Clinical Optometry (MSc)

at Cardiff University

The full time MSc Clinical Optometry degree is a modular programme for which students must complete a total of 120 taught credits of the programme. This includes one module which is compulsory; the research methods module to the value of 10 credits. The remaining 110 credits will be achieved through a selection of optional modules. The final 60 credits will be achieved through a research project.
 

You will have access to multimedia lecture presentations, supporting resources and discussions led by course tutors. On many of the modules leading educators in the field also provide practical skills workshops and tutorials directly relevant to everyday practice. These workshops are delivered by our staff within our custom-designed building. These sessions are an integral part of the course so attendance is compulsory. Formative and summative assessment is via online multiple choice questions, submitted written coursework and assignments (including group wikis and blogs) plus practical exams where appropriate.
 

The course has some flexibility and so you select modules you want to take to fit in with your area of practice or we can suggest combinations or study routes that would suit your professional or personal circumstances. An academic co-ordinator will work with you to help plan your studies and monitor your progress.
 

You would complete 120 taught credits over 2 semesters and submit your research project dissertation by the 11th month. 
 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/23 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

 

At the start of term in September there is an induction week.
 

There are two semesters of taught modules and students will take 60 credits in each of these semesters. The first semester runs from September to February and you will undertake the compulsory module on research in this semester. The second semester runs from February to July.
 

In March we confirm the research project and you will work with your supervisor to plan the project and gain ethics approval if it is needed. In July, once it has been confirmed that a pass has been achieved in all the taught elements, the research project commences.

Academic requirements:

Typically, you will need to have either:

• full GOC registration (UK students) - if you are registered with the GOC you will need to provide your GOC number in the Membership of Professional Bodies section of the application form and do not need to provide evidence of your previous qualifications or references (where it asks for this information please write not-applicable)
• an Honours degree in Optometry or a professional optometric qualification.
   

Candidates who have studied at a postgraduate level in clinical optometry elsewhere (such as City or Aston Universities) can be considered for access to the programme at Cardiff University. This will be done via recognition of prior learning (RPL), and candidates must submit documentary evidence to support such an application e.g. through records of achievement documents, portfolios, and clinical records.
 

English language requirements:

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent.
 

Other essential requirements:

If you are not registered with the GOC you will need to provide a written professional reference which is signed, dated, and supplied on the University’s reference form or headed paper. The reference will need to comment specifically on your slit-lamp technique to assess the anterior eye and slit-lamp Volk technique to assess the retina. If it is not possible to provide a professional reference academic references will be considered. 
 

You will also need to supply a personal statement which clearly states the modules you intend to study and your clinical experience including your ability to use the slit-lamp technique to assess the anterior eye and slit-lamp Volk technique to assess the retina.
 

Please see the module list for more information on the range of optional modules we offer. There is a very high demand for certain modules and places are allocated on the basis of date of application. If a module is full, wherever possible, we will offer the applicant a place on the next available occurrence.
 

Modules that are accredited by the College of Optometrists must be completed in order i.e. students must achieve the College’s Professional certificate before selecting the module accredited for the College’s Higher Certificate, and must achieve the College’s Higher Certificate before selecting to the module accredited for the College’s Diploma.
 

Application Deadline: 

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible.
 

Selection process:

As the scope of optometric practice varies considerably around the world, interviews may be held with non-UK optometrists, in person or using Skype, to ensure practitioners have the relevant clinical skills required to undertake this course. You may be required to have particular clinical skills that will be confirmed through references and interview and/or may need to complete primary care modules prior to completing other modules.

Fees for home status

Tution Fees - £11,340
Deposit - £

Fees for overseas status

Tution Fees - £21,240
Deposit-£1,000
 

Additional costs
 

You will need to cover your living costs including accommodation and food whilst in Cardiff as well as the cost of travel to and from Cardiff. 
 

Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
 

No – all equipment will be provided.

This course will enable optometrists to advance their career. In addition, depending on which modules are chosen, it may act as assurance that practitioners are competent to work in specialist clinics as outlined in the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and College of Optometrists joint Competency Framework for Allied Health Professionals. For example the Medical Retina and Glaucoma module aligns with the Medical Retina and Glaucoma Competency Frameworks respectively.
 

Please note that this Master's degree does not lead to full professional registration with the General Optical Council (GOC), and it does not qualify students to practice in the UK. The GOC may request that you undertake a Pre-Registration year in supervised practice and qualify by taking the College of Optometrists’ exams, this cannot be done during your Master’s programme with us and we do not find you a Pre-Registration placement. If this is what you would like to do, you will need to get in touch with the GOC for advice. Each application to the GOC is considered on an individual basis and therefore does take some time to be processed.