Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Optometry

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: B511
Institute code: H36

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.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB Requirement
96	CCC To include 2 A Levels from science subjects i.e. Biology/Human Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry. A minimum of Grade C must be obtained in either Biology or Maths. A-Levels in General Studies and the Extended Project are excluded.	MMM BTEC Extended Diploma with a science profile (not including Early Years or Health & Social Care, must be science based subject to include Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Applied Science) in addition to an A-level in either Maths or Biology at grade C or above.	None	Access to HE Diploma in Science, Medicine or Allied Health to include 60 credits overall (must include Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics) with 45 at Level 3, 15 of which must be at Distinction (to include Biology or Maths) and the remaining at merit. 15 credits must be in Biology and 15 credits in maths.	96 UCAS points

Qualifications must have been achieved within the past five years (professional body requirement).

Additional requirements

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade 5/B or above, including in English Language and Mathematics and Science.

Students intending to progress to the MPharm degree require GCSE Maths, English Language and Double Science at grade 5 or equivalent.

Students intending to progress to a nursing or midwifery degree require GCSE Maths, English Language, Science and two more subjects at grade 4 or equivalent.

IELTS score of 7.0 with 7.0 in each band is required for those for whom English is not their first language.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Why choose this course?

1st in the East of England for Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics (Complete University Guide, 2024)

Teaching

Teaching comprises a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical classes, supported by computer-assisted and self-directed study. This approach promotes student involvement, utilising a broad mix of progressive approaches.

During lectures you will explore the theory element of the module, the practical classes will allow you to put this theory into practice. You will also be encouraged to attend talks by external speakers from industry.

With small class sizes, you’ll enjoy quality contact time with lecturers, and the attention and support when you need it. In addition, you have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor.

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars and other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations.

What's the course about?

This 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 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.

Level 0

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Academic Skills	15 Credits	Compulsory

Foundations in Anatomy and Physiology	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module covers fundamental elements of human anatomy and physiology. Basic and specialist human cells and biological molecules will be introduced, along with essential processes which take place within the human body. This will allow students to undertake further study with the basic knowledge and understanding of the core concepts in place.
Geometric Optics	15 Credits	Compulsory
The student will build up their knowledge and understanding of geometrical optics by studying four topics: the nature of light, reflection and refraction at flat surfaces, refraction and reflection at a spherical surface, and refraction by a thin lens, all taught using notation and conventions of the UK optometric profession. They will derive the fundamental paraxial equation, utilise it to analyse image formation by single and paired (thin lens) spherical surfaces, and be informed of its limitations (while stopping short of studying monochromatic aberrations).
Introduction to Clinical Skills	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to give students a basic introduction to some of the clinical components of an eye examination
Introduction to Ophthalmic Dispensing	30 Credits	Compulsory
Unit 1: The requirements of spectacle frames will be introduced along with different frame materials, their adjustment and repair. Unit 2: The basic principles of ophthalmic lenses are introduced for thin lenses. Different lens forms will be covered along with terminology and notation and transposition between prescription forms. Unit 3: Frame measurement and facial measurements used in the dispensing of single vision lenses will be covered. Unit 4: Students will be taught how to determine lens power using hand neutralisation and focimetry and become familiar with the British Standards relating to this. Unit 5: The students will be introduced to ametropia and the interpretation and analysis of single vision prescriptions. Unit 6: The principles of the ophthalmic dispensing process for single vision lenses will be covered. Unit 7: Students will learn about different ophthalmic lens materials, their advantages and disadvantages and the calculation to determine lens thickness. Unit 8: An introduction will be given to ophthalmic prisms and also multifocal lens forms.
Laboratory Optics	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will provide the student with the opportunity to engage with a range of practical activities, some bench experiments and some PC-lab simulations, concerning the nature of light, the reflection and refraction of light at flat and spherical surfaces, and the refraction of light at thin lenses. The practical content complements the optics theory taught in other modules of this programme.
Mathematics for Optics	15 Credits	Compulsory
Theme 1 addresses algebra, e.g. how to manipulate expressions with up to five variables, changing the subject of an equation, substituting numbers into a formula whilst converting units, factorising and utilising laws of index. Theme 2 addresses trigonometry, for example the relationship between lengths and angles of triangles and the form of basic trigonometric functions, including for standard 30o and 45o right triangles. Theme 3 addresses basic statistical techniques including measures of central tendency and spread. Theme 4 will introduce fundamental mathematical functions, e.g., logarithms and exponential function. The 5th, synoptic, theme addresses strategies to solve general mathematical problems, understanding questions, the data, the objective, use of appropriate notation, and modification of the problem. This includes making approximations and using mental arithmetic.

What's next for my career?

Following successful completion of the Initial Year Optometry, you may progress onto Year 1 of the MOptom programme at the University of Hertfordshire, subject to achieving an average pass of 75%, with no less than 40% in each constituent module.

In addition, progression to the University’s MOptom programme requires satisfactory Occupational Health clearance and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Students who do not achieve the required pass grade to progress onto the MOptom will have the opportunity to progress onto alternative programmes at the University of Hertfordshire within Bioscience, Nutrition and Dietetics or in the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science.
Key staff

Optometry Admissions Team

Find out more about Optometry Admissions Team

Course fact sheets
Initial Year for Extended Degree Science - Optometry	Download

Programme specifications
Initial Year for Extended Degree Science - Optometry	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	No
Course length	Full Time, 5 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

How to apply?

2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
26/09/2025 31/05/2026 0 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)
2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
26/09/2026 31/05/2027 0 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)
Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2025/2026 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.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

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Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Optometry

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: B511

Institute code: H36

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

Teaching

Independent learning

What's the course about?

2025

2026

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation