BSc Operating Department Practice

This BSc Operating Department Practice course at Northumbria University, Newcastle, trains students to work as part of the operating theatre team. You’ll learn how to care for patients before, during, and after surgery. You will also learn how to help with anaesthesia and assist the surgical team. The course mixes classroom lessons with hospital placements. You will gain real experience with patients and medical staff. After graduation, you can register as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP).

The course runs for three years, and each year mixes theory and hands-on learning. In class, you’ll study anatomy, patient care, and safety. In hospitals, you’ll work under supervision to build your skills. By year three, you’ll be trusted to help with more complex tasks. The programme follows standards set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), so you’re ready to work right after you finish. The university supports you through personal tutors, placement staff, and online resources.

You will learn through lectures, group work, practice sessions, and placements. You’ll be tested through essays, exams, and real-life tasks during your placement. Some projects ask you to solve problems or show how you would care for a patient. Feedback from staff helps you improve. You’ll also reflect on what you’ve learnt in journals.

Northumbria University is in Newcastle, a busy city in the north of England. It offers many courses and has good links with employers. The university has modern labs, libraries, and learning spaces. Staff members are experts in their fields and ready to help. Students can take part in clubs, sports, and events.

The university helps students get jobs after they graduate. It connects students with real employers and offers help with job hunting, with support for international students and people with different needs.

Grade Requirements:

To be accepted for this course, applicants typically require 112 UCAS points, which can be achieved through A-Levels, BTEC qualifications, GCSEs, or equivalent international qualifications. 

English Proficiency:

If English is not your first language, you need to prove you can speak and understand it well, typically with an English test like IELTS with a score of 7.0 overall with no section less than 6.5 in all skill components. Other English tests, like TOEFL or PTE, are also accepted.

In 2025/26, the annual tuition fee for the BSc Operating Department Practice at Northumbria University for an international student is £19,350 for the full course.

Northumbria University has scholarships for students who do well in school. There’s help for both UK and international students. Some awards reduce tuition costs. Others offer money for living expenses. Check the website to see what’s available and how to apply.

Graduates of the BSc Operating Department Practice from Northumbria University can work in different roles, such as:

• Operating Department Practitioner
• Theatre Practitioner
• Surgical Care Practitioner
• Surgical Team Member
• Clinical Educator
• Perioperative Care Specialist

To apply for the Northumbria University BSc Operating Department Practice, prospective students will need to fill out an online application form on the UCAS website. If you need assistance with your application, you can reach out to our trained counsellors at AHZ.