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Apprenticeship

Healthcare Science Practitioner Apprenticeship (Ophthalmic Imaging) BSc (Hons)

University of Gloucestershire

What is Healthcare Science Practitioner Apprenticeship (Ophthalmic Imaging) BSc (Hons)?

Working within the rapidly expanding field of Ophthalmology, Healthcare Scientists are involved in 80% of all clinical decisions in the NHS, supporting the diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of diseases of the eye and visual system.

Ophthalmic imagers specifically work in a fast-paced, challenging and stimulating environment which combines the use of both traditional and innovative technologies in order to provide excellent patient care and clinical support.

By studying Ophthalmic Imaging, learners gain access to leading expertise, facilities and technology. We provide opportunities to enable learners to gain the knowledge, skills, and clinical experiences that will nurture a rewarding career in Ophthalmic healthcare services.

Our strong links to the NHS, hospitals and clinicians have helped us to shape our curriculum and ensure the relevance of the content covered to the workplace. This programme has specifically been developed in partnership with clinical practitioners in Ophthalmology at Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust.

Throughout the 3-year programme, learners complete specific performance competencies that are outlined in the Healthcare Science Practitioner (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship Standard. Learners study a variety of healthcare science topics which are then applied in the workplace in order to develop clinical skills.

Study Style

This programme is predominantly delivered as a distanced, blended learning programme with periodic face-to-face teaching being scheduled throughout the year. This model gives learners the flexibility to plan their learning around other commitments as our online teaching materials are available 24/7.

A variety of teaching and learning methods are used to cater for individual learning needs. Methods include self-directed learning, discussion and debate forums, simulation exercises, portfolio building, group work, scientific practicals, seminar presentations, scientific enquiry, active learning sets, reflection-on and in-practice, and context/problem-based learning.

View virtual tour of the Ophthalmic Imaging clinic.

Register your interest in Healthcare Science Practitioner Apprenticeship (Ophthalmic Imaging) BSc (Hons)

Entry requirements

    • 112 UCAS tariff points, BBC at A levels with one subject preferably in a science, DMM at BTEC to include 6 units in a Science or Social Science subject, or a Merit in your T-Level in a science or health-related subject.

    • Entry for this course is by interview. Selection for interview is based on the information submitted on the application form. All applicants who meet, or are predicted to meet, the entry requirements will be invited to undertake a structured interview with both an employer and the University. Where possible, both interviews will be combined and will be designed to assess the applicant’s suitability for employment as well as the applicant’s suitability to study on the course, including academic ability and values of a future NHS employee. In addition, an assessment of applicants’ communication skills and their understanding of the profession will be made.

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • If English is not your first language you are required to provide a language test certificate as evidence of proficiency that is at International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level 7.0 with no elements below 6.5

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

    • In order to study this course, offer holders will need to complete a satisfactory DBS and Health Clearance check.

    • If you are offered a place on the programme you will be required to complete a ‘Fitness to Practice’ health declaration, declaring your health status and immunisation records. The cost of this is met by the University and managed by local NHS Trusts occupational health team (Working Well). When offered a place on the programme study you can initiate the screening and vaccinations through Working Well.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

Please contact the business team by email at business@glos.ac.uk to discuss fees for this course.

Possible careers

Graduates from this course can go on to work as:

  • Ophthalmic Imagers within the NHS
  • Ophthalmic Imagers within Private Sector Organisations.

View further information on career opportunities in Healthcare Science.

Industry links

University of Gloucestershire aims to support the development of a sustainable local workforce to meet the staffing needs of the county’s health employers and beyond.

In addition, the Healthcare Science degree is closely linked with the workforce planning requirements for NHS Gloucestershire. We subsequently have close working relationships with local health, social care, charities and education providers, NHS and Private, across the South West Region who support a range of placements and contribute to the quality of our academic content.

Distanced learning

Our distanced learning approach gives learners the flexibility to study at a time that suits them.

Wide network of employer partnerships

Our employer partnerships allow us to ensure that content is relevant to current workplace needs and reflects the very latest clinical developments.

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Placements

To comply with Governmental Apprenticeship requirements, you will be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week over the entirety of your course. The practical experience you gain working in a clinical setting will build your confidence and competence as a Healthcare Science professional.

Where you require support with identifying a clinical setting, we can assist you through our large clinical placement network.

We pride ourselves in making your ongoing development a major focus, not just academically, but also personally and professionally whilst on placement – as such, all students have access to a personal tutor. In addition, the following professional standards are integrated throughout the course to ensure that you acquire the behaviours expected of a healthcare science employee:

  • Professional practice – relating to patient-centred care, effective communication and partnership working and recognizing the limits of your professional role
  • Clinical practice – which focuses on patient investigations and associated care pathways
  • Scientific practice – including data interpretation and reporting, technical competency, and quality assurance
  • Research, development, and innovation – encouraging research-based forward-thinking and service improvement
  • Clinical leadership – involving your personal development and how you support those around you.

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