BSc Operating Department Practice

The Buckinghamshire New University Operating Department Practice with a foundation year is a four-year programme designed for those who may not meet the standard entry requirements for direct degree entry. 

The first year, the foundation year, prepares students with essential academic skills and knowledge related to healthcare, acting as a stepping stone to the full degree. Upon successful completion of the foundation year, students then progress directly onto the three-year BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice degree.

The main degree programme prepares students to become skilled healthcare professionals working in hospital operating theatres. It covers the three key phases of a patient's surgical journey: anaesthetic, surgical, and recovery.  

In this course, students learn to provide excellent, patient-focused care, making sure patients are safe and well throughout surgical procedures. Learning involves academic study on campus, practical sessions in simulation suites, and extensive supervised clinical placements in hospital operating departments. 

Students’ progress will be assessed through written work, presentations, practical tests, and examinations. Graduates become eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP).

Buckinghamshire New University is a welcoming school that helps students get ready for good jobs. It gives practical teaching that helps students learn real skills and knowledge. Found in South East England, the university offers a helpful and friendly place to study, with good links to London and other important places.

The university provides many types of courses, from first degrees to higher-level studies, covering a good number of subjects. These areas include Nursing, Health, Business, Creative Arts, and Law. Buckinghamshire New University tries hard to make sure students build strong connections with businesses and professional groups, making them fully ready for their future work.

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement in which they discuss their reasons for applying for the course and other relevant information regarding their studies. A relevant academic and/or employer reference is also required. Students have the option to upload their CV along with their applications to show their work experience. All offers are subject to a successful interview, occupational health clearance, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Grade Requirements:

• Applicants need 32-56 UCAS points. This can be from A-levels, BTEC, T Levels, Access to HE Diploma, or the International Baccalaureate.
• A-level equivalent international qualifications are also accepted.

English Proficiency:

• If English is not your main language, you must show you can use it well. This typically means achieving an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no individual component score (reading, writing, listening, or speaking) falling below 6.5. 
• The university also accepts scores from other English language tests, like PTE and TOEFL.

The annual tuition fee for international students taking the BSc Operating Department Practice with a foundation year at Buckinghamshire New University is £15,150 per year.

Buckinghamshire New University offers various scholarships for international students, including the Vice-Chancellor's International Student Scholarship. This provides a fee reduction, with undergraduate students receiving £1,500 in their first year. 

Postgraduate students may get £3,000, and those on specific courses like International MBA or MSc Cyber Security could receive £5,000. These scholarships are generally for self-funded students with a programme length of at least one year and tuition fees of £15,000 or more. No separate application form is needed for this award; eligible students holding an offer are automatically considered.

Graduates of the BSc Operating Department Practice programme can work as:

• Operating Department Practitioner
• Surgical Assistant
• Anaesthetic Assistant
• Recovery Practitioner
• Clinical Educator
• Healthcare Manager

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