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Allied health graduates from this provider, 93% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 89% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £28,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Nursing & Health, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 120. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 93% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Anatomy and Physiology for OptometristsCore
Module details
You are introduced to anatomy and pathophysiology relevant to optometry professionals. Explore the structures, functions, and biochemical processes that constitute the human body, and gain insight into how diseases disrupt these normal functions. By examining the intricate relationship between anatomy and disease, you develop a solid foundation for deeper exploration in further years of study.
- Clinical Optometry SkillsCore
Module details
Gain the essential knowledge to confidently administer and interpret a range of optometric tests, laying the foundation for conducting routine eye examinations. The principles of professionalism, ethical considerations, and safe practice in optometry are introduced. The importance of multidisciplinary teamwork and effective communication skills are highlighted to encourage a patient-centred approach to eye care.
- Investigative Techniques and InstrumentationCore
Module details
Explore a range of essential skills and instruments integral to optometric practice. Gain a comprehensive foundation to master the investigative techniques crucial for optometric diagnosis and patient care.
- Ophthalmic Lenses and DispensingCore
Module details
Optical dispensing theory and practice are introduced, including ophthalmic lenses and in-depth knowledge on the various types of lenses, their designs, and how to select the most suitable lenses to meet individual patient needs. Theory is complemented by hands-on dispensing practice as you learn to accurately measure and fit glasses, ensuring optimal visual correction and comfort for patients. The need for effective communication in the dispensing process is emphasised, prompting you to develop
- Professionalism and Evidence-based PracticeCore
Module details
Focus on interprofessional learning across four main areas. Sharpen your academic skills including writing and referencing and delve into evidence-based practice principles and their application in current health and social care policies. Gain an introduction to research processes and methodologies and develop your professional behaviour to prepare you for future practice demands. Learn the concepts of continuous professional development and lifelong learning, essential for maintaining registrat
- The Visual SystemCore
Module details
You explore the physiological and psychological aspects that contribute to our perception of the visual environment. Unravel the complexities of the visual system through comprehensive study of physiology of vison, colour vison, visual perception, and geometric optics.
Year 2 6 modules
- Anterior EyeCore
Module details
Develop your ability to recognise and comprehend abnormal anterior eye conditions. Learn to differentiate between abnormal and normal ocular features, and understand the causes, consequences, and necessary referral processes for the effective management of different anterior eye conditions.
- Binocular VisionCore
Module details
Explore advanced neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and sensorimotor processing within the visual system. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the intricate mechanisms that govern binocular vision. Gain insight into various binocular vision abnormalities and their respective management strategies.
- Contact LensesCore
Module details
Study the underlying theory of contact lenses, and gain essential knowledge on the physical properties, lens design and manufacturing methods. Learn the principles of selecting suitable contact lenses tailored to individual patient needs and ocular characteristics. Explore various lens types, materials, and designs to optimise comfort, visual acuity, and overall ocular health for contact lens wearers. Learn the techniques and examinations for precise fitting, considering factors like corneal top
- Eye ExaminationCore
Module details
Gain practical experience in routine eye examinations, refining essential optometric techniques. Enhance your communication skills, record keeping proficiency, and learn to write effective referrals. Sharpen your ability to arrive at a differential diagnosis from a patient's case history. You are also introduced to the fundamentals of paediatric testing, ensuring a well-rounded skill set for diverse optometric scenarios.
- Further Investigative TechniquesCore
Module details
Gain the essential knowledge and skills for optometrists to proficiently select, perform and interpret outcomes from a diverse range of clinical techniques. Explore a variety of specialised diagnostic tools and techniques commonly used in optometry, empowering you to conduct comprehensive assessments of a patient's ocular health.
- Posterior EyeCore
Module details
Develop the expertise to identify and understand abnormal posterior eye conditions. Learn to distinguish between normal and abnormal ocular features, and focus on the origins, implications, and essential referral protocols for the effective management of posterior eye conditions.
Year 3 6 modules
- Advanced Contact Lens PracticeCore
Module details
Develop your knowledge and skills learned in year 2. Gain the underpinning clinical reasoning and communication skills to fit more complex forms of contact lenses and develop an understanding of emerging contact lens practice. Experience fitting patients with contact lenses in our optometry clinic.
- Low Vision and LawCore
Module details
Understand the dynamic and evolving role of optometrists in the modern healthcare landscape. You cover occupational health, legal aspects of practice, key industry drivers, and technological enhancements that shape contemporary optometry. Delve into the legal and ethical frameworks governing optometric practice, ensuring compliance with professional standards and regulations. Learn about various career pathways within optometry, and insights into owning and managing an optometric business or pro
- Optometry Clinical PracticeCore
Module details
You are assessed in your ability to complete a routine eye examination and demonstrate critical clinical decision-making to complete a holistic, individual ocular management plan. Your logbook allows you to record patient interactions and reflect on these experiences.
- PharmacologyCore
Module details
Learn the principles of drug action with a focus on the autonomic pharmacology of the eye. Topics include drug formulation and design, contraindications of ocular medications, ocular injections, contact lens solutions, and ocular side-effects of systemic medication. You address legislation, the ophthalmic drug formulary, adverse drug reactions, independent prescribing, and drug disposal. This is a concise and comprehensive exploration of pharmacological management in optometry practice.
- Research ProjectCore
Module details
You select an area of clinical practice and conduct in-depth individual research, critically evaluating the potential impact on patient care and overall optometric practice. You enhance your critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
- Specialist Optometric TechniquesCore
Module details
Explore advanced topics in optometric practice, including advanced binocular vision abnormalities and caring for patients with additional needs. You also focus on paediatric testing, visual development, and congenital ocular conditions, giving you a comprehensive understanding of specialised optometric techniques for diverse patient populations.
Year 4 5 modules
- Advanced Clinical ManagementCore
Module details
Designed to integrate and apply knowledge from all four years of the course, you engage in discussions around diverse case studies, where your unique perspective and insights contribute to the collective learning experience. Together, you analyse complex scenarios, drawing on your knowledgebase to formulate comprehensive management plans. Apply your theoretical understanding into practical, real-world applications, fostering critical thinking, and enhancing your decision-making skills, crucial f
- Clinical Learning in Practice Part OneCore
Module details
Further develop your clinical testing and management skills under supervision in a clinical placement setting, typically a community optometry practice or hospital eye department. Delivered by the College of Optometrists.
- Clinical Learning in Practice Part TwoCore
Module details
This clinical practice programme further develops your clinical testing and management skills under supervision in a clinical placement setting, typically a community optometry practice or hospital eye department. Ensure you can work effectively and efficiently in the clinical environment, addressing equality, diversity and inclusion issues and delivering safe and effective testing, management and referral of patients.
- GlaucomaCore
Module details
Gain in-depth insight into the detection and management of glaucomas and secondary glaucomas. Explore topics including the pathophysiology of these conditions, alongside diagnostic techniques. Delve into treatments such as intraocular pressure management, surgical interventions, and emerging therapies. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, you are empowered with the knowledge and skills to excel in the specialised field of glaucoma management.
- Medical RetinaCore
Module details
Gain comprehensive insights into the diagnosis and management of medical retinal conditions. Further your knowledge within the pathophysiology of retinal diseases, diagnostic techniques such as fundus imaging and optical coherence tomography. Gain further understanding of medical retina treatments, including intravitreal injections, laser therapy, and emerging therapies. Learn to manage common retinal disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vascular
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study optometry across four years, progressing from foundations in clinical vision science and eye health through to independent clinical practice. A course like this typically begins with anatomy, physiology and optical principles, then moves to clinical assessment techniques and eye disease management. You'll usually combine theory with supervised placements from Year 1 onwards, seeing patients in clinic settings under guidance. As you progress, you'll undertake more complex examinations and diagnoses, developing skills in refraction, contact lens fitting and therapeutic interventions. In your final year, you'll typically consolidate competence toward professional registration. Throughout, specialisations such as low vision, ocular disease management, paediatric optometry or advanced clinical practice may be available depending on the course structure.
Who it's for
This course suits those with a strong interest in eye health, vision science and patient care. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; typical entrants had a UCAS tariff of 128–143 points. You'll develop clinical skills, diagnostic expertise and the knowledge needed to work independently as a qualified optometrist. The course is taught in English.
University & format
This MOptom (Hons) is studied full-time over 4 years at Teesside University, a university in Teesside. Teaching is in English. The degree is accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC), which is essential for professional registration as an optometrist in the UK. Teesside University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and the institution holds a Gold award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 50% |
| an Access course | 30% |
| a previous degree | 10% |
| a foundation course | 10% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code B511). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Teesside University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
undergraduates
Check eligibility →National funding for this subject
- NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Nursing & Health graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £28,000 | £28,000 – £29,000 | 120 |
| 3 years after | £28,500 | £24,000 – £32,000 | 155 |
| 5 years after | £32,500 | £28,500 – £38,500 | 150 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 120. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Newly Qualified PractitionerPreceptorship / first post · 0–2 yrs
- 2Registered PractitionerAutonomous practice · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / SpecialistSpecialist or team lead · 5–10 yrs
- 4Advanced / Consultant PractitionerAdvanced practice or management · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Nursing & Health nationally
National figures for Nursing & Health graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 120. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Nursing & Health courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,506 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Other Health ProfessionalsSOC 2020 225 · 46% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,902
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 39% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 390; response rate: 53%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Nursing & Health graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine documentation and triage support
- Scheduling and records admin
- First-pass risk flags from data
- Standard reference look-ups
More human than ever
- Hands-on, compassionate care
- Clinical judgement and accountability
- Communicating with patients and families
- Ethics and safeguarding decisions
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Nursing & Health graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS trusts
- Private healthcare
- Care providers
- Community & mental-health services
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Nursing & Health graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
93% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £28,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.3 out of 10: NSS 77.4% · in work or study 93% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Teesside University
Subjects allied to medicine across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Teesside University Main Campus
2,900 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Nursing & Health right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Teesside University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Teesside University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Teesside University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Teesside University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Teesside University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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