Aston University
Optometry MOptom
Aston University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 85 graduates of Optometry MOptom and other courses in ophthalmics at Aston University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in ophthalmics.

Overall student satisfaction
80 /100
85 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in ophthalmics

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of ophthalmics at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £20000 £37000 £37500
25-75 percentile range £17000 - £24000 £28500 - £42500 £14000 - £43500


Salary of all UK Graduates of ophthalmics

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £19509 £30380 £30601
25-75 percentile range £17920 - £24369 £20878 - £37050 £19887 - £39184

Course Description

Aston School of Optometry was one of the first providers to start offering an updated optometry programme, in September 2023, to fit the new requirements of the General Optical Council. Our Master of Optometry (MOptom) is studied over four years, with clinical experience integrated throughout the programme from year one. In the final stage, all students complete a 44-week period of external Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) delivered in collaboration with the College of Optometrists.

Optometrists are professional clinicians responsible for multiple aspects of vision care, specialising in preserving sight by diagnosing and treating visual problems. They are trained to examine the eyes and detect disorders originating in the eye, brain or other parts of the body. Studying Optometry at Aston will give you the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and clinical experience needed to prepare you for a rewarding career in this exciting field of healthcare.

You’ll experience a wide range of learning methods and opportunities like:

  • Supervised hands-on clinical experience working with patients at the Aston Eye Clinic, based on our vibrant city centre campus.
  • Virtual reality training simulators to help you develop your skills and expertise.
  • Clinical experience in multiple external settings such as specialist clinics, local hospital eye departments and community practices. Patient-facing clinical experience begins in year 1 of the programme.
  • Interprofessional learning with students from a range of health professions.

Key course benefits:

  • Ranked 2nd in the UK for Health Professions (MOptom)(Guardian University Guide, 2023).
  • Aston is ranked in the Top 5 in the UK for Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics (Complete University Guide 2023).
  • Within the School of Optometry, we conduct world-leading research in a wide range of areas relating to optometry and eye health. Top 10 in the UK for research quality (Optometry, Opthalmics & Orthoptics (Complete University Guide 2023).
  • 4th in the UK for student satisfaction (Optometry, Opthalmics & Orthoptics (Complete University Guide 2023).

Please note we do not offer a Foundation Programme, if you select Year 0 on your application form this will be amended to Year 1 at the admissions review stage.

Accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC).

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Optometry MOptom at Aston University

93% Caring personal services
3% Sports and fitness occupations

Teaching methods on our optometry programmes are varied and include a wide range of lectures, tutorials, and practical and clinical skills sessions. You’ll learn and gain invaluable insight from practising optometrists, ophthalmologists, orthoptists and opticians specialising in dispensing, contact lenses and low vision. They will be there to supervise and support you during your time working in the public service clinics in small groups. This range of experiences will provide you with, not only the practical skills, but also the personal industry insight and human skills that will really set you apart in the job market after graduation. Like our teaching, assessments are varied and include examinations, written reports, presentations, and assessment of practical and clinical performance, which includes regulations that are part of the Fitness to Practise scheme.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (80 UCAS tariff points)

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: DD plus A Level English at grade B. Preferred:- Performing Arts, Art & Design, Digital Film and Video Production,Business IT, Applied Science,Sport, Sport and Exercise Science

31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade A in an essay-based arts, humanities or social science subject, PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: D plus AB in two A Levels to include English. Preferred:- Performing Arts, Art & Design, Digital Film and Video Production,Business IT, Applied Science,Sport, Sport and Exercise Science

Admissions Review Process All candidates are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed which includes previous and predicted qualifications, any experience, references and motivation. Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with lower predicted grades if the application is of a high standard which includes a strong personal statement and academic reference. However, any offer made will not be lower than stated in our entry requirements. Find out more about our admissions policy on our website. Personal Statement: If you have a personal statement referring to another course, you will be required to email an Optometry related version. If you are shortlisted, you will receive an interview invitation which will be conducted virtually. The virtual interview is a compulsory element of the application process and no offer will be made without a successful interview being conducted first. When applying, please ensure you include an up to date email and telephone number as this is important information for us if you are shortlisted for interview. Further information about the interview and application process will be made available to you post-application.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 5.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Optometry, MOptom, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Optometry MOptom

England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
International £20700 year 1

Additional fee information

For Sandwich courses the placement fee is £1250 for Home/UK students and £2,500 for International students.

  • Please note that the tuition fees stated are for 2024 entry. 2025 tuition fees are presently unavailable and will be published on this website at the earliest opportunity.

***The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be eligible for home fee status. ^^Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Aston University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 26 university rankings of Aston University

About Aston University

Aston University was established in 1895 in Birmingham, England. With students from over 120 countries, Aston University is proud to call itself a safe and welcoming campus for international students. As a publicly funded research university, students enrolled on all courses enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including robotics labs and laser cutting workshops. With a strong academic reputation around the world, applicants can expect to graduate as formidable experts in their chosen fields.

List of 89 Bachelor and Master Courses from Aston University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Aston University

undergraduates:
12005
postgraduates:
2785
Total:
14790
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Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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