Close
This programme will allow students to develop advanced knowledge of the eye, eye diseases and treatment and the research underpinning clinical practice. It is delivered by ophthalmologists, researchers and nurses who are at the forefront of ophthalmic research clinical practice at the Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital Trust – both institutions will be involved in the teaching.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2021
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2021/22)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a second-class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Candidates will need to have a professional healthcare qualification (in nursing or an allied healthcare profession). Students are also required to have at least one year’s ophthalmic experience and to be currently working in the field of ophthalmology.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Standard
UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level. International Preparation Courses
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below.
Select your country:
About this degree
By the end of your programme you should have acquired advanced knowledge about common eye disease and some specialities and be more confident in your clinical practice underpinned by a knowledge of the relevant current ophthalmic research. You will also acquire skills in academic writing, problem based learning and group work, independent research and analytical skills.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six compulsory modules (total 150 credits) including the dissertation module (60 credits).
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MSc in Clinical Ophthalmic Practice.
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
- Anatomy and physiology (15 credits)
- Research and statistics (15 credits)
- Ophthalmic clinical case studies (15 credits)
- Clinical care in practice (15 credits)
- Physical assessment of the ophthalmic patient (30 credits)
- Ophthalmology dissertation module (60 credits)
Optional modules
30 credits worth of optional modules are taken.
- Ophthalmic Accident and Emergency Practice (15 credits)
- Ophthalmic Theatre Practice (15 credits)
- Glaucoma (15 credits)
- Medical retina, vitreoretinal, systemic disease, uveitis and ocular oncology (30 credits)
Dissertation/report
You will undertake a dissertation module, developing your research relevant to your ophthalmic interest. You will be allocated an academic member of staff as your supervisor to support you in this module together with the module leads.
Teaching and learning
The course has been designed with the working professional in mind, so you can study when it is convenient as 75% of the course is delivered online with the remaining 25% of the course being delivered face-to-face.
In a typical week, you will be expected to engage in online learning and participate in the group activities, develop clinical skills, carry out personal reading and research, which accounts to approximately 12-40 hours a week, depending on your mode of attendance.
Additional costs
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
Undertaking an MSc in Clinical Ophthalmic Practice is now considered a prerequisite for any specialist Ophthalmic nursing roles and can lead to opportunities to progress into advanced ophthalmic practice roles and nurse consultant roles.
Employability
The programme is designed to help graduates acquire and apply knowledge and skills resulting from evidence-based research required for clinical practice.
Why study this degree at UCL?
This programme will give students the underpinning research and evidence-based knowledge to develop their clinical knowledge base.
This programme is delivered using a blended learning approach. Students will have access to face-to-face classroom teaching and virtual learning, both individualy as well as through collaborative and cooperative learning approaches, to help students acquire the academic knowledge and skills required for evidence-based practice.
Department: Institute of Ophthalmology
Subscribe to the StudyUCL YouTube channel to learn more about life and studying at UCL.
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.
There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
This programme is suitable for nurses or allied healthcare professionals working in the field of ophthalmology.
Applicants who have successfully completed the PG Cert in Clinical Ophthalmic Practice from UCL can apply directly to the PG Dip or MSc Clinical Ophthalmic Practice programme through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 31 May 2021
- Non-visa nationals
- 30 July 2021
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Clinical Ophthalmic Practice at graduate level
- why you want to study Clinical Ophthalmic Practice at UCL
- what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
- how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
- where you would like to go professionally with your degree
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 11 June 2021
