Glasgow Caledonian University

Postgraduate Diploma in Independent Prescribing for Optometrists (PgDip IP)

Glasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgow, United Kingdom

Course overview

This course is for existing Optometrists who want to top-up their training to be able to prescribe under the GOC independent prescribing speciality register

Key highlights

  • Top-up training for qualified optometrists to gain prescribing rights
  • Leads to annotation on the GOC independent prescribing specialty register

Entry requirements

  • IELTS: 7 — 7.0 IELTS score of 7.0 with no element below 6.5 (or equivalent). This is required to meet General Optical Council (GOC) requirements.Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Information:As a GOC-registered Optometrist, you will automatically receive 30 credits for your previous learning, and experience in practice.These 30 credits are awarded based on experience gained during your pre-registration training year and continued professional practice. Alternatively, these are awarded after one year of professional experience and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) since registering with the GOC, if:You qualified through a UK university with an extended placement that included your pre-reg year, orYou qualified overseas and followed a suitable alternative route to GOC registrationReceiving these 30 credits means you can only apply for another 30 additional credits of RPL at most.

Scholarships

  • Chancellor Yunus Scholarship

    GCU will cover £7,000 towards your tuition fee for the full-time MSc Social Innovation master's course commencing September 2025.

    Up to £7,000

  • GCU Postgraduate Ambassador Scholarship

  • New to GCU Regional Scholarship

    £3,500 scholarship in the form of a tuition fee discount.

    Up to £3,500

Careers this course leads to

  • Independent Prescribing Optometrist
  • Optometrist Independent Prescriber
  • Specialist Optometrist
  • Hospital Optometrist
  • Community Optometrist

Cost of study

UK/Home: £3,400 | International: £3,400

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Glasgow Caledonian University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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