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Optometry

  • MSci
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 14/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Glenside Campus
Awarded by:
University of the West of England, Bristol
More about Bristol, UWE

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

Benefit from our highly specialist on-site optometry facilities and fantastic placement opportunities to set you up ready to step into your optometry career.

Why study optometry?
Optometrists are highly skilled health professionals who provide specialist eye care services, including sight tests, eye examinations, and contact lens fitting.

Studying optometry will set you on a path towards a rewarding career with excellent employment and salary prospects open to well-trained graduates.

Why UWE Bristol?
MSci Optometry is a new integrated specialist four-year degree that will give you in-depth academic and practical grounding in your career. After completion you'll be able to register as an optometrist in a strong, confident position.

We combine theory, extensive practical sessions, and placements to set you up for success. Benefitting from real-world experience and patient contact from Year one onwards, you'll gain a variety of clinical experience in our optometry training suite and through external placements each year to support you in shaping your professional identity as an optometrist.

In Year three, you'll see real patients in our specialist on-site clinic, with the support of a qualified optometrist mentor. You'll also have the chance to study advanced subjects such as medical retina and glaucoma, offering you an opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests.

Your final year features an extended placement, in association with the College of Optometrists where you'll put into practice all the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience you've gained so far.

Where can it take me?
Optometry is a solid, growing profession. On graduating, you can take your skills into many areas, including hospitals, community optometry practices, ophthalmic research, specialist contact lens provision in film and media, or eye care services for many charities.

A UK optometry qualification is highly respected globally. You may also choose to enhance your clinical skills by taking higher level optometry qualifications.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • General Optical Council
This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Glenside Campus

Study options

  • MSci • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 14/09/2026

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:
B511
Institution code:
B80
Campus name:
Glenside Campus
Campus Code:
G
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Bristol, UWE 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:
B511
Institution code:
B80
Campus name:
Glenside Campus
Campus Code:
G

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Optometry at Bristol, UWE: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Alicia

    UWE Bristol
    English Literature
    Hey everyone! I study English Literature and I am currently in my second year. I have an interest in children's literature, looking to go into publishing as a career. I am an open book and would love to help you answer any queries you may have, as I have been in your position and know how daunting it can all feel. Whether you have questions about English Literature BA(Hons), UWE life as a whole or things like student budgeting, don't hesitate to ask :)

  • Feride

    UWE Bristol
    Architecture
    Hello, I hope we all stay safe. I study Architecture and Planning and I'm currently in my third year. I enjoyed this year a lot and my passion for the subject has become more intriguing.

  • Zainab

    UWE Bristol
    Software Engineering for Business
    I was born and raised in Nigeria and joined UWE early 2023. I will admit I waited till the last minute to decide to pursue software engineering as a degree, but I do believe I made the right decision. My passion for coding and software development is growing by the day and I cannot wait to apply my abilities in the real world. That’s not to say I don’t suffer from imposter syndrome occasionally, but I do think being in the right environment has really helped change my mindset and attitude.

  • Rose

    UWE Bristol
    Geography BSc
    Hi my name is Rose and i’m an undergraduate studying Bsc geography at UWE. My future plans are to become a secondary geography school teacher, also to go travelling with my partner. I love food and trying out new places to eat, i especially love pasta. I also own a horse named ollie who i have had for 7 years, together we have done many competitions and fun rides over the years.

  • Mabelle

    UWE Bristol
    Psychology, Sociology and Criminology
    I am currently a 3rd year student in Psychology, particularly interested in Business Psychology and I plan on doing a Placement Year. Enjoys watching F1 and playing piano (especially to destress).

  • Tinishia

    UWE Bristol
    Criminology
    Hi I’m Tinishia, final year student at UWE. I hope to either work within the education sector or with young people in general👮🏼‍♀️🚓 I have a wide knowledge of UWE, particularly regarding home undergraduate info, and support for neurodivergent learners.

  • Jess

    UWE Bristol
    Education and Teaching
    Hi! I’m Jess, I’m a 2nd year primary’s education student at UWE. I am always happy to answer any questions or worries you have about university life. Whether it’s about the course, student life or just advice for coming to uni!

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 136 points

A level

Grades B and C from two of the following at A2: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science or Psychology.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

You'll need a minimum of a Distinction and a Merit overall in an Applied Science Extended Diploma. Ten units would need to be from two of the following subjects: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science or Psychology. You may be asked to do more based on the size of your units. Please list the units you are studying in your application. For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.

Access to HE Diploma

15 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit in at least 2 of the following subjects (15 credits in each): Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology and Psychology.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

A minimum of H5 and an H6 in two relevant subjects. Subjects include Maths, Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science or Psychology. We accept the IB Career-related Programme in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. This qualification cannot be used to satisfy any subject specific entry requirements.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

You must achieve two of the following: Maths, Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science or Psychology.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Grade B/5 or above in Mathematics and Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature, and Double Science or Physics, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills and Numeracy as alternatives to a Maths GCSE for this course.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

You'll need a minimum of a Distinction and a Merit overall in an Applied Science Extended Diploma. Ten units would need to be from two of the following subjects: Mathematics, Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science or Psychology. You may be asked to do more based on the size of your units. Please list the units you are studying in your application. For further advice on acceptable units, please email us. We do not accept Cambridge Technical qualifications in Sport and Physical Activity.

T Level

You will have either a B or C in your Core Component in Science or Healthcare Science. Your T Level would be considered as meeting the equivalent of 1 Science A-Level meaning you would need to have further study to meet our full entry requirements. If you partially achieve your T Level, you can meet our subject requirements if you have at least an A in your Core Section. For further advice on acceptable subjects please email us.

Relevant subjects:

The following qualifications are also approved for entry onto this course as equivalent to Level 3: ABDO Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing, BSc(Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing (grade third class or above), City and Islington College Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing - 65% or above.

All applicants are required to complete:

  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check
  • Health Checks.

All applications received on or before the UCAS deadline are considered equally, however, due to the volume of applications received, and to ensure that all applications are given equal consideration, you may attend an interview in December or January but may not receive your decision until May via UCAS or through the UWE applicant portal. The University is unable to enter into individual correspondence regarding decisions made following an interview.

If you have not received a decision on your application within a week of the interview, this means that the University is still considering your application. We appreciate your patience during this time and would like to remind you that if you applied through UCAS and have received offers from any other Universities, you will not lose these offers before your UCAS Reply Deadline.

Please note that due to early clinical contact on this course applicants must turn 18 before the start of placement. Applicants who do not turn 18 by the commencement of the placement will be advised to defer or reapply as appropriate. Please see our admissions policy for further information.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Health checks
Before you start your course, you will be required to complete: an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check a Health Check. read more about Professional Checks: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/applying/professional-checks-for-health-and-education
Interview
If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited to record a short video presentation (two/three minutes long) and to answer some brief questions in Microsoft Forms. We'll use this information to gauge your suitability for the Optometry course at UWE Bristol.
Other
Deferred entry: We do not accept deferred entry applications for this course. Applicants who meet the academic requirements will be required to complete an online selection exercise. For more details on the process, please visit our https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/applying/undergraduate-applications/selection-processes selection page.

English language requirements

If your first language isn't English, you need an IELTS score of at least 7 overall. Individual scores for each section of the test must not be lower than 6.5, with the exception of the 'Speaking' section, where a minimum score of 7 is required. For full details of the language test, contact the British Council https://www.britishcouncil.org. The University's list of alternative English Language qualifications https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/applying/international-applications/english-language-requirements doesn't apply.

https://courses.uwe.ac.uk/B511/optometry https://courses.uwe.ac.uk/B511/optometry

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.

At UWE Bristol we are committed to ensuring all applicants can fulfil their potential.

We make contextual offers for this course that are lower than our standard entry criteria.

We use a range of information from your UCAS application to consider your background and experiences as an individual and the impact these may have had on you. You do not need to provide us with any additional information to be considered for a contextual offer.

Learn more on the Bristol, UWE 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 and 1 other ophthalmics course
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For Bristol, UWE, 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 .
BBC Most common
  1. AAB
  2. Highest grades
  3. CCD
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

38% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

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

Subject Spotlights

Subject Spotlights give you the chance to try a higher education course before you apply. Delivered by the lecturers themselves you will gain insight into what it's like to study the course and give your personal statement a boost.

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Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

88 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

94 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

Fee information is to be confirmed. All fees are subject to final approval. Please visit our website for further information.

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