Canterbury Christ Church University

BSc Operating Department Practice

Canterbury Christ Church University

Course overview

The Canterbury Christ Church University BSc Operating Department Practice course prepares students for a career as an operating department practitioner, an essential role within the perioperative team. This programme is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), allowing graduates to apply for professional registration. The course strongly emphasises hands-on experience, providing access to state-of-the-art simulation suites, including a simulated operating theatre and scrub room.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group discussions, and reflective practice on clinical experiences. Students also learn from expert practitioners such as consultant anaesthetists, surgeons, nurses, and paramedics. Assessment involves objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), essays, case studies, written exams, reflective studies, online assessments, and student-led presentations. Approximately 50% of the course comprises clinical placements, assessed by Practice Placement Mentors.

Entry requirements

To be enrolled, you need to submit a personal statement discussing your reasons for applying for the course and other relevant information regarding your studies. A relevant academic and/or employer reference is also required. You have the option to upload your CV to show your work experience.

Grade Requirements: 

  • You need A-Levels (BBC), BTEC (DMM), Access to Higher Education Diploma (15 Distinctions and 30 Merits), or 29 points from the International Baccalaureate. 
  • A-level equivalent international qualifications are also accepted by the university.

English Proficiency: 

  • If English is not your primary language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in each component.
  • You can submit other equivalent English language test scores, like PTE and TOEFL.

Scholarships

  • Academic Excellence Scholarship

    You will receive £2,000.

    Up to £2,000

  • International Student Scholarship

    You will gain a reduction of £1,500 from your fees for each year of full-time study.

    Up to £1,500

  • Partner Schools Award

    You will receive up to £1,500 over three years.

    Up to £1,500

  • Sanctuary Scholarship

    Tuition fee support: you will be offered a tuition fee waiver until you are awarded status that entitles you to access statutory student support. This does not cover repeat years of study.

Career opportunities

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), enabling them to work as qualified Operating Department Practitioners. Potential career paths include:

  • NHS Operating Department Practitioner
  • Private Sector ODP
  • Anaesthesia Associate
  • Surgical Care Practitioner
  • Theatre Manager
  • Clinical Educator

Cost of study

For the 2025/26 academic year, the annual tuition fee for the BSc Operating Department Practice at Canterbury Christ Church University is £15,500.

Admission

You can submit your applications for this course through UCAS. Please speak to our trained counsellors for help.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide