Operating Department Practice BSc

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

Surgery requires an immense amount of patience, expertise and level-headedness. Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) have these skills in abundance and they set the highest standards for patient care in the UK. ODPs work as part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including with surgeons and anaesthetists, from the lead up to surgery right through to recovery and beyond.

Working in the Operating Theatre, you’re truly at the sharp end of the care provided to patients undergoing surgery. An operation is often an important step on the road back to normal life, and you’ll become a key member of a team that cares for patients at a crucial time. Working as an ODP is an extremely rewarding career that gives you a real sense of privilege.

Our ODP programme within the School of Healthcare offers course-long placements in Nottingham, Derby, Northampton, Kettering, Chesterfield, Peterborough, Grantham and Boston, as well as Leicester. This gives you the option to enjoy the benefits of our excellent ODP programme whilst learning in a local hospital close to home. The degree blends academic study and work-based learning - we believe that this is the best way to develop your knowledge and skills.

In the classroom, you'll study areas fundamental to an ODP's role, such as biological sciences, operating department technology, clinical leadership and management and the legal, ethical and professional issues that affect clinical practice. However, building your confidence and breadth of experience with patients is vital, so 65% of your time is spent on placement in one of our partner hospitals. Based in the East Midlands and surrounding areas, all our partner hospitals provide high quality, supportive placements where you will be mentored, taught, supervised and assessed to ensure you have what it takes to step into the professional environment.

We’re really proud to have some of the most satisfied ODP students in the UK. Our exceptional teaching and learning environment was ref

Key highlights

65% of study time spent on placement in partner hospitals
Course-long placements across East Midlands hospitals, including Nottingham and Derby
Mentored, supervised and assessed by staff in partner hospitals
Blends academic study with work-based learning in operating theatres
Modules include operating department technology and clinical leadership
Covers legal, ethical and professional issues in clinical practice

Entry requirements

GCSE: 4/C — to include Mathematics, English Language
A-level: BBC — …grades 4/C and above (or equivalent), including Maths and English Language A-levels: BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from three A-levels Access to HE Diploma: 112 UCAS points, including 45 credits at level 3 and minimum 15 a…
UCAS tariff points: 112 — …(or equivalent), including Maths and English Language A-levels: BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from three A-levels Access to HE Diploma: 112 UCAS points, including 45 credits at level 3 and minimum 15 at Distinction, in a h…
T-level: Merit — to include in either: Health (with an Occup
Additional condition: dbs_check — If you receive an offer of a place on the course, this will be subject to occupational health clearance and a DBS check (for which there is an associated cost covered by the University).
Additional condition: occupational_health — If you receive an offer of a place on the course, this will be subject to occupational health clearance and a DBS check (for which there is an associated cost covered by the University).

Scholarships

Chancellor’s International Scholarship
This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.
Up to £3,000
Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).
Up to £1,000
Family Loyalty Discount
10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.
Up to 10% of fees
International Citizens of Change Scholarship
A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.
Up to £10,000
International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.
International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver
Music Scholarship
Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.
Up to £500
Sanctuary Scholarships
Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.
Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award
Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

Operating Department Practitioner
Anaesthetic Practitioner
Scrub Practitioner
Recovery Practitioner
Theatre Team Leader

Cost of study

International: The tuition fees that will be payable by you to the University for the 2025/26 academic year will be £9,535; £9,535; non-repayable £5,000 per year bursary

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 University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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