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Ophthalmology MSc

London, Old Street

This is the programme information for 2025 entry

If you require details of the previous year's programme, Ophthalmology MSc (2024), click here

UK students International students

Study mode

Full-time

UK tuition fees (2025/26)

£20,500

Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)

£36,500

Duration

1 calendar year

Programme starts

September 2025

Applications accepted

Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 31 Jul 2025

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025

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 programme 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 Ophthalmology MSc is an in-depth engagement with the study of Ophthalmology, delivered jointly by UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital, so that students have the benefit of learning from world-renowned institutions in both clinical management and research. It is intended to provide you with a deeper theoretical and contextual knowledge to allow you to develop your clinical decision making skills across all the major sub-specialty areas within Ophthalmology.

Teaching is delivered by a mix of clinical experts, alongside faculty staff with internationally positioned research profiles. You will be taught using a variety of different approaches, from lectures to group work and wet labs. 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.

During the Ophthalmology MSc, there will be group tutorials where students have the opportunity to attend clinical skills sessions focusing on ophthalmic assessment techniques, as well as to attend surgical simulations. Professors and leaders in their fields in Ophthalmology will deliver keynote lectures, followed by your opportunity to ask them questions. In term 3, there may be the opportunity to observe two half-day sessions of clinics or surgery being carried out at Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road, London.

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

The Ophthalmology MSc is delivered by two world-leading institutions, UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital and will uniquely 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. The final module of the Ophthalmology MSc is the Dissertation, where students pursue an in-depth study of a topic they are interested in, under the supervision of a specialist in the field.

The Ophthalmology MSc offers opportunities to gain learning in a variety of different ways, including lectures, seminars, practical skills sessions and surgical wet labs. 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. The Research in Ophthalmology (‘RIO’) teaching sessions run throughout the year, allowing 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.

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

The foundation of your career

Graduates 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.

Employability

Graduates will have a comprehensive knowledge base across Ophthalmology, and a clear understanding of what high quality clinical care looks like within each sub-specialty. They will have a critical approach to their practice that enables them to problem solve in both clinical and research spheres.

Networking

UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital are joint partners in the Ophthalmology MSc, enabling students to gain experience of both these world class 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, you are taught by a wide range of experts from Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL. Each clinical module has one or two senior clinicians 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. Your programme will also hold informal events such as social events so you can meet with teaching staff and other students on your programme.

Teaching and learning

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. There are also practical sessions and surgical simulations organised during the programme. Term 3 focuses on the Dissertation, which is supported by the ‘Research in Ophthalmology’ sessions that run in terms 1, 2 and 3, 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. Types of assessment include 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.

Structured teaching sessions form typically approx. 18-20 hours of the week in the teaching terms, and there is considerable independent reading and study expected through the module delivery period and in the identified revision weeks.

A 15-credit module generally is equated with 150 hours of learning time, which includes time in lectures or seminars but also independent study time, assessment and feedback.

The programme is delivered primarily through lectures and seminars across terms one and two, in module teaching blocks. Term three consists mainly of the dissertation.

Assessment is through examinations, coursework, journal reviews, case reports, journal presentations and a dissertation. An overview of module assessment information can be found on the UCL module catalogue, but note that this subject to change year to year. Confirmed detailed information about your module assessments will be communicated to you when you are on the programme.

Module teaching is primarily in the form of attended lectures and seminars across the terms. Structured teaching sessions form typically approx. 18-20 hours of the week in the teaching terms, and there is considerable independent reading and study expected through the module delivery period and in the identified revision weeks.

A 15-credit module generally is equated with 150 hours of learning time, which includes time in lectures or seminars but also independent study time, assessment and feedback.

Modules

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

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. 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. All modules are compulsory.

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. Teaching to support the Dissertation module takes place across terms 1, 2 and 3, with teaching sessions about ‘Research in Ophthalmology (RIO)’ comprising weekly skills-based seminars that cover 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 programme 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). In year one students must register for ‘Introduction to Ophthalmology’ and another 75 credits; in year two students must register for 30 credits and the Dissertation module.

All modules are core and compulsory, in order to proceed to the award.

Compulsory modules

Introduction to Ophthalmology

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

Ophthalmology Dissertation

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 formally part of the programme or compulsory but an additional offering organised by the programme team, to help increase your insight and exposure to patient care.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students

Fee description	Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26)	£20,500
Tuition fees (2025/26)	£36,500

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme 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 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.

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 £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. 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

Next steps

There is an application processing fee for this programme 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 programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found on this Selecting your references page.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.