The Department of Vision and Hearing Sciences operates within the Faculty of Science and Technology of Anglia Ruskin University and is based on campus in the city centre of Cambridge.

The Department enrolls over 600 students, offering undergraduate qualifications in Optometry, Ophthalmic Dispensing, Hearing Aid Audiology and postgraduate studies for an MPhil or PhD.

We have been offering courses since 1989 and through the years our Department has gone from strength to strength. The Department is fully accredited by the general optical Council (UK) and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).

Research interests of departmental academic staff cover a wide range of topics that fall into the general areas of understanding, assessment, and correction of vision and the eye. The Department houses two University-recognised research groups. We currently have a number of doctoral research students from the UK and overseas. The Department hold regular research seminars with frequent external visitors, and postgraduate students are encouraged to attend other Cambridge vision research seminars. Undergraduate students are also encouraged to participate in research activities within our research groups.

We are one of the few universities to have our own University Eye Clinic, which provides a full range of optometric services to the general public. The Eye Clinic enables our undergraduates on the Optometry course to gain essential clinic experience.

Why study with us?

Relevant and practical degrees
Our courses are fully up-to-date through our close links with employers and professional bodies and by our highly experienced academic staff. We continue to develop new courses and innovative approaches to learning and teaching and look forward to the future with enthusiasm.

Flexible courses
We offer full time, part time, distance learning and work based learning courses. Some of our courses are offered in a flexible modular format. This offers the opportunity, as part of you studies, to include modules from other subject's areas and tailor your course to suit your career requirements.

Professional recognition
Our BOptom (Hons), BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing, and Foundation Degree in Ophthalmic Dispenisng are all fully accredited by the General Optical Council. In addition, we are one of only a handful of Universities that offer a fully registerable Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology, accredited by the Hearing Aid Council.

Links with industry
Our Department has established links with a variety of organisations in the optical and health care sectors, including local hospitals and charitable organisations, the federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO), Specsavers Opticians, Boots Opticians, and the General Optical Council. These links support our Department endeavours and ultimately improve the student experience.

Good career prospects
We have one of the highest employability rates in the higher education sector and some of our recent graduates have taken up employment with; Dolland & Aitchison (D&A), Boots Opticians, Specsavers, Vision Express, Optical Express and independent practices.

First class, research active staff
You will have access to a progressive and exciting team of academic, technical and support staff who are here to help you achieve your goals. All of the academic staff within the Department are clinically trained and registered. The majority of staff hold research degrees (MSc, MPhil or PhD) and are very active in research and other professional activities. This enriches the teaching environment for students benefiting from the latest research findings and ideas.

Support throughout your studies
Our staff have an 'open door' policy so there is always someone available to help and advise you. You will also be assigned a Personal Tutor to offer academic and personal support.

Great Location
We are based on the University's Cambridge campus, close to the city centre and with ready access to local facilities. If you are thinking of studying one of our courses we recommend you join us at our next Open Day! It's the best way for you to see exactly what we have to offer, have a tour of the Cambridge campus and chat to teaching staff and students.