Operating Department Practice, BSc (Hons) 36 months Undergraduate Programme By Swansea University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 301-350QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

36 monthsProgramme duration

Application Deadline

08 Oct, 2025Application Deadline

Main Subject Area

MedicineMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Medicine

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

Blended

Our Operating Department Practice (ODP) course will give you the skills and experience to launch a rewarding career in this essential profession.  It is a varied role, encompassing patient care, teamwork, and attention to detail.



ODPs provide skilled and holistic care and support to patients at all stages of an operation, from anaesthetics, throughout surgery, and into recovery.  They play a critical role in the hospital’s ability to carry out surgery as they also work as part of the surgery team and link this team to other teams and departments in the hospital.  They provide a vital role in managing the preparation of operating theatres, such as preparing drugs, instruments, devices and equipment for anaesthesia and surgery, including microscopes, endoscopes, and lasers.  During operations they are responsible for providing instruments and materials to the surgeon.  



The course follows a spiral design based on four 'Pillars of Practice' to help you develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, and confidence required to be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to become a registered Operating Department Practitioner:

  • Clinical Practice (anaesthetics, surgery and post-anaesthetic care)
  • Facilitation of Learning (of self and others)
  • Leadership
  • Evidence, Research, and Development

Programme overview

Main Subject

Medicine

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

Blended

Our Operating Department Practice (ODP) course will give you the skills and experience to launch a rewarding career in this essential profession.  It is a varied role, encompassing patient care, teamwork, and attention to detail.



ODPs provide skilled and holistic care and support to patients at all stages of an operation, from anaesthetics, throughout surgery, and into recovery.  They play a critical role in the hospital’s ability to carry out surgery as they also work as part of the surgery team and link this team to other teams and departments in the hospital.  They provide a vital role in managing the preparation of operating theatres, such as preparing drugs, instruments, devices and equipment for anaesthesia and surgery, including microscopes, endoscopes, and lasers.  During operations they are responsible for providing instruments and materials to the surgeon.  



The course follows a spiral design based on four 'Pillars of Practice' to help you develop the knowledge, skills, understanding, and confidence required to be eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to become a registered Operating Department Practitioner:

  • Clinical Practice (anaesthetics, surgery and post-anaesthetic care)
  • Facilitation of Learning (of self and others)
  • Leadership
  • Evidence, Research, and Development

Admission Requirements

7+
A-Level: Minimum BCC. Health or science-related courses are desirable.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: Minimum of 24 Distinctions, 6 Merits, 15 Passes or other combination to provide 102-106 UCAS points 
BTEC: DMM
Welsh BACC: Grade C and BC at A level or DM at BTEC
IELTS: Level 7 with no component less that 6.5 (For applicants who have gained their entry qualifications outside the UK)
GCSE: A minimum of five GCSEs at A-C grade, these must include Welsh/English Language, Mathematics and a Physical Science or Double Award Science.
For non-standard applicants: It is recognised that individuals without formal qualifications may have relevant experience and knowledge. Applications will be considered on an individual basis.

08 Oct 2025
3 Years
Sep

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