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Ophthalmology MSc

London, Old Street

The Ophthalmology MSc provides you with a comprehensive study of Ophthalmology, combining contemporary clinical knowledge with up-to-date research, delivered jointly by UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital. All major sub-specialties in this rapidly advancing area are covered using a range of teaching and assessment methods, designed to equip students with a variety of skills to enhance their future careers.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£21,500
£10,750
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 31 Jul 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A UK medical degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard (2:1). A scientific degree in an appropriate allied discipline (such as optometry) or overseas equivalent standard (2:1 or above).

The English language level for this course is: Level 1

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.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

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. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


The MSc Ophthalmology provides an in-depth engagement with the study of Ophthalmology in a contemporary clinical and research focused context. It is intended to provide a comprehensive grounding in the principles, approaches and methodologies that inform current practice in the specific clinical subspecialties in this rapidly advancing area. It is intended to provide you with a deeper theoretical and contextual knowledge to allow you to develop your clinical decision-making skills in subspecialty areas and plan coherent next steps and further specialist study, research and training in readiness for patient-facing clinical practice and research.

The relationship between UCL/Institute of Ophthalmology and the world leading Moorfields Eye Hospital as partners in delivering the programme allows you to develop your understanding in the context of the most current research, diagnostic and treatment advancements in the ophthalmic field. Teaching is delivered by a mix of clinical experts, alongside faculty staff with international research profiles. A critical approach to both clinical problem solving and research are central to the course, ensuring that you have the opportunity to gain a range of skills that will enhance your future career.

Teaching is delivered primarily face-to-face, supplemented by some online sessions for the clinical sub-specialty modules. There is a more blended delivery mode for the Research Methods and Statistics in Eye Care and Clinical Leadership modules. Teaching also occurs in a variety of formats, from lectures to seminars and group work. During term time, there are weekly clinical skills sessions focusing on ophthalmic assessment techniques, as well as wet labs and surgical simulations, allowing students to consolidate their theoretical learning with practical skills. Professors and leaders in their fields in Ophthalmology will deliver keynote lectures, followed by your opportunity to ask them questions. In term 3, there is the opportunity to observe two half-day sessions of clinics or surgery being carried out at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Who this course is for

The Ophthalmology MSc is ideal for doctors in the early stages of their career, wishing to prepare for a career specialist ophthalmological practice and research. Other applicants include optometrists and orthoptists wishing to expand their clinical and research-based knowledge across all the sub-specialties.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Together, Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Institute of Ophthalmology at UCL make up the largest co-located site dedicated to ophthalmic clinical care, research and education. Hosted by these two institutions, the MSc Ophthalmology is uniquely placed to draw upon this ophthalmic expertise and will allow you to learn from experts in every sub-specialty within Ophthalmology. Teaching is delivered through a modular structure, in blocks that are focused on the core ophthalmic sub-specialties (Oculoplastics, Lacrimal and Orbital Disease; Cornea, Cataract, External diseases and Refractive Surgery; Glaucoma; Neuro-ophthalmology, Strabismus and Paediatric Ophthalmology; Medical Retina, Vitreoretinal, Systemic Diseases, Uveitis and Ocular Oncology). This allows for a connected synthesis of understanding to be developed across the programme, while ensuring that in-depth knowledge of particular aetiologies, pathologies, management and treatment of conditions in specific areas can be acquired. Additionally, there is a module on Clinical Leadership and Management, which will further permit graduates to acquire key skills in the modern workplace, positioning them as leaders of the future. The final module of the Ophthalmology MSc is the Dissertation, where students pursue an in-depth study of a topic of their choice, under the supervision of a specialist in the field. The Dissertation is supported by the 'Research Methods and Statistics in Eye Care' module, where students to develop high level skills in the analysis and interpretation of research that will be invaluable to any field in clinical medicine or research.

The Ophthalmology MSc offers opportunities to gain learning in a variety of different ways, including lectures and seminars. There are opportunities to undertake group work and oral presentations, allowing students to develop a wide range of skills that are widely used in many work environments, both in clinical ophthalmic care and research. Within the teaching programme, there are practical skills sessions/surgical simulations relevant to the module that is under study. This allows students to augment their learning with practical clinical skill, through instruction with experts in the field, and provide a springboard to future clinical ophthalmic practice.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Graduates have typically gone on to further ophthalmic study and training and research, both in the UK and overseas, in both academic and clinical contexts. 94% of all graduates were either in full-time work or further study within 15 months of completing their studies (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020–2023).

As an aspiring ophthalmologist, I was struck by the mismatch between demand for eye care and the density of ophthalmologists worldwide. I wanted to tackle ophthalmic disease burdens of the current and incoming decades. To learn at the centre of Institute’s research engine and the largest eye hospital in Europe was an opportunity unparalleled in the world.

Elsa Lee

Ophthalmology MSc

Read more

Employability

This programme aims to provide graduates with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the field, and the specialist pathways emerging from it to permit informed choices in respect of further developing inpatient care and clinical research skills in ophthalmology.

Graduates will have a sound ability to frame their future learning, study and training in both an academic and a clinical context. They will have a substantial knowledge base in respect of common and rare ophthalmic conditions with diagnosis and management paradigms to apply in various contexts in the UK and abroad. Graduates will have the capacity to synthesise and evaluate information, principles and practice, and core skills which will aid them should they wish to embark on an application for specialist ophthalmology clinical training.

The MSc Ophthalmology also equips graduates with skills in appraising and synthesising clinical evidence and academic papers, which will provide a springboard for further careers in research.

Networking

UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital are joint partners in the Ophthalmology MSc, enabling students to gain experience of both these institutions. Most of the teaching will take place at the Institute of Ophthalmology, which has a very active academic and social calendar that students are fully encouraged to get involved with. Academic events include regular research seminars, special guest lectures and other events held at the Institute of Ophthalmology, which will not only widen your exposure to the latest research with opportunities to hear from speakers from around the world, but will also increase the opportunity to meet with various staff at the Institute, Moorfields and wider UCL community (for example, research staff, clinicians and fellow students).

Within the Ophthalmology MSc, students are taught by a wide range of experts from Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL. Each clinical module has a senior clinician acting as module lead. They take responsibility for that module and will be available during the duration of it, allowing students to network with experts in all the subspecialties. Each programme will also hold informal events such as social events so students can meet with teaching staff and fellow students on the programme.

Teaching and learning

All students have access to a self-directed, self-paced ‘Introduction to Ophthalmology’ non-credited module prior to starting the MSc Ophthalmology. This ensures all students are equipped with the pre-requisite knowledge for the course. Teaching is delivered in modular blocks in terms 1 and 2, each covering an ophthalmic sub-specialty or related sub- specialties. Each module has an allocated Module Lead, who is an expert within the field. Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials and group work. Module consolidation seminars involving problem or case-based presentations relating to module content and informal quizzes allow for knowledge and understanding to be tested, and for formative feedback to be given in respect of this, in advance of summative assessment, alongside focused revision sessions to prepare for this. Practical skills, including clinical skills, interpretation of diagnostic technologies and data and surgical simulations are delivered through practical sessions and tutorials, as is relevant to each sub-specialty module. Term 3 focuses on the Dissertation, which is supported by the ‘Research Methods and Statistics in Eye Care’ module that runs in term 1 as well as dedicated tutorials with allocated supervisors and workshops.


 

The course is assessed using a variety of methods, facilitating effective assessment of the breadth of knowledge covered by the Ophthalmology MSc and to enable students to gain a variety of skills for their future careers. Assessment is through invigilated examinations including multiple choice papers, short answer notes under timed observed conditions, problem based learning papers completed as coursework, group presentations, preparation of patient information literature and the dissertation. Formative assessments and feedback sessions will be organised to support the assessments. An overview of module assessment information can be found on the UCL module catalogue, but note that this is subject to change year to year. Confirmed detailed information about your module assessments will be communicated to you when you are on the course.

Typical contact hours vary between 18-20 hours per week and include lectures, seminars, practice-based activities and e-learning activities. Students will also display a level of independent study (15-20 hours per week), for example, by engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for the discussions promoted in the programme. Student should expect to spend around 35-40 hours for identified revision weeks or self-directed study weeks.

Modules

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits over one academic year. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded the MSc in Ophthalmology.

A self-paced, non-credited module, 'Introduction to Ophthalmology', is offered to all students prior to starting the MSc course. This course covers key knowledge that students need in order to undertake the course, including ocular anatomy, embryology and physiology. The Ophthalmology MSc is delivered through taught modules in terms 1 and 2, each comprising an intensive learning block focused on an ophthalmic sub-specialty (or related sub-specialties), e.g. ‘Oculoplastics, Lacrimal and Orbital Disease’, ‘Glaucoma’, etc. All modules are compulsory. Links to each module are below. This allows for a connected understanding to be developed across the programme, while ensuring that in depth knowledge of particular aetiologies, pathologies and management of conditions in specific areas can be acquired. In term 2, students also undertake a module in 'Clinical Leadership and Management', allowing students to acquire skills that will support their future careers and to grow into leaders of the future.

Term 3 focuses on the Dissertation, carrying 60 credits. This is a library-based project that allows you to focus on one topic in detail, and to demonstrate and refine many of the research skills learnt in the other terms. This is supported by the two week 'Research Methods and Statistics in Eye Care' module undertaken in term 1, including sessions that cover the foundations of epidemiology, biostatistics, qualitative research, evidence synthesis, critical appraisal tools, literature search and health economics. Seminars explore important aspects of professional and academic life including research ethics, plagiarism and academic writing.

The structure of the course and modules is the same as the full-time study mode described above except that part-time students must take 180 credits over two years (90 credits in each year). The Dissertation module (60 credits) must be taken in year 2.

Modules take place during the academic terms at UCL; it is not possible for part-time students to take modules at times other than when they are scheduled to run during the academic year.

Compulsory modules










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 are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Ophthalmology.

Fieldwork

You are given the opportunity to undertake two half-day sessions worth of observerships in clinics or theatres in Moorfields Eye Hospital, subject to availability and guidance from the hospital Trust. These half-day observerships are not a formal part of the programme or compulsory but an additional offering organised by the programme team, to help increase insight and exposure to patient care.
 

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Part of the Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology has been ranked the best place in the world to study ophthalmology (CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017). Our partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital represents the largest co-located site for eye research, education and care globally.

Find out more

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All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Ophthalmology MSc

The Ophthalmology MSc is a unique, comprehensive study of Ophthalmology, combining contemporary clinical knowledge with up-to-date research, delivered jointly by UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital. During the session you'll get to hear from the programme Directorship and current students about the course structure, modules, career outcomes and life as a student in the department, UCL and London more widely.

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Ophthalmology MSc

The Ophthalmology MSc is a unique, comprehensive study of Ophthalmology, combining contemporary clinical knowledge with up-to-date research, delivered jointly by UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital. During the session you'll get to hear from the programme Directorship and current students about the course structure, modules, career outcomes and life as a student in the department, UCL and London more widely.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £21,500 £10,750
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

The following book is highly recommended for you to purchase as an accompaniment to the programme:

  • Clinical Ophthalmology: A Systematic Approach, Jack J Kanski (Edinburgh: Elsevier) Eighth edition (2016)

Other core texts and recommended reading are detailed on module specifications and are available in the library and via UCL e- Journals.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

Please visit UCL's scholarships finder to explore scholarship opportunities that may be available to you.

The UCL Institute of Ophthalmology sometimes has scholarships available for successful applicants to the Ophthalmology MSc programme, such as the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology International Excellence Scholarship. Visit the Institute's website for more details of any available 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.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Institute of Ophthalmology International Excellence Scholarships

Deadline: 26 June 2026
Value: £5,000 towards fees (1 year)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Next steps

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Ophthalmology at graduate level
  • Why you want to study Ophthalmology 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.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Institute of Ophthalmology
Institute of Ophthalmology

ioo.admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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