Operating Department Practice
Don your scrubs and head straight into the theatre with our highly practical Operating Department Practice degree.
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.
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.
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Learn more about the course from Clinical Skills Tutor Yasmin Sesay.
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Prepare for vital roles in surgery, anaesthesia, and post-operative care
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Get a minimum of £5,000 per year non-repayable training grant
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Dive straight into real-life operating theatre experiences with placements at NHS hospitals
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Get hands-on training in state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation labs
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Study with supportive tutors who are experienced professionals in their field
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Graduate ready to start your career as an ODP
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 *.
- 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
- Perioperative Pharmacology and Physiology
- Care of the Patient Undergoing Anaesthesia
- Promoting Best Practice in the Operating Theatre
- Post-Anaesthetic and Acute Care
- Research Methods
- Enhanced Clinical Skills in Perioperative and Critical Care
- Undergraduate Major Project
- Holistic Leadership in the Perioperative Environment
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.
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Abbas RatansiLecturer Practitioner
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Anand KannanClinical Skills Tutor
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Lisa WakemanSenior Lecturer
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.
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Put your new skills into practice in real-life settings.
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Learn how to use industry-standard equipment in our labs.
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Achieve your goals with guidance from our experienced staff.
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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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