Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are registered health professionals trained specifically to work with the operating department and associated areas. ODPs are a vital part of the operating department team. They’re responsible for delivering safe, high-quality care to surgical patients during the three phases of perioperative care – anaesthesia, surgery and PACU perioperative care setting.
Students applying for this course may be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which provides a non-repayable training grant of £5,000 per academic year.
On our approved Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) degree you’ll learn to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team alongside nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists, healthcare support workers and other professionals. When you graduate you’ll be eligible to register with the HCPC and practise as an Operating Department Practitioner.
You’ll study the core subjects of anatomy, physiology, and pathology in order to apply these to clinical situations. You’ll learn to work with specialist equipment and develop high levels of technical skills in managing patients throughout the preoperative care setting.
We use a blended learning approach across university teaching and clinical practice. Approximately 50% of the course is spent in clinical placement settings under the supervision of clinical mentors who support you through the programme. You’ll have the opportunity to put theory into practice using state-of-the-art facilities to support your clinical skills. You’ll use simulation equipment to develop your clinical skills in a safe environment.
112 UCAS tariff points, BCC 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 Pass (C or above) in your T-Level in a science or health-related subject.
Entry to this course is by interview. Check out our Interview Guide to learn what to expect and help you prepare.
English Language and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.
In order to study this course, offer holders will need to complete a satisfactory DBS and Health Clearance check.
Selection for this course is by interview. Please refer to our interview guide for further information.
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.
Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.
If English is not your first language, you are required to provide a language test certificate as evidence of proficiency. This needs to be at Academic IELTS at 7.0 with no element below 6.5 in all sections of the test.
Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (the contents and structure of the course are reviewed occasionally, but it is unlikely that there will be significant change).
Module information is not available for this programme.
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| Start date | Location | UCAS code |
Fee (UK) Fee per year |
Fee (international) Fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Oxstalls, Gloucester | B990 | £9,535 | £17,425 |
| Jan 2027 | Oxstalls, Gloucester | B990 | £9,535 | £17,950 |
| Jan 2028 | Oxstalls, Gloucester | B990 | TBC | TBC |
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International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | |||
At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.
95% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2025 and based on 2022/23 leavers
Discover our promisesCentral to our degree course is the strong partnership we maintain with local healthcare providers, both within the NHS and the private sector. This collaboration not only enriches our curriculum but also ensures that our students receive comprehensive, hands-on experience through a variety of healthcare placements. Our goal is to cultivate a sustainable local workforce that meets the staffing needs of health employers in Gloucestershire and beyond.
Many graduates pursue fulfilling careers within the NHS or private sector as an operating department practitioner. Others channel their expertise into research or education. The versatility of this degree also opens doors to international opportunities, allowing graduates to practise and make an impact in locations abroad.
Developed in partnership with our local healthcare providers – the course is currently seeking validation with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
You’ll learn from accomplished and accredited lecturers with extensive knowledge of the health and social care field.
Take advantage of our close working relationship with local healthcare providers in the South West.
Work with leading practitioners, coaches, and professionals in specialist environments where you’ll develop your skills and and make a difference to people’s lives.
Our paramedic sciences courses (which includes Operating Department Practice) are ranked 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2025.
Our paramedic science (which includes Operating Department Practice) courses are ranked 7th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2025.
Your studies will include clinical placements through the three year programme to give you a diverse experience of patient care – preparing you for your future career as an ODP. You’ll work closely with clinical mentors who support your learning in the practice setting.
Find out more about Operating Department Practitioner placements.
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