Operating Department Practice (ODP) - BSc (Hons) at University of South Wales

Programme overview

A degree enabling students to qualify and apply to register as Operating Department Practitioners with the HCPC, accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners. Students learn through placements across surgery, anaesthesia, post-anaesthetic care and critical care.

Duration: 3 years full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year One begins with a one-week orientation placement then placements in surgery (scrub and circulating roles), anaesthesia and post-anaesthetic care. Modules: Foundations of Surgical Practice; Foundations of Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Practice; Anatomy, Physiology and Applied Sciences; Holistic Care of the Surgical Patient; Health Promotion in Operating Department Practice; Developing Confidence in Operating Department Practice.

Career pathways

Operating Department Practitioner, lecturer, anaesthetic associate, surgical care practitioner and critical care practitioner; also theatre management, medical device industry and research roles.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UCAS points 112 or above. A-level BBC including Mathematics or a numerate subject; Welsh Baccalaureate grade C plus BB at A-level; BTEC Extended Diploma DMM; T Level Pass (C and above); Access to HE Science/Mathematics/Health Care/Nursing Diploma with 60 credits (45 at level 3) equating to 18 Distinctions, 24 Merits and 3 Passes. Minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at grade C/4 or above (or Essential/Functional Skills Level 2 achieved since 2016); interview; one satisfactory reference; Enhanced DBS check with Update Service. Applicants requiring a Student Route Visa cannot be accepted (NHS-funded course). Deferred applications are not accepted.

International applicants: GBP 17,600 a year (2027/28). International full-time fee per year as displayed in course details Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

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