MOptom

Optometry

Start your journey into the world of optometry by studying our four-year integrated Masters degree in Cambridge.

Qualified optometrists are hands-on, examining patients and managing their eye health – and we know that it’s important for you to gain this kind of practical experience.

At ARU, you’ll study in our specialist eye care facilities. You’ll learn how to perform eye examinations, diagnose and treat sight problems, dispense spectacles, fit contact lenses, and manage a range of eye conditions.

With support from expert tutors, this is the perfect place to train as an optometrist.

Accredited course

Our Optometry degree is fully accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC). You’ll be able to enter the GOC register immediately after graduation, without the need to complete an additional pre-registration placement.

General Optical Council logo
Why ARU?
  • Study a course that’s offered in partnership with the College of Optometrists, the professional body for optometry.

  • Get the best start to your career with our clinical learning in practice modules.

  • Work in our University Eye Clinic, featuring consulting rooms and specialist equipment.

  • Gain essential clinical experience by providing optical care to the local community.

  • Learn from experienced and qualified optometrists.

  • Join our student-led Optics Society and enjoy support, events and activities.

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.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

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
  • Geometrical and Visual Optics
  • Clinical Optometry 1- Introduction to Optometric Practice
  • Human and Ocular Anatomy (15 credits)
  • Theoretical and Practical Ophthalmic Lenses
  • Vision Science
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Clinical Optometry 2 - Skills for Optometric Practice
  • Pharmacology and Pathology
  • Binocular and Paediatric Vision
  • Introduction to Ocular Disease
  • Clinical Optometry 3 - Introduction to Professional Practice
  • Ruskin Module: How can Professionalism Promote Patient Safety? (15 credits)
Year 3
  • Clinical Optometry 4 - Low Vision Assessment and Management
  • Clinical Optometry 5 - Professional Practice
  • Clinical Optometry 6 - Advanced Contact Lens Practice
  • Management of Ocular Disease
  • Advanced Clinical Skills
  • Research Methods
  • Optometry, Lifestyle and the Workplace
Year 4
  • Clinical Learning in Practice 1
  • Clinical Learning in Practice 2
  • Major Project
  • Advanced Glaucoma Management *
  • Advanced Management of Medical Retina *
Module details

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

Study with us in Cambridge and benefit from specialist facilities including 16 fully-equipped optometric consulting rooms in our University Eye Clinic, a working clinic that’s open to the public.

You’ll also benefit from industry-standard equipment, a dedicated dispensing laboratory, and specialist facilities in contact lenses, low vision and visual stress.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Careers

Our integrated Masters degree in Optometry (MOptom) has been developed to allow you to register with the GOC as a fully qualified optometrist at the end of your four years with us.

Optometry students will need to accumulate 485 credits (usually over four years of study) to be eligible for MOptom. For students who do not meet the requirements for a MOptom qualification, a BSc (Hons) Applied Vision Sciences or BSc Applied Vision Sciences will be awarded, but this will not allow you entry onto the GOC register.

If you do not pass the pre-requisite examination in Year 2, you will be unable to undertake Clinical Learning in Practice modules. Whilst this is an unlikely scenario, you would be transferred to an alternative award, but this will not allow you entry onto the GOC register.

Once you’re a registered optometrist, you could go on to work in your own practice, a hospital, or an international optical company. You could also take the first step towards becoming an academic or a researcher with our postgraduate research degree. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get a discount on your fees.

For students who complete their first year of MOptom Optometry to an exceptional high standard, there may be the opportunity to transfer to Year 1 of MBChB Medicine. We encourage your interest in studying medicine, but it should be noted that this is a highly competitive route and there is limited availability.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, such as volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

Entry Requirements

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