Operating Department Practice

Operating Department Practice at Glasgow Caledonian University is a dynamic and innovative degree programme designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in perioperative and critical care settings. The programme provides comprehensive training in operating theatre procedures, patient care, and clinical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern healthcare environments. Throughout the course, students gain practical experience through simulated scenarios and placements in hospitals across Scotland, working alongside experienced professionals in anesthesia, surgical nursing, and recovery. The curriculum covers essential areas such as anatomy and physiology, patient safety, infection control, anaesthetic techniques, surgical procedures, and team communication. The programme emphasizes the development of both technical proficiency and leadership qualities, nurturing graduates who can effectively coordinate complex surgical interventions and ensure optimal patient outcomes. Glasgow Caledonian University’s multidisciplinary approach encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, preparing students for the ever-changing landscape of healthcare technology and practice. Graduates of Operating Department Practice are eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), allowing them to practice as approved Operating Department Practitioners within the UK. The programme fosters a supportive learning environment with dedicated faculty, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for research and professional development. By completing this programme, students will gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in operating theatres, contribute effectively to patient care teams, and pursue ongoing careers in surgical and perioperative roles across a variety of healthcare settings.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

During each term, students spend five weeks in the University followed by eight weeks in clinical practice.

Year 1: The first year of the programme introduces students to the three key areas of perioperative care, anaesthetics, surgery and immediative postoperative care. It also focuses on: clinical skills, communication, life sciences, infection control and professional practice.

Year 2: The second year of the programme strengthens the student's skills in perioperative care and focuses on the care of patients who are highly dependent or who have complex care needs. This includes: paediatric, emergency and obstetric surgery and anaesthesia.

Work placement: Clinical placements are an essential and rewarding component of the ODP programme. During placements students work as part of the perioperative care team and are supported by a specially trained mentor. This allows students to apply academic theory to clinical practice.

Assessment: A variety of assessment methods are used, including examinations, written assignments and assessment in the clinical area and in the University's clinical skills laborator.

English Language Requirements

CAE score : 60(Grade C)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Higher: CC, A Level: DD, ILC: CC at C1. Candidates must satisfactorily pass an interview, a health screen and a criminal record check.

Essential subjects: English and Mathematics (S Grade 3/GCSE C/ILC-O).

Recommended subjects: Mathematics and a science subject (GCSE C/S Grade 3/Int 2).

FE college students: Contact us or visit www.gcu.ac.uk/study for a copy of our College Student Supplement.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Glasgow Caledonian University.

Accreditation

On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council.