“The staff of Aston’s optometry department are so supportive and really want to see their students succeed. I found it useful to have different clinical supervisors in third year because each clinician does things a bit differently, so you can then use your favourite bits from each person’s routine to create your own.”
Natasha Richards, Optometrist at Specsavers
- Read more about Natasha's story
Name and course:
Natasha Richards, BSc Optometry
Graduate job:
Optometrist, Specsavers
How did the quality of teaching and student support enhance your time at Aston?
The staff of Aston’s optometry department are so supportive and really want to see their students succeed. I found it useful to have different clinical supervisors in third year because each clinician does things a bit differently, so you can then use your favourite bits from each person’s routine to create your own.
What was the highlight of your time at Aston?
My highlight of my time at Aston was when we started seeing real patients in clinics. It was a great feeling to finally put all of my knowledge to use.
Were you involved in any student societies or extra-curricular activities?
My most memorable extra-curricular activity was when I volunteered for Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP). The charity runs a clinic once a week and provides eye care and glasses to homeless people. It’s such a fantastic opportunity for optometry students to see another side of the profession while practicing techniques in a different environment. And, the clinic is located at SIFA Fireside which is walking distance from campus. I definitely recommend that optometry students attend these clinics when possible, as I learned so much from them while also giving something back to the community.
How did you find the Aston campus experience?
I loved the campus at Aston. It’s much smaller than my previous university campus in Canada, and it was very easy to get from one building to another. Optometry students have all of their classes and clinics in the Vision Sciences building, which is very close to the library for those students who like to study on-campus.
What was the best thing about being a student in Birmingham?
Birmingham has amazing transport links so it’s very easy to travel within the UK and even abroad.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying at Aston?
If possible, visit the universities that you are considering to get a feel for them, and choose your university based on where you can see yourself attending.
What would be your top recommendation to new students on what to do or see in Birmingham?
Brindley Place has great restaurants right along the canals, so I’d highly recommend going there. And this may sound weird, but Birmingham’s public library is a must-see! It’s a beautiful building and you can go to the top floor balcony and have gorgeous views of the city.
If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice as a first year student, what would it be?
Learn the basics really well, because everything builds on top of them, especially in optometry.
“The staff of Aston’s optometry department are so supportive and really want to see their students succeed. I found it useful to have different clinical supervisors in third year because each clinician does things a bit differently, so you can then use your favourite bits from each person’s routine to create your own.”
Natasha Richards, Optometrist at Specsavers
- Read more about Natasha's story
Name and course:
Natasha Richards, BSc Optometry
Graduate job:
Optometrist, Specsavers
How did the quality of teaching and student support enhance your time at Aston?
The staff of Aston’s optometry department are so supportive and really want to see their students succeed. I found it useful to have different clinical supervisors in third year because each clinician does things a bit differently, so you can then use your favourite bits from each person’s routine to create your own.
What was the highlight of your time at Aston?
My highlight of my time at Aston was when we started seeing real patients in clinics. It was a great feeling to finally put all of my knowledge to use.
Were you involved in any student societies or extra-curricular activities?
My most memorable extra-curricular activity was when I volunteered for Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP). The charity runs a clinic once a week and provides eye care and glasses to homeless people. It’s such a fantastic opportunity for optometry students to see another side of the profession while practicing techniques in a different environment. And, the clinic is located at SIFA Fireside which is walking distance from campus. I definitely recommend that optometry students attend these clinics when possible, as I learned so much from them while also giving something back to the community.
How did you find the Aston campus experience?
I loved the campus at Aston. It’s much smaller than my previous university campus in Canada, and it was very easy to get from one building to another. Optometry students have all of their classes and clinics in the Vision Sciences building, which is very close to the library for those students who like to study on-campus.
What was the best thing about being a student in Birmingham?
Birmingham has amazing transport links so it’s very easy to travel within the UK and even abroad.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying at Aston?
If possible, visit the universities that you are considering to get a feel for them, and choose your university based on where you can see yourself attending.
What would be your top recommendation to new students on what to do or see in Birmingham?
Brindley Place has great restaurants right along the canals, so I’d highly recommend going there. And this may sound weird, but Birmingham’s public library is a must-see! It’s a beautiful building and you can go to the top floor balcony and have gorgeous views of the city.
If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice as a first year student, what would it be?
Learn the basics really well, because everything builds on top of them, especially in optometry.
Course outline and modules
Following a strategic review of optical education, the General Optical Council (GOC) published new education and training requirements in 2021.
For optometry, the changes mean that there will no longer be a 2-step process to qualification (optometry degree followed by the Scheme for Registration), but programmes must integrate all clinical learning within them, and be at Master’s level. Education providers are expected to transition to the new requirements in 2023-24, or 2024-25.
At Aston School of Optometry, we will be offering our updated programme from September 2023 onwards, which will be a 4 year Master of Optometry programme, with an integrated 44 week period of external Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP), delivered in collaboration with the College of Optometrists.
Student optometrists will be responsible for applying for and securing a paid CLiP placement at an external practice location, with support available from Careers and Placements, and the Aston School of Optometry careers tutor. The BSc in Optometry will cease to admit new students.
Optometrists are professional clinicians responsible for multiple aspects of vision care, specialising in preserving sight by diagnosing and treating visual problems. They’re 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 clinical skills, theoretical knowledge and contact with real patients 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 patient simulators designed to help you develop your skills and expertise.
- Observing treatment of patients in multiple settings such as specialist clinics, local eye hospital departments and the Aston University Day Hospital.
- The opportunity to complete a masters level qualification while working as a re-registration optometrist.
Expand your knowledge with our integrated MOptom year
Completing the MOptom enables you to achieve a masters degree as you qualify as a registered optometrist. Whilst undergoing the pre-registration period, your depth of knowledge will be enhanced by the distance learning modules that we offer, and your skills will continue to grow.
What accreditations does the Optometry course at Aston have?
This course is regulated by the General Optical Council (GOC) and is the first step towards becoming a qualified optometrist.
The GOC states that in order to become a fully-qualified Optometrist, you must complete the College of Optometrists Scheme for Registration during the re-registration period. In order to enter the scheme, you must achieve at least an overall average of 50% by the end of Year 3 and completed all clinical competencies.
The pre-registration period involves working in-practice, being supported by supervisors, and taking a number of assessments. You will be responsible for finding your own pre-registration post, however, the Aston Careers and Placements team and optometry careers tutor will be on hand to support you.
International students and post-study work visa
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 different countries chose to study with us every year and Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.
Over recent years there has been increasing interest in our Optometry programme from Canadian applicants. Some of our Canadian graduates now live and work in the UK, whilst some have returned to practice in Canada. Discover more.
For students studying MOptom, the 4th year of this full time course is an integrated work based learning year, allowing students to work and study at the same time. This means that international students on the MOptom programme will not require a separate work visa during their pre-registration period, discover more about visas for the Pre-Registration period. During this year, you will complete an Ocular Therapeutics module, Aston Optometry graduates who have returned to countries where optometrists have prescribing rights have found this invaluable.
The new post-study work visa enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. For more information visit the government website.
For International Students intending to do a foundation year, visit ONCAMPUS.
Course outline
During your time at Aston, you’ll learn to conduct a wide range of tests and examinations across all aspects of eye care for people at all times of life; from paediatrics (children) to geriatric (older people) optometry.
From your first weeks you’ll learn about the internal structures of the eye and how to assess ocular health. As you move further into the course you will also get the opportunity to:
- Understand how optometrists can use eye examinations to detect possible brain tumours or other general health problems.
- Learn how to use non-invasive techniques to examine patients’ blood vessels.
- Discover the range of specialist fields and areas of optometry from dry eye to low vision by observing specialist clinics led by experts.
- Develop knowledge and experience in the fitting and aftercare of contact lenses.
- Broaden your understanding of the role opticians play in the wider healthcare field by taking part in interdisciplinary learning.
Modules
- Year 1
Develop your knowledge of the scientific principles that underpin optometry, while acquiring a range of core clinical skills.
Core modules:
- Medical Biology and Pathology
- Clinical Practice 1
- Basic Investigative Techniques
- Clinical Visual Biology
- Ophthalmic Lenses
- Optics and Medical Imaging
- Vision and Visual Perception
- Personal and Professional Development
- Year 2
Gain skills in contact lens fitting, dispensing and binocular vision. You’ll also develop your ability to perform a full eye examination and manage patients.
Core modules:
- Clinical Practice Development
- Clinical Practice 2
- Contact Lenses
- Further Investigative Techniques
- Ophthalmic Optics
- Vision Science and Research Methods
- Year 3
See a wide range of patients in our public service clinic and gain experience in specialist optometry services. Develop further knowledge in areas such as ocular disease and abnormality as well as the professional skills required for a career in optometry.
Core modules:
- Anterior Eye
- Posterior and General Ophthalmology
- Binocular Vision and Paediatrics
- Clinical Practice 3
- Elective Studies
- Professional, Occupational and Low Vision
- Ophthalmic Drugs
- Year 4
Deepen your knowledge of topics such as advanced investigative techniques, evidence-based clinical research, glaucoma and interprofessional communication. You will remain enrolled on a full-time basis and study via distance learning while you complete the Scheme for Registration.
You’ll complete six modules, four of which will be ‘taught’ modules, with two being coursework modules. Course material will be delivered online and you’ll be able to access your tutors via email, phone or in person. You will also attend four days of on-campus tutorials, workshops and exams.
Core modules:
- Interprofessional Communication
- Evidence-based Clinical Research
- Retinal and Macular Disorders
- Advanced Investigative techniques
- Ocular Prescribing
- Glaucoma
Entry requirements
- GCSEs
Total five GCSEs required as follows: B/5 Mathematics C/4 English Language or English Literature plus three GCSEs at grade C/4. Please note we do not accept Key skills or Functional skills in place of these.
- A Levels
- AAB three science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
- ABB three science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics, for contextual offer students*
- AAA two science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
- AAB two science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics, for contextual offer students*
The following subjects will not be considered as one of the core three A Levels - General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies.
We welcome applications from students who have tried to improve their examination grades by taking a maximum of one set of resits. We treat these applications in exactly the same way as other applications.
- BTEC
BTEC Qualification Name
BTEC grades required
A Level Requirements
Extended Diploma (QCF/National)
Distinction,
Distinction,
Distinction
(DDD)With this BTEC you must achieve grade BB in two A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
If you are taking the BTEC in Applied Science subject, you must also achieve grade B in one A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.Diploma (QCF)National Diploma
Distinction, Distinction (DD)
With this BTEC you must achieve grade BB in two A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
If you are taking the BTEC in Applied Science subject, you must also achieve grade B in one A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)National Extended Certificate
Distinction (D)
With this BTEC you must achieve grade BB in two A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
90 Credit Diploma (QCF)
Distinction, Distinction (DD)
With this BTEC you must achieve grade BB in two A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
National Foundation Diploma
Distinction (D)
With this BTEC you must achieve grade BB in two A Level science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics
- T Level
This qualification is not accepted for this course.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
Standard offer for 2 Science Subjects: 32 points overall, three Higher Level subjects at 6 6 6, must include 2 science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in English Language and grade 6 in Maths.
Contextual offer: 32 points overall, three Higher Level subjects at 6 5 5 must include 2 science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in English Language and grade 6 in Maths for contextual offer students.*
Standard offer for 3 Science Subjects: 32 points overall, three Higher Level subjects at 6 6 5 must include 3 science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in English Language and grade 6 in Maths.
Contextual offer: 32 points overall, three Higher Level subjects at 6 5 5 must include 3 science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in English Language and grade 6 in Maths for contextual offer students.*
- Access to Higher Education
This qualification is not accepted for this course.
International Students
- International qualifications
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements. International students can discover more about the qualifications we accept on our international pages.
- International foundation programmes
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.
Other
Undergraduate Applicants
We consider applicants for year 1 entry who want to transfer from their current degree in a related field elsewhere. You must have at least five GCSEs, which must include grade B/5 Mathematics, C/4 English Language and the rest at grade C/4. You must also have three A Levels of which either two should be core science at grades AAA or three core sciences at grades AAB. Core sciences are: Biology, Maths, Physics or Chemistry.
A typical offer would be to achieve 60% overall with no fails in any units. It is also expected that you have not previously attempted the second year of a programme elsewhere. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications. Please note we do not accept year 2 transfers in any circumstance.
View our Transfers Policy
For further information regarding the transfers policy and Student Transfer Arrangements please see here.
- Graduate Applicants
We consider applicants for year 1 entry who have completed or will be completing a degree in a related field elsewhere You must have at least five GCSEs, which must include grade B/5 Mathematics, C/4 English Language and the rest at grade C/4. You must also have three A Levels at grade ABB with a minimum of two core sciences (or equivalents). A typical offer would be to achieve 2:1 with no fails in any units. These will be considered on a case by case basis for which you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications. For further information please contact the admissions team.
Please note we do not accept year 2 transfers in any circumstance.
View our Transfers Policy
For further information regarding the transfers policy and Student Transfer Arrangements please see here.
- Degrees in Dispensing
We consider applicants for year 1 entry who either have achieved a BSc in Dispensing at a 2:1 (or are in the final year of study), or who have already achieved professional FBDO status prior to application. You must have at least five GCSEs, which must include grade B/5 Mathematics, C/4 English Language and the rest at grade C/4. You must also have achieved BBC from three A Levels including a minimum of one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Please note we do not accept year 2 transfers in any circumstance.
- Age of qualifications
Applicants must normally have achieved their eligible academic qualifications for entry onto this course within the last two years. Applicants presenting qualifications older than two years will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic Admissions Lead.
- External Foundation Programmes from another University
We consider external foundation programmes for entry into our year 1 programmes on a case-by-case basis. We will always require applicants to have met the following criteria prior to application:
5 GCSE’s at grade C/4 or above including Maths (at grade B) and English.
ABB in any subjects OR
BBB where two subjects must be from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Any conditional offers made will be based on meeting a specific grade in your foundation programme. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications.
DBS and Fitness to Practice
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Fitness to Practise (FTP)
These requirements are checked at the point of enrolment.
As this course includes clinical placements where students interact with members of the public we are required to ensure that students have completed the following checks:
- Fitness to Practise: In line with national requirements for courses leading to a health professional qualification, students applying to this course is also subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: Students enrolling onto this course will be required to undertake an Enhanced Level Criminal Records Bureau check (known as a DBS check).
See full details about our DBS and Fitness to Practise regulations.
View our Admissions Policy under the 'Respect' tab on our Principles and Policies page.
Over the past few years this course has become increasingly competitive. Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with predicted and achieved grades that fall narrowly below these entry requirements if the application is of a high standard (however, initial offers will not be lower than stated above). We would welcome applications from such applicants, however, they will not receive a decision till after the UCAS deadline to apply, please note there will be no guarantee of offer to give fair and equal consideration to all applicants.
*For details on our Aston Ready contextual offer scheme, please see here.
The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
Learning, teaching and assessment
Learning and teaching
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 industry insight and interpersonal skills that will really set you apart in the job market after graduation.
Each year of study is worth 120 credits, with each credit equivalent to 10 learning hours. The learning hours may include but are not limited to lectures, seminars, tutorials, lab sessions practicals, online activity, reading, other independent study, reflecting on assignment feedback, field trips and work placements.
Assessments
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.
“The variation of teaching styles on the course was fantastic, ranging from lectures, to tutorials, to practicals and clinics! The quality of all of these areas was fantastic and really enhanced my learning. From day one on the course you are assigned a personal tutor who is always there to guide and aid your learning.”
Joel Fisher, Optometrist at Vision Express
- Read more about Joel's story
Name and course:
Joel Fisher, BSc Optometry
Graduate job:
Pre-Registration Optometrist, Vision Express
Why did you choose to study at Aston?
Aston has some of the leading lecturers both nationally and worldwide in Optometry. It was this and the quality of teaching it is well known for, which drew me towards Aston!
How did the quality of teaching and student support enhance your time at Aston?
The variation of teaching styles on the course was fantastic, ranging from lectures, to tutorials, to practicals and clinics! The quality of all of these areas was fantastic and really enhanced my learning. From day one on the course you are assigned a personal tutor who is always there to guide and aid your learning.
What was the highlight of your time at Aston?
This would have to be the 3rd year clinics. It was a chance to put all of our learning into practice whilst continuing our development and it was fantastic to interact with the general public on a daily basis.
How did you find the Aston campus experience?
Having everything together in a relatively small space really adds to the close-knit family feel of the university.
What was the best thing about being a student in Birmingham?
Everything you could possibly need at the university is within a 15 minute walk! If somehow it isn’t, there is great transport links including trains, buses and trams!
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying at Aston?
Go for it, you won’t regret it!
What would be your top recommendation to new students on what to do or see in Birmingham?
Explore the bullring!
If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice as a first year student, what would it be?
Get involved in more extra-curricular activities with societies.
Fee and scholarships
UK students (2023/24)
Annual tuition fees: £9,250
International students/EU students* (2023/24)
Annual tuition fees: £20,100
*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 charged the same tuition rates as Home students.
Further information
*Tuition fees 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. When undertaking a placement year a placement year fee applies.
More information on fees https://www2.aston.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/student-finance
Scholarships
At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. Find out more about our scholarships here. https://www2.aston.ac.uk/scholarships
Career prospects
Our blend of practical learning, world leading research and links with industry mean that our graduates are highly sought after by major eye-care organisations that offer pre-registration posts.
As a graduate you could enter your career in:
- hospitals
- community-based or private practices
- the optical industry
- optometry research
Recently, Aston graduates have found rewarding careers at:
- Boots
- NHS hospitals
- Specsavers
- Tesco
- Vision Express
Frequently asked questions
- Why study Optometry at Aston University?
Studying at Aston combines hands-on experience in a real optometry clinic, with theoretical learning on an accredited course; giving you the right skills and knowledge to succeed in a future eye care career.
- What accreditations does the Optometry course at Aston have?
This course is regulated by the General Optical Council (GOC) and is the first step towards becoming a qualified clinician.
The GOC states that in order to become a fully-qualified optometrist, you must complete the College of Optometrists Scheme for Registration during the pre-registration period. In order to enter the scheme, you must achieve at least an overall average of 50% by the end of year 3 and complete all stage 1 clinical competencies.
The pre-registration period involves working in-practice, being supported by supervisors, and taking a number of assessments. You will be responsible for finding your own Pre-Registration post; however, the Careers and Placements team and the optometry careers tutor will be on hand to support you. In addition, as one of the UK's leading optometry courses, we are regularly targeted by the major high street optometry chains and other companies that offer pre-registration posts.
- What facilities will I have access to?
As an optometry student at Aston, you'll spend most of your time in our Vision Sciences building, which is equipped with a range of facilities and equipment for learning, research and clinical work. The facilities that you will benefit from include:
- An onsite public facing Optometry clinic. You will help to provide patients with a full range of primary eye care services under the close supervision of our clinical staff, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists and dispensing opticians.
- Unique virtual patient simulators to help you develop clinical skills.
- Refurbished lecture theatres and seminar rooms with modern audio-visual equipment.
- Blackboard, our virtual learning environment used for general study, revision and assessment. This platform allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and much more.
- Course texts and relevant journals are available from the library either electronically or in book form.
- Will I get experience working with real patients?
Yes! This is an essential part of the course, and really important in giving you both the clinical and people skills to have a successful career in eye care.
For example, you’ll work in our public Optometry clinic on site in our campus in Birmingham, where you’ll help to provide patients with a full range of eye care services under close supervision of our clinical staff, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists and dispensing opticians.
- Why should international students choose Aston University?
Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding careers support, advice and placement opportunities.
For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government have created a new post-study work visa. For more information visit the government website.
