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Orthoptics (pre-registration) MSc

London, Old Street

Orthoptists are experts in the diagnosis and management of developmental eye conditions, defects in eye movement and binocular vision. On this programme, you will learn about paediatric ophthalmology, strabismus (ocular misalignment), ocular motility disorders and other eye and vision health issues and diseases that are dealt with by Orthoptists.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£16,000
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£32,000
Duration
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 minimum of a second-class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Relevant subject areas include: biological sciences, chemistry, nursing and psychology. Courses undertaken at institutions other than UCL will be assessed for accreditation of prior learning (APL) on a case by case basis and an interview and/or candidates may be required to write a piece of work to support the APL application.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

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


In Year One, you will learn about the visual system, optics, foundation and complex Orthoptics, paediatric ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology.

In Year Two modules will cover research methods and statistics, broader ophthalmology, sale and supply of medicinal products (specific to Orthoptics) and clinical placements. You will enhance your research skills through a library-based research project on a topic related to orthoptic/ophthalmic practice.

You will be paired with a clinical or clinical academic mentor so you can discuss what you are learning and experiencing in your clinical placement with an expert working in the field.

Who this course is for

The UCL Orthoptics MSc (pre-registration) is the UK's first dedicated accredited graduate entry programme that provides an accelerated route to becoming an accredited orthoptist in the UK. It provides you with the theoretical knowledge and clinical training that underpins professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Successful completion of this programme will allow you to qualify and practice as an accredited orthoptist. You will be able to work both in private and public healthcare settings (such as in the NHS).

If you are passionate about pursuing a career in the healthcare sector and want to train to become an allied health professional, the Orthoptics MSc programme may be a great option for you.

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

What this course will give you

The two-year, full-time Orthoptics (pre-registration) MSc programme provides a fast-track route to theoretical knowledge and clinical training underpinning professional registration and practice as an autonomous Orthoptist with approval by the Health and Care Professions Council.

You will, through blended learning opportunities, learn core research methods and statistics, and extended clinical knowledge of complex ophthalmic and neuro-ophthalmic conditions. The programme also provides 1,000 hours of supervised placement activity so that you will graduate from this programme clinically experienced.

You will learn how to apply the latest and most updated practices and technology to address eye conditions through instructions with Moorfields Eye Hospital staff.

Our longstanding partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital represents the largest co-located site for eye research, education and care in the world. The Institute of Ophthalmology is ranked the best place in the UK and Europe to study ophthalmology (SCImago Institution Rankings 2025 for Ophthalmology).

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

The foundation of your career

This programme is designed to equip students with the requisite knowledge and skill to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Orthoptist. Graduates will likely undertake a career in Orthoptics, and will be primed to undertake extended clinical roles and/or pursue further training to undertake a clinical academic career. Many students go on to work in the NHS. 100% of our 2024/2025 graduates secured employment as Orthoptists within four weeks of UCL Results Day (IoO Orthoptics network records).

Orthoptics MSc will provide the chance to work within NHS – a world-leading organisation in the level of care it delivers and making people's lives better. Orthoptics provides the opportunity of having a diverse career path, such as being a clinical practitioner, management, research, education, and many more extended roles.

Kogilan Paramananthan

Orthoptics (Pre-Registration) MSc

Read more

Employability

On completing the programme, graduates should expect to apply for new-graduate Orthoptic posts. Most roles include a 12-month preceptorship, which allows newly-qualified Orthoptists to practice autonomously, but with robust support structures in place to support their early development as clinicians.

UCL Orthoptics graduates have a strong track record of securing jobs across the UK and are well-placed to use the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to develop their careers as desired.

Networking

Students on the Orthoptics MSc programme benefit from:

  • Attending clinical placements at NHS Trusts across the UK, providing an opportunity to network with future employers
  • In the second year of the programme, learners can submit an abstract for the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) conference. Submissions are assessed by a panel and successful applicants have a funded opportunity to attend the entire conference and present their dissertation topic during the student research session.
  • In the second year of the programme, learners can submit an expression of interest for funded attendance to the British and Irish Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Association (BIPOSA) conference.
  • Joining the UCL Union Orthoptics Society
  • Attending Employer Showcases

Accreditation

The MSc Orthoptics programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). HCPC approval confirms that the programme meets the HCPC Standards of Education and Training and that graduates from the programme meet the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Orthoptists. MSc Orthoptics graduates are able to register and practise as an Orthoptist on graduation.

Teaching and learning

Modules will be delivered primarily through face-to-face and online lectures, seminars, problem-based learning, case based discussion and clinical skills labs. This will be augmented by attended revision sessions prior to assessment. Independent study will be required in respect to background reading, revision and preparation of the problem-based learning (PBL) assignment for assessment.

Formative and summative assessment will be undertaken and include a combination of multiple-choice and short-form question examinations, and case based discussions/problem-based learning questions, both as oral presentations and in writing. Students will also be expected to keep a formative reflection log whilst on placement.

External accredited clinical placements sites will vary from distinct general hospital, community district hubs to tertiary acute referral centres, so students can experience a range of patients and working environments. Students will learn how to perform full clinical examinations, including generic skills around communication as well as specific clinical tests relevant to Orthoptic practice.

Block placements have set learning outcomes, and students have time to develop a working relationship with clinical tutors and demonstrate progress in development of skills. Formal feedback is provided every two weeks to capture progress and direct future learning.

We use a range of assessment methods across the programme. This range suits a wider diversity of learners and thus promotes more equality. These methods include:  

  • Case reports
  • Problem based learning scenarios
  • Presentations  
  • Ongoing assessment during placements 
  • Clinical examinations (OSCEs)
  • Unseen written examinations 
  • A library-based dissertation 

Typical contact hours vary between 20-25 hours per week, depending on the year of study and module choice. This includes lectures, clinical skills labs and tutorials.

Students will also display a level of independent study (10-15 hours per week), for example, by engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for the discussions promoted in the programme.

During the clinical placements, students should expect to be working 37.5 hours per week, which is the equivalent of a full working week.

Modules

Year one: Teaching for Orthoptics I and Ophthalmology I takes place in Term one alongside day placements. Orthoptics II takes place at the start of Term two and is followed by eight weeks of block clinical placement. Term three begins with teaching for Ophthalmology II and Orthoptics III and ends with a four week block clinical placement.

Year two: Term one starts with Research Methods and Statistics, followed by Sale, Supply and Administration of Medicinal Products, and ends with four weeks of clinical placement. Term two begins with the final taught module, Ophthalmology III, after which the Dissertation module commences. The final eight weeks of clinical placement take place at the start of Term three. Following these placements, students have the remaining time over summer to complete their final Dissertations.

Compulsory modules




Research Methods and Statistics in Eye Care










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 360 credits with level 7 qualification. Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Orthoptics (pre-registration).

Placement

At the start of the programme, students are placed once a week at a hospital in/around London for the first term. Over the rest of the two-year programme, students attend 4-week block placements across the UK, for 12 weeks in each year. You will begin to work with patients, carers and other professionals from the outset of your studies to embed your learning in practice.

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: Orthoptics MSc (Pre-Reg)

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The UCL Institute of Ophthalmology delivers advanced ophthalmic research and education in partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital. Together, we represent the largest co-located site for eye research, education, and care in the world. We are ranked the best place in Europe to study ophthalmology (SCImago Institution Rankings 2025 for Ophthalmology). Discover our PGT courses that advance your knowledge as an ophthalmologist, prepare you for clinical training, or launch your research career.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Orthoptics

The UCL Orthoptics MSc (pre-registration) is the UK's first dedicated accredited graduate entry programme that provides an accelerated route to becoming an accredited orthoptist in the UK. Successful completion of this programme will allow you to qualify and practice as an accredited orthoptist. During the session you'll get to hear from the programme Director and current students about the course structure, modules, career outcomes and UCL student life.

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Orthoptics

The UCL Orthoptics MSc (pre-registration) is the UK's first dedicated accredited graduate entry programme that provides an accelerated route to becoming an accredited orthoptist in the UK. Successful completion of this programme will allow you to qualify and practice as an accredited orthoptist. During the session you'll get to hear from the programme Director and current students about the course structure, modules, career outcomes and UCL student life.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £16,000
Tuition fees (2026/27) £32,000

Full-time = 2 years

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.

This programme requires a completed DBS check. You will receive more information from UCL on how to complete the check once you have received an offer for the programme. The DBS application cost will be covered by UCL, but you will also need to have your ID checked and verified at a Post Office, for which you will incur a charge of around £15. You are also required to arrange and pay for any overseas police check that may be necessary; costs vary by country.

There may be additional costs related to your clinical placements, which can include travel and temporary accommodation costs. However, domestic students will be able to claim back expenses via the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF). For more information about the NHS LSF, including details about caps for claims, please visit their website.

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

Students are eligible to apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (NHS LSF) grant, which does not need to be repaid. Support includes:

  • £5,000 per year
  • £1,000 per year specialist subject payment for orthoptics
  • Parental support of £2,000
  • money back for excess travel and temporary accommodation costs (Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses) while you're on your practice placement
  • students experiencing financial hardship (Exceptional Support Fund)

You can apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund here.

Students can also apply for a £9,250 per year tuition fee loan and a means-tested maintenance loan of up to £15,040 in year one and £16,450 in year two (i.e. including the Long Courses Loan) from the Student Loans Company.

You can apply for a loan from Student Finance England here. As a student on a pre-registration postgraduate healthcare course, you will need to apply using the undergraduate option for a PGHC loan (for more information, click here).

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: 30 June 2025
Value: £5,000 towards fees (1 year)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Next steps

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Orthoptics (pre-registration) at graduate level
  • Why you want to study Orthoptics (pre-registration) at UCL
  • What particularly attracts you to this programme
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this 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.

Applicants are shortlisted based on their written application and invited to interview prior to acceptance.

Please note that Year 1 of this accelerated-learning programme will start in the first week of September, which falls outside standard UCL term dates.

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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