Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Optometry
Prepare for a career in optometry with the initial year course. Gain a strong foundation in essential sciences like biology and chemistry before progressing to your degree in optometry. Develop key skills for a future in vision and eye health care.
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Typical offer: 96
Entry requirements -
Fees: £9,535 per year (UK)
Full details -
UCAS code: B511
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Course length: One year
Find out more -
Location:
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
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Institute code: H36
1st in the East of England for Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics (Complete University Guide, 2024)
98% of Herts graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22)
9th in the UK for health science (Daily Mail University Guide, 2025)
Course overview
This initial year for extended degree course provides a thorough grounding specific to the professions of optometry and ophthalmic dispensing. It prepares students for study at undergraduate level.
Integrating theory, research and practice throughout, the initial year optometry course supports progression to the University of Hertfordshire’s Master of Optometry (MOptom), subject to fulfilling certain requirements.
The course comprises human biology, mathematics, problem solving skills, professional conduct and evidence-based practice. In addition, further modules include an introduction to the theory and practice of subjects and skills relating to optometry and ophthalmic dispensing, including visual optics, optics and ophthalmic lenses.
With good job prospects, this career is interesting, rewarding and can make a genuine difference. The career is suited to those who enjoy working with people.
Why choose this course?
The initial year in optometry provides an excellent foundation for progressing to the MOptom Master of Optometry programme at Herts. Designed for students keen to enter the eye care field, it offers comprehensive preparation in key scientific areas like biology and chemistry. With a flexible schedule, you’ll study just three days a week, allowing you to balance learning with other commitments.
You’ll benefit from teaching informed by industry standards and have access to top-tier university resources, including a virtual learning environment. The programme features lectures and talks from experts, ensuring your education is aligned with the latest advancements in optometry.
While progression to the MOptom programme requires meeting specific criteria, this course offers various alternatives within science should you not meet the requirements. This flexibility ensures you have multiple career pathways available.
Whether you’re aiming to become an optometrist or wish to explore other healthcare roles, this course is an ideal starting point. It equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in further academic study and, ultimately, a rewarding career in the eye care sector.
Your future career
Completing this initial year in optometry opens doors to further study and exciting career opportunities. You can progress to the MOptom programme at Herts, preparing you for a fulfilling career in eye care. 98% of Health, Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work graduates from Herts are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).
Possible roles of employment include:
- optometrist
- vision specialist
- contact lens specialist
- ophthalmic technician
- ophthalmic researcher
- optometry lecturer.
We help you find CV enhancing opportunities such as employer competitions, insight days, digital programmes, volunteering, student leadership roles, and achievement awards.
What you'll study
In the Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Optometry, you'll study core subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics. These modules will develop your analytical and practical skills, preparing you for further study in optometry. You'll also improve your scientific writing, research techniques, and problem-solving abilities. This initial year ensures you have the knowledge and skills necessary to progress into the full optometry degree, setting you up for success in a career focused on eye health and vision care.
What if I need support?
If you need additional support during your time with us, rest assured that we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. You’ll have full access to the LRC’s in our University campuses, as well as our other facilities, spaces and services.
Where you'll study
Your main campus is College Lane, this is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.
Who you'll learn from
Your teachers include experienced practitioners and industry experts who will impart their knowledge and experiences. They will ground your education in solid principles and case studies that will be valuable throughout your career. The teaching approach emphasizes proactive learning, drawing from real-life experiences and scenarios shared by your tutors.
Along with seminars and scheduled lessons, you’ll be expected to engage in independent study to deepen your understanding. This includes reading journal articles, books, and other recommended materials, as well as working on group projects and conducting independent research. Self-study complements classroom learning, allowing you to explore subjects and develop the critical thinking skills essential in your field. By taking an active role in your learning outside of timetabled classes, you'll strengthen your knowledge and be well-prepared for practical applications.
Additionally, you have access to an academic support team, a well-being team, and a personal tutor who will help you navigate university learning and living.
Working together, your teaching and support team is committed to assisting you in realising and achieving your full potential.
How we support our students
At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.
We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.
Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
| Typical offer (UCAS points) | (enter tariff range) |
|---|---|
| Typical A Level offer | (enter range) |
| Typical IB offer | (enter range) |
| Typical BTEC offer | (enter range) |
| Typical T Level offer | (enter range) |
| GCSE | EG: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics |
| Access courses | EG: An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3. |
| Additional information | Find out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements. |
| Typical offer (UCAS points) | 96 |
|---|---|
| Typical A Level offer | CCC From 3 A-levels including at least two A-Levels from science subjects (i.e. Biology/ Human Biology, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry). One of the science A-Levels must be Biology or Mathematics with a minimum grade C. Applicants must also achieve a "pass" in the practical elements of any science A-levels. A-levels in General Studies and the Extended Project are excluded. AS Levels are not included in the tariff calculation. |
| Typical IB offer | None |
| Typical BTEC offer | Grades MMM + an A-level in Biology or Maths (at grade C) BTEC Extended Diploma with a science profile (not including Early Years or Health and Social care). The BTEC Extended Diploma must include science-based subjects (i.e. Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology or Applied Science. In addition to the BTEC Extended Diploma, an A-level in Maths or Biology at grade C (or above) is required. Applicants must also achieve a "pass" in the practical element of the Biology A-level (if undertaken). |
| Typical T Level offer | None |
| GCSE | 5 GCSEs at grade 5/B or above including 5/B in English Language, Mathematics and Double Science. |
| Access courses | Access to HE Diploma in Science, Medicine or Allied Health to include 60 credits overall (must include Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics). At least 45 credits must be at Level 3, of which 15 must be at Distinction (to include Biology or Maths) and the remaining at Merit. Of the 60 credits, 15 credits must be in Biology and 15 credits in Maths.. |
| Additional information | An IELTS score of 7.0 with 7.0 in each band is required for those for whom English is not their first language. The entry tariff will normally be a minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points or equivalent. Applicants may be interviewed prior to selection. Mature (21+) students are encouraged to apply and will be considered for entry by the admissions team. This course is not open to international applicants. Qualifications considered for entry must be achieved within 5 years of application.. Find out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements. |
Ready to apply?
UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
| Start date | Study type | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Full time | Apply via UCAS |
| September 2026 | Full time | Apply via UCAS |
Apply through Clearing
Fees and funding
At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.
| Study type | Fees | |
|---|---|---|
| UK students | Full time | £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year |
Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
| Scholarships, grants and bursaries | Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies. |
|---|---|
| Disabled Students' Allowance | The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. |
| Student loans | Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments. |
| Accommodation costs | We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget. |
| Additional course fees | Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet. |
More about the course
| Course fact sheets | |
|---|---|
| Initial Year for Extended Degree Science - Optometry | Download PDF |
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| Initial Year for Extended Degree Science - Optometry | Download PDF |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
|
Applications open to international and EU students |
No |
Course length |
Full Time, 5 Years |
