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MOptom Optometry

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Introduction to our Optometry degree

Hear from our staff and students

Studying Optometry at ARU

Start your journey into the world of optometry by studying for our four-year integrated taught Masters degree in Cambridge.

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Study at an award-winning university

We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

As an MOptom Optometry student at ARU, you’ll study in our specialist eye care facilities, learning a range of clinical skills including how to perform eye examinations, diagnose sight problems, improve people’s vision, dispense spectacles, fit contact lenses, and manage a range of eye conditions. You’ll learn about how visual perception works, and how research guides our knowledge of vision.

Your time studying optometry will combine academic study of vision science, ophthalmic conditions and the principles of vision, with real world experience of providing eye care to local communities.

With support from expert tutors, this is the perfect place to train as an optometrist and gain direct entry to the General Optical Council (GOC) register when you graduate.

Course options

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Key facts

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Entry Requirements

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Fees and Paying for University

Facilities

Specialist facilities

In Cambridge, our facilities include:

  • 16 fully-equipped optometric consulting rooms
  • specialist facilities in contact lenses, low vision and visual stress
  • industry-standard equipment
  • a dedicated dispensing laboratory
  • the University Eye Clinic, a working clinic that’s open to the public.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Accreditation

General Optical Council

Our Optometry degree is fully accredited by the General Optical Council (GOC). You’ll be able to enter the GOC register immediately after graduation, without the need to complete an additional pre-registration placement.

The College of Optometrists

ARU works in partnership with the College of Optometrists – the professional body for optometry – to give you the best start to your working career with our clinical learning in practice modules.

Careers

Our integrated Masters degree in Optometry (MOptom) has been developed to allow you to register with the GOC as a fully qualified optometrist at the end of your four years with us.

Optometry students will need to accumulate 485 credits (usually over four years of study) to be eligible for MOptom. For students who do not meet the requirements for a MOptom qualification, a BSc (Hons) Applied Vision Sciences or BSc Applied Vision Sciences will be awarded, but this will not allow you entry onto the GOC register.

If you do not pass the pre-requisite examination in Year 2, you will be unable to undertake Clinical Learning in Practice modules. Whilst this is an unlikely scenario, you would be transferred to an alternative award, but this will not allow you entry onto the GOC register.

Once you’re a registered optometrist, you could go on to work in your own practice, a hospital, or an international optical company. You could also take the first step towards becoming an academic or a researcher with our postgraduate research degree. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get a discount on your fees.

For students who complete their first year of MOptom Optometry to an exceptional high standard, there may be the opportunity to transfer to Year 1 of MBChB Medicine. We encourage your interest in studying medicine, but it should be noted that this is a highly competitive route and there is limited availability.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, such as volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

Apply now for MOptom Optometry

Life in Cambridge

Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Explore Cambridge

Want to talk to someone?

Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

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