Are you working within the optical industry and want to gain a qualification in Optometry? Our three-year Master’s in Optometry is an ideal option. The course allows you to integrate learning from your on-campus study into your clinical practice.
Why study with us
- Gain real-world skills in our specialist dispensing and optometry pre-clinical lab.
- Our on-campus Eye Health Clinic is the student-led equivalent of a high street optical practice. The clinic meets the eyecare needs of members of the public.
- Throughout the course, you'll complete GOC required placement hours, culminating in the final-year Clinical Learning in Practice placement. This is facilitated by the College of Optometrists in partnership with the university.
Important information
- This course is only available to UK students.
- The application deadline for September 2025 entry for UK students is Saturday 31 May 2025.
What you'll do
- We arrange specialist clinical experience, such as hospital ophthalmology observations. We work with partners such as East Lancashire Hospital Trust.
- On-campus block sessions include guest lectures by industry colleagues. Topics include specialist contact lenses and getting a good image using an OCT.
- You'll work with volunteer patients who form a part of the general communication skills teaching resources as well as volunteers from visual impairment charities.
Modules
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
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Academic expertise
Accreditations
Future careers in optometry
As a registered optometrist, you'll have the opportunity to be self-employed or work in a primary care or hospital setting.
Entry requirements
Please note if your application is deemed unsuccessful, subsequent applications submitted within the same academic cycle will not be considered
You'll need to be registered with the General Optical Council as a student registrant throughout the programme. As the clinical learning in practice placement in the final year is facilitated by the College of Optometrists, you'll also need to be a member of the college during your studies.
- Applicants will be a Registered Dispensing Optician with one-year post-registration experience along with passing the entrance exam
- Applications from all candidates will be considered on their merits in the light of the nature and scope of the programme and if they have experience
- A satisfactory Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) and Occupational Health clearance is required for this course
This course will involve you working with vulnerable groups of individuals, this may include children. In order to ensure that the University offers places on their programmes to suitable candidates you will be required to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (formerly termed CRB).
All offers of a place on this course are subject to satisfactory health screening. It is important to note that should your health screening not be satisfactory your offer of a place on this course may be withdrawn.
If you have already enrolled on the course prior to completion of your health screening, or if your health screening clearance is revoked or changes during the course, you may be required to withdraw from the course even if you have already started.
If you would like to discuss or seek advice in respect of the health screening requirements for this course, please contact the Course Enquiries Team.
Fees and funding
Scholarships and bursaries
We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.
Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.
Dependants Bursary
Students with financially dependent children may be eligible for our Dependants Bursary as part of our financial support package.
Find out more about Dependants BursaryCarers Bursary
If you need extra support because you have unpaid caring responsibilities alongside your studies.
Find out more about Carers BursarySports scholarships
We offer student athletes support and opportunities for their playing careers whilst they study a high-quality degree.
Find out more about Sports scholarshipsAlumni Loyalty Discount
UK students with a previous award from us will receive 20% tuition fee discount.
Find out more about Alumni Loyalty Discount
This course is delivered by the School of Medicine and Dentistry
For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page