Undergraduate

Operating Department Practice

ODP student Olayemi Ajayi stands in scrubs with her arms folded in front of the hand washing station
practical session in the operating theatre for ODP students
An ODP student in surgical scrubs standing outside the allam medical building
A group of healthcare students standing outside Allam Medical Building

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Learn to become a vital member of a surgical team with this degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
You'll be taught by experts in the field and develop your skills in cutting edge facilities right here on campus.
Operating Department Practice students receive an NHS bursary worth £5,000 a year. This doesn't need to be paid back and is in addition to any financial support received through your student loan.
Designed in collaboration with local NHS trusts and private healthcare providers, this course has a strong clinical focus – to meet the growing demand for ODPs both locally and nationally.
Our £28 million Health Campus is part of our investment into your future with state-of-the-art training environments for our students and researchers.
We don't just teach you the theory. With our hands-on degree, you'll divide your time between class-based learning and mentored clinical placements.
ODP student Olayemi Ajayi stands in scrubs with her arms folded in front of the hand washing station
practical session in the operating theatre for ODP students
An ODP student in surgical scrubs standing outside the allam medical building
A group of healthcare students standing outside Allam Medical Building
Allam Medical Building Operating Theatre
Health, Nursing & Midwifery - Operating Department Practice

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Code

Duration

Mode

  • Standard course

Typical offer

What does this mean?

Operating department practitioners (ODPs) are vital members of the surgical team who care for patients before, during and after surgery.

With this degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), you’ll split your time between learning in our award-winning new Allam Medical Building and on clinical placements.

This means you’ll graduate with the skills, experience and confidence to start your career as an Allied Healthcare Professional and you’ll be able to apply for registration as an Operating Department Practitioner.

  • 100%

    of students in work or further study 15 months after graduating 1

  • 50/50 split

    between classes and placements

  • Get paid £5k a year

    or more through the NHS Learning Support Fund 2

  • Award-winning

    facilities on campus

  • Register as an ODP

    when you graduate

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a variety of surgical theatre specialties.

At Hull, you’ll be taught by experts in the field and develop high-quality skills in anaesthetic, surgical and post-operative/anaesthetic care.​​

Our simulated clinical practice teaching takes place in the cutting-edge facilities of our award-winning new Allam Medical Building on this programme and our course boasts an incredible employability rating – so the career prospects couldn’t be better.

In fact, our degree has been designed in collaboration with local NHS trusts and private healthcare providers to meet the growing demand for ODPs both locally and nationally.

Plus, students studying this course may also receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year. This doesn't need to be paid back and is in addition to any financial support received through your student loan.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

To meet HCPC requirements, this is a full-time 3 year programme. This is organised over 45 scheduled weeks of study and three trimesters per year, with additional time scheduled for assessment and holidays.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Fundamentals of Operating Department Practice

Gain an understanding of the fundamentals of operating department practice, allowing you to consider your role as a healthcare professional. 

Core•20 credits

Identifying the Needs of the Surgical Patient - Practice Module

You will be supervised at all times by a mentor allowing exposure to specific activities ensuring safe practice. 

Core•20 credits

Evidence-Based Practice in the Perioperative Arena

You'll demonstrate digital literacy skills, accessing a range of literature that informs practice, policy and procedure.

Core•20 credits

Surgical/Anaesthetic Intervention and It's Impact Upon the Patient - Practice Module

Organise and manage the needs of the patient during the perioperative period within a range of clinical settings. 

Core•20 credits

Personal and Professional Development in Operating Department Practice

Engage in the process of self-reflection within a selected patient safety scenario or personal development experience from clinical practice. 

Core•20 credits

Management and Organisation of the Surgical/Anaesthetic Event - Practice Module

This module provides you with the opportunity to organise and manage the needs of the patient during the perioperative period in a range of clinical settings. 

Core•20 credits
6 Modules

Intra-Operative Intervention

You'll develop your understanding of quality care within the surgical environment and its impact on the patient, significant others and organisation.

Core•20 credits

Intra-Operative Practice - Practice Module

Develop your knowledge, understanding and practice skills to apply and analyse problem-solving approaches relating to various stages of patients' surgical / intraoperative phases.

Core•20 credits

Pre-Operative and Anaesthetic Intervention

Consider practice-based knowledge during the pre-operative and anaesthetic event. Previous exposure and clinical experiences will be developed, enhancing your competence and confidence.

Core•20 credits

Pre-Operative and Anaesthetic Practice - Practice Module

Develop your knowledge, understanding and practice skills to apply and analyse in-depth problem-solving approaches relating to various stages of the patients' pre-operative and anaesthetic care.

Core•20 credits

Post-Operative/Post Anaesthetic Intervention

Build on your knowledge to discuss and analyse the needs of the post anaesthetic / surgical patient in relation to the biological sciences, pathological processes, technology and therapeutic interventions. 

Core•20 credits

Post-Operative/Post Anaesthetic Practice - Practice Module

While caring for immediate post-operative patients, you will consider the impact of preoperative, anaesthetic and intra-operative procedures. 

Core•20 credits
6 Modules

Independent Project

You'll combine theory and practice to produce a work portfolio outlining a project that is of value to patients, members of the multidisciplinary team or both.

Core•40 credits

Enhancing Perioperative Practice

By participating in enhanced clinical skills such as airway management and the surgical first assistant role, you'll further develop your clinical practice knowledge. 

Core•40 credits

Clinical Leadership

You'll evaluate leadership traits, change management and health policy to justify areas of improvement in service provision.

Core•20 credits

Contextualising Enhanced Roles in Perioperative Practice

You’ll learn the principles of role enhancement and augmented skills against the backdrop of government health policy in the perioperative arena and beyond. You’ll do this by exploring the nature of extended and enhanced roles and how they impact service provision.​

Core•20 credits

Consolidation of Practice

This module emphasises self-directed autonomous practice, future employment opportunities and identification of activity towards continual professional development (CPD).

Core•20 credits
5 Modules

This course is accredited by

Playlist

Natalie Teal

Course Overview 2 mins

ODP Medical Scenario

Course highlight 4 mins

Olayemi Elizabeth Ajayi

Student story 1 min

Healthcare family

University Life 3 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

Use UCAS's calculator to work out your estimated points

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

Our staff combine teaching and clinical practice with the opportunity to be involved in high-quality research projects.

Their expertise sees them consult with regulatory bodies and government to drive improvement in healthcare and their research is recognised internationally for its quality.

See more academics for this subject
Rebecca Daly
Featured academic

Rebecca Daly

Rebecca is an Operating Department Practitioner who joined the University of Hull in 2013. She is currently the programme admissions tutor and teaches across all levels of undergraduate study as well as on the level 7 Advanced Practice programme.
Natalie Teal
Featured academic

Natalie Teal

Natalie is an experienced operating department practitioner, clinical practice educator and surgical first assistant. She joined the University of Hull in 2015 and is now Programme Director for Operating Department Practice.

Take a look at our facilities

Operating Theatre

Develop the skills and confidence to work in a surgical setting with our mock operating theatre on campus.

Hospital Ward

Get hands-on in our mock hospital ward and practise a range of scenarios in our state-of-the-art facilities.

Critical Care Room

Develop the skills needed to work with very ill patients in an intensive care setting with this specialist training area.

Lecture Theatre

Benefit from the facilities of our award-winning Allam Medical Building with its dedicated lecture theatres, simulated hospital ward, intensive care unit, resuscitation unit, and more.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Look around

Look around

Look around

Operating Theatre
Hospital Ward
Allam Medical Building Critical Care Room
Allam Medical Building Lecture Theatre
An operating department practice student wearing surgical scrubs in a medical facilities space

Future prospects

Our degree has an incredible graduate employability rating so the career prospects couldn’t be better.

You’ll graduate with the skills and experience to be a professional healthcare practitioner and eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Most of our graduates will go on to work in the NHS – but others find positions overseas, in private practice and the Armed Forces.  Future progress options could include roles in medical associate professions such as surgical care practitioners and anaesthesia associate.

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

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1. 100% employability (Perioperative Care) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2021/22, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2024.

2. Available to all undergraduate students studying Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science or Physiotherapy. You don't need to pay this back, and you'll get it as well as your student loan.


All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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