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Operating Department Practice

If your application to study BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice is successful, we'll invite you to an online interview which will be through Microsoft Teams.

As your interview is online, we highly recommend booking onto a campus tour, Taster Day or an Applicant Day to get to know the University.

At the beginning of your individual interview, we’ll ask you to show valid photo ID to verify who you are. We won’t ask to see qualifications at this stage.

Please note your interview may be recorded and you are required to prepare a presentation prior to your interview (details below).

Below, you'll find some helpful information about your interview and some of the things we'll be discussing. Do take a look before your interview.




Come prepared

You'll need to be prepared with knowledge and understanding of the role of an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP):

  • When you graduate, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. Therefore, you must be aware of and uphold the HCPC's professional values and behaviours.
  • Additionally, as you’ll be working with service users at a very vulnerable time in their lives from early on in your degree, and throughout your career, you're expected to be familiar with and uphold the NHS Constitution and values.

Teams interview

  • Please ensure you have selected a suitable date and time on your Applicant Portal.
  • You are then required to prepare your presentation before your interview (details below).
  • We’ll send you a link to access the interview on Teams one day prior to your interview taking place.
  • Please ensure you are at a device with a camera (ability to share screen will be needed for your presentation) and a microphone with a reliable internet connection. We recommend accessing the interview from a laptop rather than a mobile phone or tablet if you can.
  • This is an interview for a professional course leading to a professional qualification. Please dress and conduct yourself in a professional way.
  • Have your ID ready for verification checks. This can be a passport, driving licence, or ID badge from your current employer or college.

Please note: a camera, a microphone and valid photo ID are required. If you don’t have access to these, we may have to reschedule your interview. You’ll not be penalised for any technology failing.

Interview format

Presentation: please prepare a five-minute presentation. The presentation will be on the following question:

‘‘What qualities does an Operating Department Practitioner require to be professional?’

  • The presentation should be presented using PowerPoint slides (or an alternative format using visual aids) and can be as creative as you wish. 
  • The presentation should be no more than five slides in length.
  • The presentation should take no more than five minutes to deliver.
  • After you have delivered your presentation, please be prepared to answer any questions you may be asked on the topic.

Verbal exercise: scenario-based discussion led by you.

Individual questions: we’ll be interested in your knowledge of the role of the Operating Department Practitioner (ODP), your communication skills and your values.

Above all, you need to be certain that this is the profession you want to join. To succeed in the interview you’ll need to commit yourself to learning as much as you can before your interview day.

What happens next?

You’ll be notified via UCAS of the results of your interview within five working days.

What next if I am offered a place?

  • Accept your offer via UCAS Hub.
  • Arrange your accommodation.
  • Complete your DBS and Occupational Health information.
  • Notify the Admissions team of any changes to your circumstances.

You will need to upload copies of the qualifications and ID documents you have declared on your application, which must be done prior to the interview. If your name is now different to that listed on your certificates, you must also provide proof of this, eg marriage certificate, deed poll. Documents may be uploaded either to your application, or can be emailed to [email protected].

If you cannot find any of your certificates, we will check your Government Personal Learning Record (PLR) to verify these. The Personal Learning Record service is a permanent online record of your qualifications and achievements. It’s held by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE). If we are unable to verify your qualifications via the PLR and you do not have the certificates, you must apply for a replacement(s) immediately.

Please note that this process can take in excess of six weeks and a charge is involved. It is your responsibility to ensure all this information is provided as Admissions will not follow this up for you. Before you can register as a student, all documentation will be checked for authenticity. If found not to be genuine, applicants will be immediately withdrawn and will not be able to reapply. All relevant authorities, funding bodies and professional bodies will be informed accordingly.

What next if I am unsuccessful at interview?

  • Please consider the areas which need improvement and ask for written feedback to prepare for future interviews.
  • You will not be able to reapply for the same course in the same academic cycle, however we are happy to accept applications for next academic year.