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Orthoptics

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about University of Liverpool

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

The Orthoptics programme aims to develop your knowledge of how the vision system works, binocular vision involving how the eyes work together, and eye movement systems including the importance of assessing ocular motility. In addition, you will focus on the fundamentals of the nervous system, neuro-anatomy and physiology, and where it relates to the practice of orthoptics. This background knowledge will enable a graduate orthoptist to perform as a competent and reflective practitioner and be a valuable member of the eye care team.
The Orthoptic programme will equip a graduate with the skills to diagnose and manage conditions which may present in a range of patients from newborns to the elderly, eg strabismus (eye misalignments), amblyopia (sometimes called lazy eye), traumatic injuries, tumours, head injuries, diabetes and strokes.

This programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as an orthoptist.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 28/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
B520
Institution code:
L41
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Liverpool has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
B520
Institution code:
L41
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - BBB

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) - DDD

BTEC 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 credits

45 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.

Scottish Higher - ABBBB

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 - BB

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.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points

30 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) - B

B 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, H3

6 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 Level - D

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.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The University of Liverpool is committed to supporting talented applicants from all backgrounds to succeed. One of the ways we support students and fair access to higher education is through making reduced offers as part of our contextual admissions strategy, the Liverpool Scholars programme, Realising Opportunities national collaboration of universities and Sutton Trust Pathways. Additional consideration may be given to applicants with disrupted education or extenuating circumstances.

Learn more on the University of Liverpool website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Liverpool, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
BCC Most common
  1. AAA
  2. Highest grades
  3. CCC
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

76% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

80 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

85 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

If this is your first degree and you are a Home student applying for entry in 2026, you do not have to pay your fees upfront. Instead, you can take out a tuition fee loan which is paid straight to the University. This is available to most students, no matter what their household income.

Please note, for Home undergraduate students, 2026/27 fees have yet to be confirmed. Tuition fees are subject to increase each year, subject to the government’s regulated fee limits. For information, for UK students applying for 2025 entry the Tuition Fee was £9,535.

You will find full information about tuition fees in the “Fees and funding” section of all course pages on our website. Or see the “Paying for your studies” section of our website for more information.

Some of our programmes charge less than the full £9,535 fee:

• Psychology BSc (Hons) (2+2 programme with Foundation element), run in collaboration with Wirral Metropolitan College.
• Programmes with a year in industry or a year abroad

Some programmes which include compulsory fieldwork or additional elements such as the Pilots Licence in Aerospace Engineering may incur additional costs. Where this is the case, those costs will be outlined at on-campus events such as the University Open Days or Applicant Discovery Days.

For further information please see: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/

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