Curious about studying Operating Department Practice - BSc (Hons)at University of Gloucestershire? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Oxstalls Campus - Gloucester
Full Time
Jan 2028
3 Year
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. 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. Central 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.
The module introduces the student to the structure and function of the human body and provides the underpinning knowledge of ?normal function?. A ?systems-based? approach to the human body is adopted throughout the module. The central theme will be how the body maintains homeostasis in a constantly changing environment.
This module introduces the student to the core areas of operating department practice from a theoretical perspective and develops student?s basic competence in a range of skills such as scrub technique, gloving and gowning. Students will practice key clinical skills in a simulated environment prior to practice education.
This module begins the process of developing the student as a health care professional. It provides the foundations from which students will develop your skills, knowledge, attitudes and conduct in the professional arena and continues the journey of self-care, including promoting health and wellbeing.
This module is designed to support the student in their academic and professional journey, helping them to build a portfolio of skills to demonstrate their personal development and the acquisition of lifelong learning skills. The student will explore how to care for themselves, for others, and vital skills in building resilience in their personal and professional life. Students will learn the basics for working with patients including effective communication.
The module will introduce the student into the Perioperative environment and examine the roles of the Operating Department practitioner in the various areas of perioperative practice. Students will spend time in their practice setting developing their practice in skills sessions and observing experienced practitioners in a variety of theatre settings.
This module aims to build upon the student?s skills developed in practice-based learning 1. Students will develop confidence in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the care needs of patients in the pre, peri and post anaesthetic period.
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the aetiology, pathophysiology and management of common disease. Students will be encouraged to apply their knowledge of anatomy and physiology learnt at level 4 to the disease pathology and the application of surgical treatment to treat and manage common diseases.
The focus of the module will be the care of patients at risk of deterioration or with more complex clinical needs. Students will consider the clinical reasoning involved in managing higher risk procedures and the ethical issues that relate to this area of practice.
The aim of this module is to explore the key concepts of pharmacology within operating department practice. Students will explore statutory guidelines on the safe storage, preparation and administration of prescribed medications used in operating theatre practice. They will consider the correct procedures for reporting errors and side effects and become familiar with methods of drug calculations to provide guidance for drug dosage and delivery.
The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of leadership and decision-making skills in the perioperative setting. Student will be supported in developing their knowledge and skills required to make complex clinical decisions in relation to patient care and participate within the multidisciplinary team decision making processes. This will be further supported with an appreciation of legal, professional, and ethical considerations in relation to care delivery.
This module focuses on surgical specialities within perioperative practice. Students will build upon the knowledge and skills gained in year one by exploring different surgical specialities and having exposure and involvement in more complex cases. Students will further evaluate the impact that altered anatomy and physiology has on anaesthetic and post anaesthetic care. Student will consider the types of specialist equipment that may be required for more complex procedures.
This module will help students gain a deeper understanding how research informs and extends Operating department practice. Students will learn about contemporary research design as it relates to practice.
The focus of this module is on enabling students to apply advanced anaesthetic clinical knowledge and skills to patients across the age span in a range of clinical settings. Operating department practitioners are increasingly working outside of the traditional theatre environment which requires them to apply their knowledge, skills in unique and novel ways.
This module will enable students to explore the theory supporting current practice and emerging evidence in advanced surgical roles.
This module will prepare students to care for the critically ill patient with complex or multiple care requirements. The student will develop the necessary knowledge and skills to care for this patient group.
This module is designed to allow the student to consolidate their learning acquired through the programme and complete the transition from student to registrant.
This module is a piece of sustained independent student work which provides the student with the opportunity to study an approved topic in depth, building on their interest. The module aims to provide students with a framework in which to appraise an aspect of service delivery, and to consider service improvement and evaluation. Students will use a systematic approach to reviewing literature to propose a service improvement project surrounding organisational aspects of care.
BBC Grades/points required
Not currently available, please Contact University for up to date information.
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