University of Bradford
Department of Optometry Mid-term Review 2001/02
Awarding and teaching institution: University of Bradford
Final award: MSc, Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate
Programme title: Master of Science in Optometry
Duration: 1 year full time
Up to 4 years if taken on a part-time basis
UCAS code: N/A
Subject benchmark statement: Subjects Allied to Medicine
Programme accredited by:
Date produced: May, 2002
The postgraduate taught courses offered by the Department of Optometry are aimed at optometrists or
those with a qualification in a related discipline (e.g. Orthoptics, Ophthalmic Nursing). The course
provides further training in advanced methods of eye-care provision in addition to specialist
knowledge in a range of subjects related to the clinician's own area of practice. The principal aim of
the programme is to update the practising Clinician in the latest clinical, technological and research
developments in each of the modular subject areas. The course provides a means for Clinicians to
continue their development and accumulation of knowledge and expertise during their professional
careers. The programme is designed to be as flexible as possible in that, depending upon the number
of credits attained, candidates can be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or
Master of Science in Optometry. Through Credit Accumulation and Transfer, candidates studying for
individual modules may be eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate in the relevant module.
Accumulation of further credits leads to a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), and then the degree of
MSc (180 credits).
With reference to teaching and learning, the department aims to:
Deliver a programme of study that emphasises the importance of clinical work and reflects areas
of staff expertise.
Provide a supportive, structured environment in which students are encouraged to develop
independent thought and to approach new problems by using the knowledge of the fundamental
principles acquired during their undergraduate course of study.
Develop new subject knowledge and clinical skills to enable graduates to maximise their potential
in their professional career.
Further develop personal transferable skills to provide graduates with an expanded level and
range of skills to enhance professional development.
Provide educational and professional opportunities for alternatively qualified students as well as
the traditionally qualified UK Optometrist.
Learning outcomes
When you have completed a taught postgraduate course in Optometry you will have developed:
a comprehensive understanding of new clinical and technological developments in the subject
areas in question and an ability to critically evaluate these developments in relation to existing
clinical knowledge/practices
a systematic understanding of contemporary research issues in vision science, and an ability to
critically appraise current research literature in this area
an ability to deal with complex issues in a systematic and creative fashion, and to demonstrate
originality in the application of knowledge
Staff research informs much of the postgraduate curriculum. The department was awarded a grade 4
in the latest Research Assessment Exercise and our teaching quality was assessed as excellent in the
last QAAHE subject review. The department invites external lecturers to lecture on specialist topics
as required.
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Programme Structure
The programme has a modular structure and may be taken on a full- or part-time basis.
Part-Time: Candidates joining the programme on a part-time basis are normally optometrists in
practice who are registered with the General Optical Council (GOC). Through the University's
Acquired Prior Learning (APL) scheme, such candidates qualify immediately for 60 credits, leaving a
remainder of 120 credits to be gained for the award of MSc. A total of 60 credits can be earned
through a choice of modules offered by the Department. The modules on offer in any given academic
year will come from the following list:
A Clinical Ocular Pathology: Anterior Segment OP9003M (10 credits) Semester I
Clinical Ocular Pathology: Posterior Segment OP9004D (20 credits) Semester II
B Contact Lenses I OP9009D (20 credits) Semester I
Contact Lenses II OP9010M (10 credits) Semester II
C Development of Binocular Vision OP9013M (10 credits) Semester I
Vision Training OP9014D (20 credits) Semester II
D Diagnostic Techniques: Anterior Segment OP9001D (10 credits) Semester I
Diagnostic Techniques: Posterior Segment OP9002M (20 credits) Semester II
E Ocular Therapeutics I OP9011M (10 credits) Semester I
Ocular Therapeutics II OP9012D (20 credits) Semester II
F Children’s Visual Development OP9007M (10 credits) Semester I
Paediatric Optometry OP9008D (20 credits) Semester II
G Low Vision & Ageing OP9005D (20 credits) Semester I
Clinical Tests & Decisions OP9006M (10 credits) Semester II
For example, during the 2001 / 2002 session Diagnostic Techniques (Anterior segment & Posterior
Segment) and Ocular Therapeutics I & II were offered. In the 2002/2003 session, Contact Lenses I &
II and Development of Binocular Vision & Vision Training will run.
A total of 30 credits is offered each semester. Classes take place on Wednesdays during term time.
The remaining 60 credits are earned through the research project/dissertation module. Part-time
candidates normally can complete the MSc programme in around 18 months. The part-time course
structure is shown in schematic below.
Part-time MSc
Course Structure
60 Credits 60 Credits 60 Credits
Accredited + Research + Level M = 180 Credits
Prior Project / (From List
Learning Dissertation above)
(APL)
(Level M) (Level M)
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Full-Time: Full-time candidates may be UK optometrists who have not yet passed the professional
qualifying exams set by the College of Optometrists, or those with a qualification in a discipline
related to optometry. Alternatively, they may be EU or overseas candidates. Such candidates will not
normally be eligible for credits via APL and will therefore be expected to acquire a total of 180
credits in order to be awarded an MSc degree. A total of 120 credits can be acquired through two
taught modules (60 credits; see modules listed in A-G on previous page) and the compulsory research
project/dissertation (60 credits). Thirty of the remaining 60 credits are earned for a module entitled
Clinical investigation. In the case of students who have not obtained their primary qualification in
Optometry from the University of Bradford, the final 30 credits are awarded for level 3 modules in
Abnormal ocular conditions (20 credits) & Binocular vision and orthoptics (10 credits). Where the
candidate has obtained a BSc in Optometry degree from the University of Bradford, these credits are
awarded for the following modules: Research Methods & Data Usage (20 credits) and Independent
Study (10 credits).
If taken full-time, the programme can be completed in one calendar year. The full-time course
structure is summarised in schematic below.
Full-Time MSc Course
Structure
(i) Students who have completed their BSc in Optometry at the University of Bradford
60 Credits 60 Credits 10 Credits 30 Credits 20 Credits
Level M + Research Independent + Clinical + Research = 180 Credits
(From List Project / + Study Investigation Methods &
Above) Dissertation (Level M) (Level M) Data Usage
(Level M) (Level M)
(ii) Students who have not been an awarded a BSc in Optometry from the University of
Bradford
60 Credits 60 Credits 20 Credits 30 Credits 10 credits
Level M + Research Abnormal + Clinical + Binocular = 180 Credits
(From List Project / + Ocular Investigation Vision &
above) Dissertation Conditions (Level M) Orthoptics
(Level M) (Level 3) (Level 3)
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The curriculum
See the following table effective for the academic year 2002 – 2003.
Full/Part-Time
Availability
Labs/Clinic
Seminars/
Practicals
Tutorials
Unit Title
Semester
Lectures
Unit Code Assessment
Credits
OP9015J 30 F * 1&2 Clinical Investigation Yes Yes Yes 60% examination
30% coursework
10% clinical
OP9002M 10 F/P o 2 Diagnostic Techniques: Yes No Yes 100% examination
Anterior Segment
OP9001D 20 F/P o 1 Diagnostic Techniques: Yes Yes Yes 60% examination
Posterior Segment 20% coursework
20% clinical
OP9005D 20 F/P o 1 Low Vision & Ageing Yes Yes Yes 70% examination
30% coursework
OP9013M 10 F/P o 1 Development of Binocular Yes Yes Yes 70% examination
Vision 30% coursework
OP9014D 20 F/P o 2 Vision Training Yes Yes Yes 70% examination
30% coursework
OP9006M 10 F/P o 2 Clinical Tests and Decisions Yes No Yes 70% examination
30% coursework
OP9007M 10 F/P o 1 Children's Visual Development Yes No Yes 70% examination
30% coursework
OP9008D 20 F/P o 2 Paediatric Optometry Yes Yes Yes 70% examination
30% coursework
OP9004D 20 F/P o 2 Clinical Ocular Pathology: Yes Yes Yes 70% examination
Posterior Segment 30% coursework
OP9003M 10 F/P o 1 Clinical Ocular Pathology: Yes Yes No 75% examination
Anterior Segment 25% coursework
OP9000Z 60 F/P * 1&2 Research Project/Dissertation No Yes Yes 100% coursework
OP9011M 10 F/P o 1 Ocular Therapeutics I Yes No Yes 70% examination
30% coursework
OP9012D 20 F/P o 2 Ocular Therapeutics II Yes No Yes 70% examination
30% coursework
OP9009D 20 F/P o 1 Contact Lenses I: Contact Lens Yes Yes No 70% examination
Optics and Lens Design 30% coursework
OP9010M 10 F/P o 2 Contact Lenses II: Advanced Yes Yes Yes 70% examination
Contact Lens Practice 30% coursework
HH6701D 20 F * 1/2 Research Methods and Data Yes Yes No 100% coursework
Usage
10 F * 1/2 Independent Study No Yes No 100% coursework
* Module runs every year
o Module runs on a cyclical basis
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Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
There is a great diversity in our teaching and assessment methods. Our teaching is not limited to
formal lectures but also includes web-based learning, peer review type tutorials, laboratory teaching,
clinical teaching and critical analysis sessions where students perform a critique of a published
research paper. Our full-time students attend hospital eye clinics as part of the clinical teaching where
Grand Rounds are organised in order to give access to a wide range of ocular disease.
The courses are designed to bring students up to date with the most recent developments in the subject
area in question. This is achieved through the use of lectures coupled with laboratory/practical
sessions in small groups. In addition, the department aims to promote independent, critical thinking by
the student. This is achieved through a variety of means including research paper critiques and the
research project/dissertation module. Students wishing to obtain an M.Sc. in Optometry must conduct
a research project or write a dissertation to demonstrate an ability in independent, critical study.
Students normally carry this out once the taught element of the programme has been successfully
completed.
Candidates are assessed in each module (apart from the research project/dissertation) during the last
two weeks of the semester. Assessment consists of a mixture of written papers, multiple-choice
questionnaires and practical or oral examinations. The assessment of the research project takes the
form of a report on an approved topic (which can be undertaken in the candidate's professional
practice) or by the submission of a dissertation.
Most of the part-time students are already in employment when taking the course. Graduates from the
full-time programme normally seek employment in optometric practice or become full-time research
students.
External Recognition of University of Bradford Taught Post-Graduate Programmes
The Department of Optometry is currently taking steps to have a number of its taught postgraduate
courses accredited by the College of Optometrists. To date, candidates who have satisfactorily
completed the two University of Bradford Ocular Therapeutics courses will not be required to take the
written examinations of the College’s Certificate A in Therapeutics. It is anticipated that, in the near
future, the College of Optometrists will grant further exemptions towards their named awards to
students who have successfully completed postgraduate courses at the University of Bradford.
Admission requirements
Normally there are between 10 and 20 students enrolled on the taught post-graduate programme in
Optometry each academic year. This total is made up of both home-based students (normally part-
time) and EU/Overseas students (normally full-time). In addition to fulfilling the university’s general
entrance requirements, you will need to fulfil the department’s specific requirements that you possess
a qualification in Optometry or a related discipline (e.g. Orthoptics, Ophthalmic Nursing,
Ophthalmology).
Progression Criteria University standard
Regulations Summary University standard
Student support and guidance
The university and the department have a well deserved reputation for support and guidance. This is
acknowledged by the high score achieved in the QAAHE (teaching quality) subject review. You will
be allocated a personal tutor who is your first contact if you encounter problems that relate to, or
affect your university life. All members of staff operate an open door policy in order to allow you to
talk to any staff member about academic or personal issues. You will be supported by departmental
booklets like the Student Handbook. This tells you everything you need to know about what is going
to happen in the academic year. All assessment dates are given at the start of the semester so there
will be no nasty surprises. The department has its own student resources room equipped with 24
computers for optometry student use, a tape/slide machine and a videotape monitor with a library of
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slides, videotapes and CD ROMs is also provided for help in independent study. There are regular
meetings of the MSc Student/Staff Consultative Committee where staff listen to, and act upon,
criticisms/suggestions coming from the student body. Departmental support is enhanced by a strong
university infrastructure including a careers service, a disability office, a job shop and an active
student union where our students have their own Bradford Optical Students Association. The
university also provides 24-hour access to the library and computing facilities. Internet connections
are installed in all university accommodation rooms giving access to the Internet and to all the
university network material. This means that students have access to the library facilities in their own
room. You also have access to our optometry learning resources site where you will find items like
module lecture notes, previous exam question papers, PowerPoint slide presentations, links to the
other optometry departments and links to the large commercial optometric organisations.
Further information
If you would like more information about the University of Bradford, please check the postgraduate
prospectus. More details about taught postgraduate courses in Optometry can be obtained from the
Admissions Tutor, Dr. Brendan Barrett.
Please note that the above information is subject to change as the course and the department evolve.
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