Three Operating Department Practice students practising their skills on a mannikin in the mock operating theatre
BSc (Hons) Available in Clearing

Operating Department Practice

Don your scrubs and head straight into the theatre with our highly practical Operating Department Practice degree.

Start date
September 2025
Location
Cambridge
Chelmsford
Duration
3 years
UCAS course code
B991
2nd

in the country for full-time graduates working in human health and social work roles.

Source: GOS 2024

If you’re fascinated by the surgical environment, our Operating Department Practice degree is for you.

This highly practical course will develop your clinical skills. You’ll learn to take responsibility for patients’ welfare, assess their journey through the surgical environment, and work as part of a theatre team.

From the word go, you’ll spend time in true-to-life-skills labs, a real theatre, and working in all the essential clinical specialities while out on placement.

HCPC and Royal College of Surgeons

Our Operating Department Practice degree meets the standards set by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons. When you graduate, you’ll be able to register and get to work as an Operating Department Practitioner, with the skills you need to succeed.

Health & care professions council logo Logo for Royal College of Surgeons of England accredited centre
Why ARU?
  • Prepare for vital roles in surgery, anaesthesia, and post-operative care

  • Get a minimum of £5,000 per year non-repayable training grant

  • Dive straight into real-life operating theatre experiences with placements at NHS hospitals

  • Get hands-on training in state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation labs

  • Study with supportive tutors who are experienced professionals in their field

  • Graduate ready to start your career as an ODP

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

Our degree course is validated by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), so when you graduate you’ll be eligible to register and work as an operating department practitioner.

Most of our students secure jobs in their third year of study.

As a graduate, you’ll find there are opportunities in a host of specialisms – from anaesthesia to intensive care and beyond.

Teaching and modules

Our modules are designed to give you the skills and experience to work as an ODP.

We'll explore how the human body works, and how psychological wellbeing can impact recovery. You’ll develop your skills in the field of anaesthesia, and acquire a training certificate in Immediate Life support (ILS), accredited by Resuscitation Council UK. We also focus on patient assessment, care and communication.

As well as learning in university, you’ll spend a significant amount of time on placement, moving from observing to being actively involved as a student ODP.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Introduction to Perioperative Practice
  • Exploring Aspects of Anatomy and Physiology
  • Principles and Practices of Anaesthesia
  • Practical Concepts in Anatomy and Physiology
  • Holistic Care of the Surgical Patient
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Perioperative Pharmacology and Physiology
  • Care of the Patient Undergoing Anaesthesia
  • Promoting Best Practice in the Operating Theatre
  • Post-Anaesthetic and Acute Care
Year 3
  • Research Methods
  • Enhanced Clinical Skills in Perioperative and Critical Care
  • Undergraduate Major Project
  • Holistic Leadership in the Perioperative Environment
Module details

We know that you want to learn from the best, so many of your teaching sessions will be delivered by people who already work in the field.

Facilities

As part of your Operating Department Practice course, you’ll use a purpose-built mock theatre offering the very best in experiential learning.

Our campuses also feature true-to-life skills labs – and you’ll put your learning into practice on a series of clinical placements.

Registered, practising tutors and lecturers will make sure you’re being taught the latest techniques and give you the support you need to succeed.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply for Operating Department Practice

Clearing places available

UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start

UK students

Call our Clearing line

01245 686868

UK students

We also welcome applications from students from Ireland, and EU, EEA and Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK.

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