Overview

Orthoptics is a rewarding profession focused on diagnosing and managing eye movement and vision problems in people of all ages. As an orthoptist, you’ll work with patients to improve their visual function, often as part of a wider clinical team in hospital eye departments.

Our BSc Orthoptics course is the only orthoptics degree in Scotland, and the only course in the UK to be jointly taught with Optometry.

This course is ideal if you are interested in healthcare and enjoy problem-solving and working with people. Whether you're coming straight from school or returning to study later in life, you'll find a supportive learning environment and a clear path to a meaningful career.

From Year 1, you'll gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in NHS departments across Scotland and the UK. These placements grow in scope as you progress, helping you build confidence and practical skills.

We’re delighted to announce that accommodation and travel costs for home (Scottish) students are now completely funded by Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). This applies to any placement located in the UK and Ireland.

If you're curious about how vision works, passionate about helping others, and looking for a career with excellent job prospects, Orthoptics is the perfect degree.

Why study Orthoptics at GCU?

We offer the only Orthoptics degree in Scotland, and the only one in the UK to be jointly taught with Optometry.
You’ll learn alongside future optometrists and build strong multidisciplinary skills from day one.
Clinical placements begin early and run alongside your academic studies, helping you build confidence and practical experience from the very start.
You’ll have access to our Vision Centre, a specialist teaching clinic where you’ll work with Optometry peers and begin your journey as part of a wider eye care team.
Orthoptics is a niche profession, and our graduates are highly regarded across the UK. With strong demand for skilled practitioners, you’ll have excellent career opportunities in clinical practice and beyond.

What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

Most graduates begin as Band 5 Orthoptists in NHS hospital eye departments across the UK, where they assess and manage a wide range of vision and eye movement disorders.

With experience, Orthoptists can progress to senior roles such as:

Specialist Orthoptist
Head of Service
Advanced Clinical Practitioner.

Our BSc (Hons) Orthoptics degree is internationally recognised. Graduates have also gone on to work around the world, including across Europe and Singapore.

Beyond clinical practice, you’ll have opportunities to go on to postgraduate study, research, and careers in education, public health, and industry, including roles in the optical industry and pharmaceutical sales.

You’ll benefit from strong links with professional bodies like the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS), which offer networking opportunities, continuing professional development (CPD), and career support.

The course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for HCPC registration and join national and international orthoptic organisations.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full Time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	B520	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	B520	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 102

Scottish Higher: BBBC or equivalent incl Higher in two sciences

A Level: BCC or equivalent incl A Level in 2 Sciences

Minimum entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 90

Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent incl Higher in two sciences

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in 2 Sciences

English language

IELTS score of 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent).

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Assessment methods

We use a wide range of learning and teaching methods to ensure that you have both the necessary knowledge and understanding of biomedical science and a portfolio of intellectual, personal and scientific skills.

Each module in the course uses its own learning, teaching and assessment strategy to achieve learning objectives. Assessment methods vary between modules and may include unseen examinations, class tests, essays, laboratory reports, case studies, presentations and group work.

Membership

As a student on the BSc Orthoptics course, you’ll automatically become a member of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society. After graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for membership with international and European orthoptic organisations, opening opportunities to practise as an Orthoptist around the world.

Visit the British and Irish Orthoptic Society website.

Professional accreditation

This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are eligible to register with the HCPC, which is essential for working as an Orthoptist in the NHS or other healthcare settings across the UK.

These accrediting bodies are internationally recognised across Europe and by SingHealth (the Singapore Health Services). This means that our graduates can also register as Optomotrists in Singapore.

Visit the HCPC website.

Related courses

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.