BSc Optometry

The BSc Optometry programme at Glasgow Caledonian University is designed for students who want to become independent eye care professionals, capable of detecting sight problems, prescribing and fitting optical aids, and diagnosing and managing various eye conditions. Students acquire advanced clinical skills through theoretical and practical training. Graduates become eligible to register with the General Optical Council (GOC) after a period of supervised clinical practice.

This course covers important learning areas, including fundamental vision science, ocular anatomy and physiology, optics, and advanced techniques for eye examinations. The curriculum equally covers ocular disease, contact lens studies, visual development in children, and the principles of independent prescribing. Students develop critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills throughout the programme.

The teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical classes, and student-led seminars, while assessment is through class tests, essays, case studies, presentations, and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). Practical elements are integrated from the first year, with students developing clinical skills in purpose-built pre-clinical facilities and the on-campus Vision Centre. Students also gain further clinical experience through external placements.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a public university located in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland and also has campuses in London and New York. GCU has existed since 1875, but gained its university status in 1993, through the merger of The Queen's College, Glasgow, and Glasgow Polytechnic. The university has a history of educational excellence and is known for its practical, career-focused programmes with a strong commitment to social responsibility.

The university features world-class facilities, including the Sir Alex Ferguson Library, which offers extensive study spaces and resources. The university provides comprehensive student support services, including IT assistance, student wellbeing, counselling, disability support, and a dedicated Visa Immigration Support and Advice (VISA) team for international students.

Glasgow Caledonian University offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in academic fields, including health and life sciences (such as nursing, physiotherapy, and radiography), business, computing, engineering, and the arts, preparing students for different professional careers.

Applicants must submit a personal statement to describe their interest in the course and any academic or professional experience. A reference from an academic or employer is required. Students can also upload a CV to show their work experience.

Grade Requirements:

• Applicants typically require a successful completion of three years of the BSc Orthoptics course at GCU with not less than a Merit, or a 2:1 degree in Orthoptics.
• Alternatively, international qualifications equivalent to A-levels are accepted.

English Proficiency:

• Applicants who do not speak English as their first language require an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum  6.5 in each component.
• Accepted alternatives include PTE or TOEFL iBT.

The tuition fee for this course is £15,200 per year for international students in the 2025/26 academic year. Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may change.

Glasgow Caledonian University offers scholarships to international students to support them financially. Scholarships such as the GREAT scholarships, worth £10,000 towards tuition fees,  the Postgraduate Ambassador Scholarship, and the Chancellor Yunus Scholarship are available to students who satisfy the eligibility criteria.

Graduates of the BSc Optometry programme can work as:

• Registered Optometrist (Private Practice)
• Hospital Optometrist
• Contact Lens Specialist
• Low Vision Specialist
• Optometry Lecturer

Interested applicants can apply for the course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). For guidance, contact AHZ's trained counsellors.