BSc Operating Department Practice
Course overview
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).
Entry requirements
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.
Scholarships
BNU Asylum Seeker Scholarship
BNU Refugee Scholarship
International Early Payment Discount
One-off Early Payment fee reduction of £500 available to all applicants paying overseas fees. The full tuition fee charged must be at least £15,000.
Up to £500Postgraduate Fee Discount
50% fee waiver per year. 10% fee waiver per year for September 2025 intake only.
Vice Chancellor’s International Student Scholarship
One off fee reduction of £1,500, £3,000 or £5,000 available to all applicants paying overseas fees on their first year of study.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the BSc Operating Department Practice programme can work as:
- Operating Department Practitioner
- Surgical Assistant
- Anaesthetic Assistant
- Recovery Practitioner
- Clinical Educator
- Healthcare Manager
Cost of study
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.
Admission
You can submit your application 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.