BBB to include one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology or Mathematics.
For applicants studying A levels with English exam boards: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology, Geology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDDBTEC Nationals are considered in addition to 5 GCSEs grades A* – C or level 5, which must include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject. Science Dual Award is acceptable. Core and Additional Science are also considered. Please note that Applied GCSEs will not be considered.
BTEC National Extended Certificate
Will be accepted at a minimum of Distinction accompanied by 2 A2 subjects at grade B to include one of the following: Biology, Maths, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
Will be accepted in either Health and Social Care or Applied Science at Grade DD, plus 1 additional A Level at a minimum of Grade B.
BTEC National Extended Diploma
Will be accepted in in Health and Social Care and Applied Science at Grade DDD.
Access to HE Diploma
D: 30 credits
M: 15 credits45 credits at Level 3 in Biological, Psychological, Mathematical, Healthcare or Physics based subjects. 30 credits passed at distinction (Must include a minimum of 15 credits in a Biological or Physiological Science) and the remaining 15 credits must be passed at merit or higher. 2 GCSEs in Maths and English Language graded 4/C.
A minimum of grades ABBBB in Higher level plus BB at Advanced Higher level from a combination of Higher levels and advanced Higher levels with at least one Advanced Higher level Science subject from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology or Mathematics.. .Consideration will only be given to Advanced Highers in different subjects to those of Highers.
Scottish Advanced Higher
BBA minimum of grades ABBBB in Higher level plus BB at Advanced Higher level from a combination of Higher levels and advanced Higher levels with at least one Advanced Higher level Science subject from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology or Mathematics.. .Consideration will only be given to Advanced Highers in different subjects to those of Highers.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
30 points30 points to include 3 Higher Level subjects at a minimum of grade 5. Biology must be offered at a minimum of a grade 5 or pass the IB Diploma plus 5,5,5 in 3 HL subjects including Biology grade 5.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
BB in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level to include one of the following: Maths, Psychology, Biology, Physics or Chemistry
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H36 Higher Level subjects to include English and Mathematics and one of the following Science subjects: Biology, Physics or Chemistry. Two subjects should be graded at H2 or higher (this should include a Science subject) and the remaining four subjects should be graded at H3 or higher.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
5 GCSE subjects at grade A*-C or grades 9-4. Subjects to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science. Core and Applied Science GCSEs will not be considered. All GCSEs should be obtained at one sitting. Science Dual Award is acceptable. Applied GCSEs will not be considered.
T levels considered in a relevant subject, Health and Science (Health, Healthcare Science and Science pathways) is accepted with an overall grade of Distinction to include in the core.
Profession-specific knowledge and skills required
Candidates must show evidence, in their UCAS Personal Statement, of a good understanding of the profession. It is highly recommended that a candidate should observe a state registered Orthoptist, but where this is not possible a visit to a clinical department involving discussion with the Orthoptist is required. The experience gained should be discussed in their UCAS Personal Statement, and the applicant must show evidence of a good understanding.
Candidates should be able to discuss in lay terms the conditions/examination procedures etc observed. They must also be aware of the differences between Orthoptics and Optometry.
Candidates should have experience of working with the general public and especially children, people with special needs and the elderly.
Careers conventions, information leaflets, and websites may also provide helpful background information.
Declaration of Criminal Background
You will understand that as a health sciences student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police. Please complete the Declaration of Criminal Background form.
Health screening
The University and the School of Health Sciences has an obligation to undertake health screening on all prospective healthcare students. Any offer of a place to study is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This will include some obligatory immunisations and blood tests.
Disability information
If you have, or think you have dyslexia or a long term health condition or impairment that may have the potential to impact upon your studies and/or your Fitness to Practice duty, please complete the Disability form. We will contact you to discuss your support needs.
Important information
The academic profile, reference and personal statement of each candidate are given equal consideration. Due to the large number of applications it is advised that candidates ensure that they present with the strongest possible application.
Additional essential requirements
Additional requirements include:
Knowledge/understanding of the profession
Evidence of care/compassion for others
Evidence of teamwork and personal achievement
Evidence of verbal/written communication skills
Please download Orthoptics entry criteria 2017 for full details.