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Ophthalmology MSc

London, Old Street

The Ophthalmology MSc 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 sub-specialities in this rapidly advancing area.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£19,300
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£34,400
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 31 Jul 2024

Applications closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024

Applications closed

Find similar courses still open

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 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 sub specialties 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 the 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 will be delivered by a mix of clinical experts and hospital based practitioners, alongside faculty staff with internationally positioned research profiles, so study and learning is shaped in an environment that allows you the fullest understanding of the interactions and perspectives of career trajectories in the ophthalmology field.

You will have the opportunity to attend two-weeks of ‘Enhancement Activities’ that will provide you with the opportunity to augment your knowledge by giving you experience of the clinical and practical aspects of Ophthalmology, delivered predominantly face-to-face at Moorfields Eye Hospital/Institute of Ophthalmology in London. Each day there will be an opportunity to meet and examine carefully selected patients happy to share with you their signs and symptoms of both rare and common Ophthalmic conditions. Professors and leaders in their fields in Ophthalmology will deliver keynote lectures, followed by your opportunity for Q&As. Finally we will organise for you to observe surgery being carried out in the operating theatres at Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road, London and in addition simulation surgery and wet-lab experience.

Who this course is for

The flagship Ophthalmology MSc is ideal for medics, doctors, GPs and optometrists who have a particular interest in specialist ophthalmological practice and research.

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

What this course will give you

The Ophthalmology MSc is delivered through a modular structure, in intensive learning blocks that are focused on the core ophthalmic sub-specialties in respect of content and topics (such as Glaucoma, Cornea and external disease, Neuro-ophthamlology, Retinal conditions etc).

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.

This programme aims to provide students 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. 

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.

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

Graduates will have a sound ability to frame their future learning, study and training in both an academic and a clinical context.

Networking

You can participate in the various research seminars, special guest lectures and 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).

Your programme will also hold informal events such as social events so you can meet with teaching staff and other students on your programme, who have been based at different hospitals and clinical settings which enriches your peer-to-peer learning.

Teaching and learning

Module teaching is primarily in the form of attended lectures and seminars across terms 1 and 2, in module teaching blocks. Structured teaching sessions form typically approximately 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. The mix of teaching methods varies according to the demands of each module. Lectures allow for specific, in-depth information to be provided; and then weekly group tutorials allow for this to be discussed and considered.

An ongoing seminar session focused on informal case based presentations discussions related to module content allows for analytical understanding (and presentation skills) to be demonstrated and developed.

Practical skills in respect of examination and function and interpretation of diagnostic technologies and data are delivered through a focused introduction module, and are routinely revisited in each subsequent module, as appropriate to the content.

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.

Research in practice seminars allow for investigative, analytical, synthesis and data interrogation skills to be developed, prior to being put into practice in the dissertation module.

Term 3 is the dissertation term, where you will embark on an independent library-based research project. You will receive support through tutorials/ workshops in order to shape and develop your dissertation.

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

The Ophthalmology MSc will be delivered through a modular structure, in intensive learning blocks that are focused on the core ophthalmic sub–specialties in respect of content and topics (such as Glaucoma, Cornea and External disease, Neuro-ophthalmology, Retinal conditions etc).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.

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

Teaching occurs across terms 1 and 2 on a full time basis, covers all subspecialties and includes seminar based sessions that support evaluative and academic skills that underpin study across all modules within the programme.

Teaching for the Dissertation module takes place in in terms 1, 2 and 3, with a course on “Research in Ophthalmology (RIO)”, 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 programme also include inspirational talks by clinical academics at Moorfields Eye Hospital and other institutions.

Term 3 is focused on the preparation, research and writing of the dissertation. This allows for you to shape your dissertation research topics from a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the field, to specific and focused lines of enquiry, making use of the skills learned in RIO seminars.

The dissertation is a library-based project on one topic which is the equivalent of four modules. It allows you to focus on one topic with direction, and to develop many of the research skills learnt in the other terms. For this reason it is non-condonable.

The Ophthalmology MSc will be delivered through a modular structure, in intensive learning blocks that are focused on the core ophthalmic sub–specialties in respect of content and topics (such as Glaucoma, Cornea and External disease, Neuro-ophthalmology, Retinal conditions etc).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.

Part-time students must take 90 credits in each year. In year one students must register for Introduction to Ophthalmology and another 75 credits and 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.

Teaching occurs across terms 1 and 2, covers all subspecialties and includes seminar based sessions that support evaluative and academic skills that underpin study across all modules within the programme.

Teaching for the Dissertation module takes place in in terms 1, 2 and 3, usually on Friday mornings with a course on “Research in Ophthalmology (RIO)”, 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 programme also include inspirational talks by clinical academics at Moorfields Eye Hospital and other institutions.

Term 3 is focused on the preparation, research and writing of the dissertation. This allows for you to shape your dissertation research topics from a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the field, to specific and focused lines of enquiry, making use of the skills learned in RIO seminars.

The dissertation is a library-based project on one topic which is the equivalent of four modules. It allows you to focus on one topic with direction, and to develop many of the research skills learnt in the other terms. For this reason it is non-condonable.

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 sessions worth of observerships in either 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 accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

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
Tuition fees (2024/25) £19,300
Tuition fees (2024/25) £34,400

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

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 more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

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 Bioscience Research & Development Scholarship

Deadline: 30 June 2024
Value: £3,500 towards tuition fees (1yr)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: UK

Institute of Ophthalmology International Excellence Scholarships

Deadline: 30 June 2024
Value: £5,000 towards fees (1yr)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Next steps

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 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.

Got questions? Get in touch

Institute of Ophthalmology
Institute of Ophthalmology

ioo.admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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