Operating Department Practice Bournemouth University (BU)

Why study Operating Department Practice at BU?

• Enjoy purpose-built, cutting-edge facilities, including an operating theatre simulation suite with highly accurate and life-like manikins
• Gain hands-on experience working in surgical theatres with multiple and varied practical work placements that make up around half of your time on the course 
• Benefit from a diverse range of placements and future career options: from working in operating theatres to pre-operative assessment, intensive care, A&E, patient transfer teams and other more specialised areas of care
• Course is HCPC approved and graduates have high employment rates. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a qualified ODP. 100% of students were in employment or further study after completing the course
• Receive expert teaching from an experienced academic team of registered ODPs who still work clinically (many are also HEA fellows, senior fellows and are engaged in research).

Accreditations: 

This three-year course is approved by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) meaning that, upon successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible to apply to the Health & Care Professions Council for registration as an Operating Department Practitioner. 

Funding support: ODP students on courses may be eligible for a non-repayable government training grant of at least £5,000 a year. 

Find out more information about the funding: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund.

Entry requirements

For September 2026 entry: 104 - 120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies. BTEC Extended Diploma DMM (112 tariff points). T-Levels: Merit (120 UCAS tariff points).

For September 2026 entry: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in writing and 6.5 in speaking, listening and reading. 

For September 2026 entry:

• China: Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (Huikao) average 80%, or Gaokao 61-71%. Grade depends on the course 
• France: Baccalaureate with 11.5–12.5 overall or 10.5-11.5 (international option) 
• Hong Kong: HKDSE Diploma (4,4,3 to 4,4,4 from three subjects). Grade depends on the course 
• India: All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII) 60-70% 
• Spain: Titulo de Bachillerato with 6 - 7. Grade depends on the course 
• Turkey: Devlet Lise Diplomasi/Lise BitirmeDiplomasi 3.5/5.0 or 70%