MOptom Optometry with Independent Prescribing at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The MOptom Optometry with Independent Prescribing is a five-year integrated master's at UHI House in Inverness leading to registration with the General Optical Council as an optometrist with the independent prescribing qualification. Teaching is problem- and team-based, with clinical skills training and community and hospital placements in every year. Year 5 is spent in two paid six-month placements.

Duration: 5 years full-time | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time (integrated) | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Years 1-4 cover core modules such as Foundations of clinical practice, Principles of optics, Clinical optometry, Clinical case studies, Management and therapeutics, Community optometry and a dissertation. Year 5 combines two paid six-month clinical placements with Learning and experience in practice and Independent prescribing 1 and 2.

Career pathways

Hospital optometry, optometric education, research and charity work delivering eyecare services in developing countries; progression to a PhD or College of Optometrists qualifications.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Scottish Highers: ABBB from four Highers, including two science subjects from physics, biology or human biology, chemistry and mathematics. Applicants without Higher mathematics or physics need National 5 mathematics or Applications of mathematics at grade B or above; English at Higher is preferred (other essay-based subjects accepted), otherwise National 5 English at grade B or above. A levels: BBB including two science subjects from physics, biology or human biology, chemistry and mathematics; GCSE mathematics and English Language at grade B/6 or above where not held at A level. Alternatively a science-based HNC (for example Applied Sciences) with grade B or above in the graded unit; applicants with a qualification in ophthalmic dispensing such as FBDO are considered individually. All applicants attend an interview and must be passed fit by occupational health, hold PVG Scheme membership (Category 1 course) and register as a student with the General Optical Council. English language for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS Academic 7 overall with no component below 6 and Speaking at 7, taken within two years of the start date. No deferred entry.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2025/26). Students normally domiciled in Scotland with a term-time address in Scotland (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status) Source

International applicants: GBP 16,950 a year (2025/26). Applies to students assessed as international for fee status; the course is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals without settled status receive a GBP 4,000 per year scholarship (GBP 12,950) Source

Intake: September

Duration: 5 years full-time

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences