Course contact details
Central Apprenticeship Hub
Email:apprenticeships@plymouth.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0) 1752 583625
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship
- Prof Dip
- 3 Years
- Work-based learning
- September 2026
- Undergraduate
- Plymouth Site
Course summary
The Diploma of Higher Education Dispensing Optician is a three-year, 240-credit Level 6 apprenticeship programme designed to prepare apprentices for professional practice as dispensing opticians. Dispensing opticians are registered healthcare professionals who advise patients on fit and supply spectacle frames and lenses tailored to individual visual, lifestyle, and vocational needs.
The programme combines academic study with structured work-based learning, enabling apprentices to develop professional competence while remaining in salaried employment within an optical setting. The curriculum aligns with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) ophthalmic dispensing syllabus, the General Optical Council (GOC) Requirements for Approved Qualifications in Optometry or Dispensing Optics, and the Skills for England Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship Standard (ST0774).
Through the integration of theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviours, apprentices will build the expertise required for safe and effective patient care. Successful completion of the programme and the End-Point Assessment delivered by ABDO will enable graduates to apply for registration with the GOC as a Dispensing Optician, a protected professional title. Graduates will also be eligible to use the post-nominal FBDO (Fellow of the British Dispensing Opticians), supporting future professional progression.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Plymouth Site
Study options
- Prof Dip • Work-based learning • 3 Years
Start dates
- September 2026
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Plymouth has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
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Entry requirements
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English (or equivalent)*
GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths (or equivalent)*
GCSE (or equivalent) in a science-related subject (including social sciences) preferred
* Consideration will also be given to equivalent qualifications that demonstrate proficiency, for example Functional Skills Level 2 in mathematics numeracy and English. If you have passed a degree at a UK university, we may be able to consider this in lieu of an English language, maths or science GCSE depending on the subject of the degree.
GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths (or equivalent)*
GCSE (or equivalent) in a science-related subject (including social sciences) preferred
* Consideration will also be given to equivalent qualifications that demonstrate proficiency, for example Functional Skills Level 2 in mathematics numeracy and English. If you have passed a degree at a UK university, we may be able to consider this in lieu of an English language, maths or science GCSE depending on the subject of the degree.
Evidence of Level 3 qualification - for those without a Level 3 qualification, work experience may be considered on an individual basis
Additional entry requirements
- Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
- All offers of a place on this programme are subject to satisfactory Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) clearance at enhanced level, completed by the employer.
- Health checks
- All offers of a place on this programme are subject to satisfactory occupational health clearance, completed by the employer.
- Interview
- Other
- Applicants must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme. Due to the blended learning delivery model of this programme, it is an expectation that apprentices will have access to wi-fi and relevant electronic devices that allow them to engage fully with all aspects of programme delivery, teaching, learning and assessment.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.
This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.
Course optionsHistorical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
All apprentices must be employed 30 hours or more in a job role suitable for the apprenticeship standard. There is government funding for employers to support apprenticeships, you should discuss opportunities with your employer. To view available apprenticeship roles you can visit www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.
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