Operating Department Practice

Why choose this course?
Our Operating Department Practice degree allows students to learn in a manner which matches their future employment as an Operating Department Practitioner. We use a case study format throughout our teaching and assessment, meaning that all content relates directly to the real-life operating theatre environment.

Our degree is part of a collaboration with our local NHS Trust and local service users to ensure the course fulfils the requirements of the health service and community. The support on offer from the University and teaching team reflects the core values of Wrexham University. We are committed to widening participation and providing support to students. This will be felt by students, as they will play an active part in their own development into professional registration and employment.

*This course is part of a subject area ranked

1st in the UK for Student Experience
Joint 1st in the UK for Graduate Prospects
1st in Wales and top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality
in the Subjects Allied to Medicine subject area league table in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025

*This course is rated 1st in Wales in the Health Studies subject area league table in the Daily Mail University League Table, 2024.

*This course is rated 4th in the UK for Satisfied with Teaching in the Health Professionals subject area league table in the Guardian University Guide, 2025.

What you will study

Our ODP degree programme is structured as a spiral curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced in Year One, and then expanded upon in Years Two and Three.

Year 1 (LEVEL 4)
Year One is an introduction to the main topics of Operating Department Practice, including clinical, professional, research and life sciences topics.

MODULES
Introduction to Operating Department Practice: introduction to the fundamental topics of anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care
Introduction to Perioperative Clinical Skills: introduction to the practice placement element of being an ODP. This module will focus mainly on elective, scheduled cases.
Introduction to Life Sciences (IPE): introduction to the life sciences, including physical anatomy and physiology and mental health
Foundations in Professional Practice (IPE): introduction to the professional roles and responsibilities of an Allied Health Professional covering topics such as confidentiality, dignity, care, and reflection
Foundations in Research (IPE): introducing students to the concepts of research, becoming familiar with research articles, assignment writing, and statistics

Year 2 (LEVEL 5)
Year Two will expand on topics which were introduced in the first year. There will be greater complexity, and greater application to practice of an ODP.

MODULES
Developing Operating Department Practice: expanding on the theory behind anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care
Developing Perioperative Clinical Skills: more complex skills introduced within the practice element of the programme. More focus on emergency scenarios, emergency anaesthetics and surgery.
Applying Life Sciences to Perioperative Practice: re-visiting topics of life sciences with an application to anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care. Expanding on the considerations for, and treatment of body systems within the perioperative environment.
Contemporary Studies in Operating Department Practice: exploring policies which govern and shape modern Operating Department Practice, beginning with WHO Safe Surgery Saves Lives
Evidence in Practice (IPE): exploring how research directly impacts the practice of Allied Health Professionals in their clinical work.

Year 3 (LEVEL 6)
Year Three introduces students to expanding roles of ODPs, including Surgical First Assistance, Critical Care and Resuscitation. Students will also be prepared for practice by exploring elements such as audit, research, leadership, and management.

MODULES
Advanced Operating Department Practice: exploring the theory behind surgical first assistance, critical care, resuscitation, and caring for patients with complex needs.
Advanced Perioperative Clinical Skills: the practice placement element of more advanced perioperative practice with placements in departments outside of the theatre department to expose students to a greater depth of their scope of practice
Research for Practice (IPE): students will complete a research project exploring an area of Operating Department Practice where they will be able to collect their own data.
Transition to Professional Practice (IPE): students will explore leadership and management theories, preparation for employment and professional registration, and quality policies and procedures.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Teaching & Assessment

Teaching, learning and assessment will follow a blended approach with online content, videos, small group sessions and practical sessions. We have a case study format throughout, relating concepts to the real-life environment. The Active Learning Framework (ALF) will be used throughout each module, at each level. There is a broad range of assessments, using practice, case study portfolios, presentations, and posters.

Assessment methods include:
Essays
Presentation
Examination
OSCE

Teaching and Learning
Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our Student Support has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion team can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.