Optometry (BSc)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

This course takes three years of full-time study with each year divided into autumn and spring semesters.  All modules are taught across both semesters with coursework and practical assessments distributed throughout semester time. Final written assessments take place in the spring examination period. 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

Year one

In year one you will discover a new way of life and a new way of learning. This year is designed to give you a sound foundation in the discipline, with clinical and dispensing techniques introduced at the beginning to enhance your clinical skills. Modules include lectures, tutorials, and clinical practice. Particular attention is given to developing the academic skills you need for a university undergraduate degree.

Year two

Year two develops all the main themes of the optometry degree. You will receive lectures on binocular vision, contact lenses, physiology of vision and pharmacology. Clinical studies and dispensing techniques will continue and during this year you will, with close supervision, be introduced to your first patient.

Year three

In year three modules in advanced optometric topics are introduced. You will carry out a staff supervised project which may be laboratory, clinical or library based. About eight hours per week will be spent with patients in our clinic, and in hospital clinics. Lecture courses include abnormal ocular conditions, binocular vision, visual psychophysics, and paediatric optometry, which are designed to complete the integrated course.

A level

AAA-ABB. Must include two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Physics.

If you are undertaking resits, you may be made an offer at the higher end of the grade range given.

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

International Baccalaureate
36-34 overall or 766-666 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 7 in HL Maths or grade 6 in HL Maths and Physics.

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

Fees for overseas status

• £23,450

Qualified optometrists can choose a career in private practice, the hospital eye service, universities conducting research and teaching or various options in industry. Registration also opens possibilities to work abroad as an optometry qualification from the UK is highly regarded worldwide.

In 2017, 100% of the School’s graduates were in employment following graduation, while others were engaged in further study or took time out to travel. Employers included universities, various NHS Trusts, multiple and independent optometrists and companies such as Astra Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

Cardiff University optometry graduates are significantly ahead of the national average in gaining their professional qualifications. To make the transition from a student to a professional optometrist, trainees are required to complete a pre-registration period governed by the College of Optometrists. The 2015 average pass rate for graduates from Cardiff University’s School of Optometry and Vision Sciences is 92%, compared to the national average of 74%.

After graduating you must complete a period of supervised practice if you wish to register with the UK's General Optical Council (GOC). This is called your pre-registration placement and you must gain at least a Lower Second Class degree (2:2) to enter this training. Our graduates rarely have difficulty securing pre-registration positions, a process that begins in your second year. Many employers visit us to recruit future graduates, and are familiar with the high calibre of Cardiff students. Several of our graduates are successful each year in gaining much sought after hospital pre-registration positions.

Graduate careers

• Optometrist