BSc (Hons) OPERATING DEPARTMENT PRACTICE
BSC (HONS) OPERATING DEPARTMENT PRACTICE
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are an important part of the operating department team working with anaesthetists, surgeons, theatre nurses and other health care professionals to help ensure every operation is as safe and effective as possible. As an ODP, you’ll be integral to the planning, preparation, delivery and evaluation of clinical practice. You will gain knowledge of peri-operative practice techniques in anaesthetics, surgical and post-operative practice, which offers numerous employment opportunities. Excellent leadership, management and communication skills are also vital when working in the perioperative environment – students will develop these throughout their studies.
Taught within the School of Health Sciences, our three-year course is fully approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and prepares you for eligibility to apply for registration as an ODP. Only those who have completed a recognized program of study and registered with the HCPC may work in the NHS as an ODP. This course will give you the skills and knowledge to become a competent, highly sought-after ODP, able to provide high standards of patient care and skilled support, alongside medical and nursing colleagues during peri-operative care.
You’ll have a caring and compassionate nature and a thoughtful and conscientious approach, however the ODP role also requires practitioners to be able to assess and respond in a timely manner to a range of urgent and emergency scenarios. Students must be aware of their own needs and those of others in the perioperative team, making use of critical thinking skills and effective communication techniques.
ODPs are sought after professionals. Once you have qualified, pay and responsibility will depend upon experience and further specialist skills you may acquire. ODPs may work in a wide range of areas including transplant teams, orthopaedic clinics and special care baby units. You may go on to become a senior ODP, perhaps running a theatre unit. Critical thinking and analytical graduate skills will also enable you to seek opportunities in research, education and training and the expanding clinical opportunities available to ODP’s in places like Intensive Care units.
As part of our recruitment process, we’ll explore the values of the NHS Constitution at interview, with successful candidates being able to demonstrate how these are reflected in their own beliefs.
Applicants will have to meet the requirements of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as well as undergoing an Occupational Health check.
Our BSc Operating Department Practice is ranked in the top 20 for Health Professions by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023'.
About
The three-year BSc (Hons) degree programme in Operating Department Practice (ODP) prepares you for an exciting and rewarding career in the peri-operative environment.
This new programme will prepare practitioners in delivering a vital component of future health and social care needs of the population.
Working in a truly multiprofessional arena requires people who thrive on the excitement of a job that demands dynamic assessments and prompt reactions to ensure patient safety. The ODP degree programme will be located in the School of Health Sciences and complements the existing school portfolio of courses.
During the course, approximately 50% of your time will be spent on practice placement. The placement environments include NHS hospitals and private organisations.
Placement allocation occurs throughout the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire with clinical placements at hospitals in Kings Lynn, Great Yarmouth/ Gorelston, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge and Norwich.
You’ll be required to travel both to and from your placement areas and travel costs may be claimed back (subject to criteria). Our placement sites also have a list of recommended local accommodation, and some have onsite accommodation available.
You’ll be expected to follow a range of shift patterns and times to ensure exposure to the full 24 hour and 7 day week nature of healthcare, and this may include weekends, evenings and nights. The start and finish times of these shifts may prove challenging if you are dependent on public transport. For health and safety reasons, where the travel time to the placement area exceeds 45 minutes according to Google Maps, we strongly recommend that you make alternative arrangements for local accommodation.
As this course includes patient facing placements in health care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.
Mapped to the College of Operating Department Practice curricula and HCPC standards the learning outcomes will provide experiences and learning opportunities in a wide range of clinical specialties. All clinical placements will take place with local and regional partners based mainly within Norfolk and Suffolk.
This programme will use a range of teaching methods, including lectures and seminars delivered by expert academics and clinical educators. Blended learning using online content will allow students to discuss and debate relevant topics, developing their own critical thinking skills. The use of methods including flipped classroom and simulation-based education will allow students to develop essential clinical skills and techniques in practical workshops, underpinned by academic study.
A lifelong learning approach is used throughout the course ensuring students are supported as adult learners, to develop the graduate skills, knowledge and autonomy required of a modern healthcare professional.
You will still get to enjoy the experience of your first group Basic Life Support session, learning with and from your peers whilst on campus. There will also be many other practical skills developed in our operating theatre simulation sessions which will enable you to make a valuable contribution to patient care when in practice settings.
Additional information about our clinical partners can be found here:

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Accreditation
This BSc Operating Department Practice degree is fully approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and prepares you for eligibility to apply for registration as an ODP. Only those who have completed a recognised program of study and registered with the HCPC may work in the NHS as an ODP.
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After the Course
Graduating from the UEA Operating Department practice programme will provide you with the knowledge and skills to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). In doing so your employment options within the NHS, private health sector and other providers are increasing all the time. Many NHS Trusts offer employment in A&E, ITU / Critical Care, Day surgery, Interventional Radiology as well as the perioperative environment. Increasingly ODP’s are assuming senior positions throughout the NHS, whilst others are involved in research and education.
Career destinations
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Example of careers that you could enter include:
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Operating Theatre ODP
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Surgical First Assistant
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Resuscitation Officer
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Theatre Manager

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Assessment for Year 1
A wide range of assessments are used ensuring, reflecting the modules being studied. These will include but are not limited to Oral Viva, Multiple choice exams, online drug calculation exams, written assignments, poster presentation, case study, “Dragons Den” style proposal, Practice assessment Documents and a Literature review.
Assessment for Year 2
A wide range of assessments are used ensuring, reflecting the modules being studied. These will include but are not limited to Oral Viva, Multiple choice exams, online drug calculation exams, written assignments, poster presentation, case study, “Dragons Den” style proposal, Practice assessment Documents and a Literature review.
Assessment for Year 3
A wide range of assessments are used ensuring, reflecting the modules being studied. These will include but are not limited to Oral Viva, Multiple choice exams, online drug calculation exams, written assignments, poster presentation, case study, “Dragons Den” style proposal, Practice assessment Documents and a Literature review.
Assessment for Year 1
A wide range of assessments are used ensuring, reflecting the modules being studied. These will include but are not limited to Oral Viva, Multiple choice exams, online drug calculation exams, written assignments, poster presentation, case study, “Dragons Den” style proposal, Practice assessment Documents and a Literature review.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 2
A wide range of assessments are used ensuring, reflecting the modules being studied. These will include but are not limited to Oral Viva, Multiple choice exams, online drug calculation exams, written assignments, poster presentation, case study, “Dragons Den” style proposal, Practice assessment Documents and a Literature review.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 3
A wide range of assessments are used ensuring, reflecting the modules being studied. These will include but are not limited to Oral Viva, Multiple choice exams, online drug calculation exams, written assignments, poster presentation, case study, “Dragons Den” style proposal, Practice assessment Documents and a Literature review.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
BBC. If you are taking an EPQ and three A Levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer if you achieve an A in the EPQ.T Levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects: Health, Healthcare Science, ScienceBTEC
DMM in Health, Care or ScienceAccess course
Pass with Merit in 36 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 9 credits at Level 3, in a Health, Care or Science subjectInternational Baccalaureate
30 pointsAdditional entry requirements
Grade B or above in one of the following subjects:
- Children's Care, Learning and Development
- Children and Young People's Workforce
- Health and Social Care (including Technical Level)
CCD or above.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable, please contact Admissions for further information.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications, and we also recognise that some students might take a mixture of some of the qualifications above. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
Please note that we do not consider A Levels in General Studies or Critical Thinking, Apprenticeships, NVQs (any level) or Work-based Level 3 Diplomas (previously NVQs) to meet the minimum academic entry requirements, although these can be used as evidence of recent study. We’ll also be unable to consider you for this course if you’ve obtained an academic fail from a previous health based degree programme, including where an exit award has been achieved.
GCSE REQUIREMENTS
Mathematics and English Language at minimum grade C or grade 4 required, alongside all other specified requirements.
In place of English Language GCSE we can also consider:
- Functional Skills Level 2 English
- Essential Skills Wales L2 Communication
- Essential Skills Northern Ireland L2 Communication
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider:
- Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics
- Essential Skills Wales L2 Application of Number
- Essential Skills Northern Ireland L2 Application of Number
RECENT STUDY
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
AGE ON ENTRY
Applicants for this course need to be aged 18 or over by 31 December 2023. This is owing to the integrated nature of placements within the first year of the course and safeguarding implications. In view of this, applicants who will not be 18 years old or over by this date, should consider applying for deferred entry.
INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
Note that you must be eligible for ‘home’ fees to be able to apply for this programme: Home or Overseas fees basics (UKCISA).
Students for whom english is a foreign language
If English is not your first language, we will require evidence of proficiency in English (including reading, writing, speaking and listening) at the level of IELTS 7.0 overall (minimum 7.0 in each component).
Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
INTO UEA also offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
The strongest applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that meeting (or being predicted to meet) the minimum academic entry requirements will not guarantee that you will be selected for interview.
Interview invitations will be sent by email. Please keep a close eye on all emails from UEA after you submit your UCAS application.
Our interviews for 2023 will take place online with an academic staff member from the School of Health Sciences. You will be invited to the interview session by email, which will last about 30-40 minutes. The email will include a link to access the interview and will confirm the start time. You will not need to download any software or set up an account prior to your interview, access to your interview will be available through a web browser. You should ensure that you have access to a computer, tablet or phone with audio and camera functionality. Email admissions@uea.ac.uk if this will present you with any problems.
Note that we will not disclose interview questions in advance of the interviews, but in general terms the interviews will explore a range of issues, including your suitability for the profession and the NHS values (as reflected in the NHS constitution). We’ll look to consider your motivation to study this course, as well as whether you have an interest in people and a clear understanding of the profession (ideally with relevant voluntary or paid work in healthcare).
We are aware that it is a difficult time to try to gain relevant experience in healthcare. First time applicants to Nursing, Midwifery and the Allied Health Professions will all be in a similar situation. We will take this into account and will adapt our expectations.
Keep in mind that clinical work experience is not generally a requirement for applying to train in healthcare, but it is important to show that you are able to work with people and appreciate the health and social care setting. It is important to remember why we look for work experience in an application; this in turn can help you think of the numerous ways that you might be able to demonstrate how you have acquired relevant experience.
We will want to see that you understand what a career in Health involves. Work experience, and other related experiences, are only as valuable as the way you talk about them and what understanding you take from them. While we will expect you to show some understanding of what it is like to be the professional of your choice, part of this involves demonstrating that you know what it is like to work in a responsible role, particularly with the public.
Any activity or life experience that helps you to prepare for training to be a healthcare professional will help. This means any activity that allows you to demonstrate that you have:
- Had people-focused experience of providing a service, care, support or help to others, and that you understand the realities of working in a caring profession.
- Developed some of the values, attitudes and behaviours essential to being a Nurse, Midwife or Allied Health professional such as conscientiousness, effective communication and the ability to interact with a wide variety of people. The values that we are looking for are set out in the NHS Constitution.
- A realistic understanding of Health and Social Care and in particular the physical, organisational and emotional demands of the career.
Keep a reflective diary on what is happening in the news and online. Listen to what healthcare professionals have to say and reflect on this. All healthcare professionals can be a valuable source of information and experience, not just those that work in the specific profession that you are applying for. Demonstrating that you have a sense of all healthcare professions (and how they work together) will help you in both your personal statement and interview.
Volunteer in your spare time if you can, all forms of voluntary work can provide helpful work experience. Whilst volunteer work in the NHS might be disrupted at this time, other schemes may still be in operation and worth exploring i.e. working with other people in a caring or service role. Voluntary commitments to community groups (for example groups related to the work of churches, mosques and temples, or other groups such as Scouts or Guides) and online community support groups may also provide valuable experience of taking on responsibility, dealing with people and communicating effectively. It is likely that these sorts of volunteering opportunities will start to run again before healthcare related opportunities are available.
Remember: it is what you learn about yourself, about other people and about how effective care is delivered and received that counts. What you did is only a small part of the story; it is how you communicate what you learnt which matters.
PROGRAMME CONDITIONS
Offers will be made to applicants after completion of successful interviews, and will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check (including evidence of appropriate immunisations), an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two satisfactory references. We will let you know what you need to do (and when) to meet these conditions if you are successful in gaining an offer.
PLACEMENTS
During the course, approximately 50% of your time will be spent on practice placement. This might be in a variety of settings that include NHS and private organisations. Placement allocation occurs throughout the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
As this course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. If you intend to apply with deferred entry, please let us know about your gap year plans in your UCAS application.
PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Intakes
This course is open to UK applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
NHS Learning Support Fund
If you are eligible for tuition fee and maintenance support from the Student Loans Company, you can apply for additional financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund when studying this course.
Course related costs
Additional costs may include fees for:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Occupational Health clearance from your GP
- Hepatitis B vaccination or update.
View our information about Additional Course Fees.

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How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:

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