Operating Department Practice (South West) - BSc (Hons)

Are you interested in a rewarding career in perioperative care? Have you got excellent management skills and a passion for supporting others? Start your journey to becoming a vital part of the theatre team with our BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice (ODP) course....

How to apply

Studying with us in 2021/22 and 2022/23

The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Information about the arrangements for the 2021/22 academic year can be found here.

Should the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic continue in the 2022/23 academic year or subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.

Mandatory Vaccination Requirement

The Government is intending to introduce a mandatory requirement for those working in a health care setting (including students on placement) to have been vaccinated against COVID-19. If introduced, the requirement will affect this course as the completion of placement (s) in a health care setting is compulsory. This means that from 1 April 2022, all students on this course must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless they are exempt) before they are allowed to enter a health care setting to undertake a placement required for the successful completion of this course.

Level Undergraduate
Study mode Full Time
Location Royal Devon And Exeter Hospital

Award BSc (Hons)
Start date January 2022
Fees View course fees

School School of Health Sciences
Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences

Overview

Operating Department Practitioners provide holistic care for a diverse range of patient groups, both within and beyond the operating theatre. This BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice course uses the Modernising Allied Health Professions Career Framework, which spirals through each of the three years to align to the ‘Four Pillars of Practice’, to maximise the choice available to you within the operating theatre and beyond. Successful completion of the course will allow you to be eligible to apply for registration with the Heath and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and gain employment as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP).

This course is not open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

Using the Allied Health Professions career framework, the course embeds the ‘Four Pillars of Practice’ within each year to provide a spiralling curriculum covering:

Pillar One: Clinical Practice (anaesthetics, surgery and post-anaesthetic care)
Pillar Two: Facilitation of Learning (of self and others)
Pillar Three: Leadership
Pillar Four: Evidence, Research and Development

The proportion of teaching and learning of each pillar varies in each year, with the first year aimed at preparing you for academic work and self-development, supported by clinical placement experiences to underpin the principles of evidenced-based perioperative care for patients undergoing elective surgery.

In year two, the clinical practice emphasis shifts to providing care for patients undergoing complex and emergency surgery. You will learn to understand the principles of leadership whilst supporting others to learn as well as developing inquiry-based learning in order to support research and development.

You will work towards becoming an autonomous practitioner in year three, developing proficiency in anaesthetics, surgery and post-anaesthetic care as well as gaining experience in acute care beyond the operating theatre and developing in the role of a Surgical First Assistant (SFA). You will also have the opportunity to explore your own specialist interests as well as developing your leadership skills in order to manage people and resources within the perioperative environment, as you transition to a registered ODP as you prepare to register with the HCPC.

Accredited By

Why Choose Us?

Funding - Allied health profession students will receive at least £5,000 a year in additional funding for maintenance and associated study costs. Download the funding FAQs
We are one of the largest and most diverse providers of health and social care education in the country.
We use advanced and innovative education methods to ensure you get the most from your experience and learning
We have close links with a wide range of clinical practice partners to maximise your experience
Exposure to quality placement learning experiences to develop skills and professional relationships
Wide variety of career opportunities available upon successful completion, such as working in orthopaedic clinics, transplant teams, research and education

Similar Courses

Operating Department Practice (South West) - DipHE - 2021/22 Entry

Entry Requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

Essential Requirements

Level 2 Qualifications
112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level
UK Qualification	Requirements 2021/22
GCSE	Three subjects at grade C/4 or above Must include Mathematics, English language and Science subject Level 2 equivalent qualifications (e.g. Functional Skills) are accepted Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
BTEC Level 2 Diploma	Pass Science subject Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment Must be considered alongside GCSE or equivalent in Mathematics and English Language Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate	Pass Science subject Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment Must be considered alongside GCSE or equivalent in Mathematics and English Language Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
City and Guilds Level 2 Certificates in Adult Numeracy/ Adult Literacy	Pass Adult Numeracy / Adult Literacy Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment Must be considered alongside GCSE or equivalent in Mathematics, English Language and Science subject Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
Functional Skills/ Essential Skills level 2	Pass Mathematics and English Language Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment Must be considered alongside GCSE or equivalent in Science subject Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
Key Skills level 2	Pass Application of Number and Communication Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment Must be considered alongside GCSE or equivalent in Science subject Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level)	See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details
Scottish Intermediate 2	Three subjects at grade C or above Must include Mathematics, English language and Science subject Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
Scottish Credit Standard Grade	Three subjects at grade 2 or above Must include Mathematics, English language and Science subject Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
Scottish National 5	Three subjects at grade C or above Must include Mathematics, English language and Science subject Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application
IELTS	Applicants who have not received their secondary school education in English will require an overall IELTS score of 7, with no subtest below 6.5 If English is studied at GCSE Level but as a second language, IELTS must be completed to qualify for UK L2 requirement.
Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications
UK Qualification	Requirements 2021/22
A level and Advanced VCE	BBC / 112 UCAS points Including Health and Social Care, Psychology, Social Science or Science subject at A-level or Level 3 equivalent Excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Extended Project A maximum of 3 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or Level 3 equivalents
Access to HE Diploma	Health and Social Care or Science related pathway Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at Level 3 with 24 credits at Merit or Distinction (of which 18 must be in a Science or Health related subject) If applying with an Access course you only need GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C/4 or above or accepted equivalent. You are not required to hold five GCSEs in total and GCSE Science is not required
British bachelor's degree	Minimum 2.2 at full honours Considered on an individual basis
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)	DMM Must be in Health and Social Care or Applied Science
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2002 – 2010)	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either the BTEC level 3 National Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Health and Social Care or a relevant Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present) Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either the BTEC level 3 National Foundation Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be in Health and Social Care or a relevant Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Award (2002 - 2010)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Either the BTEC level 3 National Extended Certificate or one of the accompanying A-levels / level 3 equivalents must be in Health and Social Care or a relevant Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2016 - present) BTEC Level 3 Certificate (QCF) (2010 - 2016)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Either the BTEC level 3 National Certificate or one of the accompanying A-levels / level 3 equivalents must be in Health and Social Care or a relevant Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) (from September 2014) NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)	Grade B overall
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland)	Grade B overall
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce	Grade B overall
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)	112 UCAS points
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care	Grade B overall
City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080)	112 UCAS points Must be in Health and Social Care
International Baccalaureate Diploma	Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall with grade 4 or above in at least one Higher Level subject from Group 4 (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above, we will accept grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above, we will accept Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB
Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)	Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H1-H7 (or A-D/A1-D3)) Must include a Health or Science related subject at Higher level
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma	DMM Must be in Health or Science related subject
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a relevant Health or Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma (2016 - present) OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma (until-2016)	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma or the accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a relevant Health or Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (2016 – present) OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma (until 2016)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Either the OCR level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate or one of the accompanying A-levels / level 3 equivalents must be a relevant Health or Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Open University courses	Considered on an individual basis Must be in K101 - An Introduction to Health and Social Care
Scottish Advanced Higher	Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCD. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers). Must include a Health or Science subject at Higher level or above
T-Levels	112 UCAS points (Merit overall) Must be in either Healthcare Science or Science
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) One of the A-level / equivalent qualifications being taken must be a relevant Health or Science subject (e.g Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) One of the A-level / equivalent q
Other qualifications
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Applicants’ qualifications that are not listed will be considered on an individual basis. Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. International candidates: Those who meet residency/academic requirements of UK students but whose language is not English will need to hold IELTS with an overall score of at least 7.0 with no element below 6.5. In addition: Applicants must provide evidence of having been in general education for a minimum of 10 years. Applicants must demonstrate evidence of literacy, numeracy and IT skills. Applicants must provide evidence of study within the last 5 years. No offers are made without a face to face interview. Interviews are currently online via Microsoft Teams. Find out more about online interviews. All offers are subject to satisfactory Occupational Health Clearance, Disclosure and Barring Service report and, registration with Independent Safeguarding Authority. Applicants should be aware that qualifications, personal statement, interview and references all form part of the selection criteria for this course. I really want to become an Operating Department Practitioner but do not meet your entry requirements. What advice can you give me? All applicants must meet our academic entry requirements in order to be considered for the course. If you do not have sufficient Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications we advise you to consider undertaking a course which will give you the opportunity to gain the correct entry criteria. For example, an access course in a health/science-related field at your local further education college. This course contains the right mix of level 3 and level 2 qualifications which allow you to access higher education. Alternatively, you could undertake the Open University K101 course, as long as you have the appropriate GSCE qualifications (as defined in our entry criteria) with another level 3 qualification.
Portfolio route
Portfolio Route for those holding Level 3 Diploma in Perioperative Support (QCF) You are required to have GCSE at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics (or Functional Skills English and Maths) and a science subject. (GCSE equivalents are accepted, e.g. Key Skills Level 2, Adult Numeracy, Adult Literacy). The recognition of prior learning and experience route recognises that your previous experience contributes towards entry to the Diploma in Higher Education and Bachelor of Science in Operating Department Practice and when combined with successful completion of your portfolio, may lead to you successfully gaining a place in the programme. In order to demonstrate your previous experience, you are required to complete a portfolio which complements your certificated learning, and demonstrates your ability to study in Higher Education. The portfolio will require: A testimonial from your Diploma in Perioperative Support education provider; which confirms your progress, identifies your level of engagement in the process and your academic skills A testimonial from your workplace manager; which confirms your commitment to high quality patient care delivery as part of the perioperative team, work ethic and integrity 1 x 1500 written paper, in a formal style which uses the ‘Harvard’ referencing convention. This paper should discuss an aspect of perioperative practice 1 x 1500 written reflection, using Gibbs Model of Reflection. This element requires you to consider a time when you had a positive impact on a patient’s experience Applicants holding the Level 3 Diploma in Perioperative Support will be invited to interview and if successful will then be asked to create the portfolio. Once completed, you will need to send it electronically to the admissions tutor who will then evaluate the work and make a judgement about its suitability for entry onto the Operating Department Practice programme.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student
International Student

UK students

Tuition fees shown are for the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation based on the Retail Prices Index and the additional costs we incur each year to deliver our courses, maintain and develop our infrastructure and provide a range of support services, or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Jan 2022

Full Time
3 years
£9,250 per year
Apply via UCAS

International students

Sorry, this course is not available to International students.

£150 free credit (home/EU students only)

For 2021 entry, all new home/EU undergraduate students will receive £150 worth of free credit to spend in a host of ways, on books and a range of learning materials.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key Software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Free access to Rosetta Stone

All students can sign up to the online learning language platform for free through the Graduate+ scheme.

Uniform

On placement, you will be provided with scrubs from a central stock that is laundered by the hospitals. You will also be provided with appropriate footwear.

DBS check

You will require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for this course. Your first DBS check is included in your fees.

Placement expenses (mandatory)

There may be some costs for travel or temporary accommodation associated with placements. The NHS Learning Support Fund can help with these costs. Information about what the fund covers and eligibility criteria can be found online

Clothing and safety equipment (mandatory)

For practice learning opportunities, you will be expected to adhere to the BCU HELS Faculty Dress Code and/or the dress code for the relevant placement provider(s). This may involve the purchase of new items of clothing and/or shoes.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Books (optional)

All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy.

Memberships (optional)

You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course.

Subscriptions (optional)

You may wish to purchase subscriptions to additional journals and websites.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees.

Funding

From August 2020, health professionals degree students will receive at least £5,000 a year in funding support.

Find out more about the funding available

Download the funding FAQs

Personal statement

Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

Course choice

Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?

Career plans

If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.

Work experience

Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.

School or college experience

Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.

Non-accredited skills or achievement

eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Get more information on writing personal statements.

Work Experience

We understand that it is difficult to obtain work experience in the current situation and the restrictions in place. If you are unable to obtain work experience relevant to your course, this will not affect your application. If you do want to gain some experience to help prepare you for your course, there are other options available. The UCAS website details a range of alternative activities that you might want to consider.

UCAS

Financial Support

We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.

Course in Depth

Year One

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits)

20 credits

Foundations of Learning in Operating Department Practice aims will introduce you to learning styles and relevant theoretical models of learning and teaching which can help you appreciate the academic and clinical environment.

You will identify your own learning style and needs and identify how this will impact on your transition to higher education within healthcare. You will also learn to understand how services users are important to your own learning and equally how you affect the service user.

20 credits

Essential Biosciences for Operating Department Practice module aims to introduce you to biosciences and the essential knowledge of the human body that is required as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) to care for a range of service users. This module will enable you to understand the human body, its normal functions and deviations from this normality.

You will learn anatomy of the human body, physiology and the principles of pharmacology in relation to the perioperative patient. You will identify how homeostasis affects altered states of health and its impact on care.

40 credits

Foundations of Care in Operating Department Practice aims to introduce you to the role and responsibilities of the Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) working safely as part of the anaesthetic, surgical and post anaesthetic teams. It will allow you develop your knowledge and understanding of the individualised, holistic care provided to elective surgical patients and the notion of human factors in ensuring a safe patient journey through the operating theatre.

You will learn the principles of perioperative care and the impact this may have upon patient and staff safety and be able to assess, plan, implement and review the care required for patients in anaesthetics, surgery and post-anaesthetic care.

20 credits

The Foundations of Evidence-based Practice (EBP) allows you to explore the concept and principles of evidence-based practice in the context of your role as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP). The key elements of evidence-based practice will be introduced and the contribution of evidence to the quality of service delivery in the operating department will be explored.

You will learn what EBP is and how it guides quality perioperative care. You will learn how to search for good quality evidence from appropriate sources determining the suitability of the evidence and using the evidence to provide high quality care for service users.

20 credits

Becoming an Allied Health Professional (AHP) will introduce concepts such as professionalism, student’s code of conduct, personality traits and your impact within the operating theatre team. The module is closely aligned to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards, which you will be expected to work within throughout your student and post-qualification careers.

0 credits

Foundations of Operating Department Practice in clinical practice, aims to help you develop safe and effective transferable practice under direct supervision of a mentor.

You will contribute to the interprofessional team caring for the patient undergoing elective procedures in anaesthetics, surgery and post anaesthetic care units. This will include checking, selecting and preparing equipment, participating in the five steps to safer surgery and patient assessment.

Year Two

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

20 credits

Facilitation of Teaching and Learning in Operating Department Practice aims to build upon the foundation knowledge of how learners learn from your first year to facilitate teaching and assessment of learners in clinical practice.

You will explore teaching pedagogies and theories, which will help you to understand the evidence base behind approaches utilised to facilitate effective teaching and learning in practice. You will also explore the importance of diversity and inclusivity and its role in engaging learners throughout their professional clinical journey.

20 credits

The Diversifying Surgical Care Delivery Module builds upon the knowledge, skills and abilities from year one including the Bioscience and Foundations of Care in Operating Department Practice module. This will allow you to deliver care to a wide range of patients with diverse individual needs as a member of the multi-disciplinary theatre team within the operating theatre and beyond.

40 credits

Diversifying Anaesthetic & Post Anaesthetic Care module aims to build upon the foundations you acquired in year one and further explore anaesthetics and post-anaesthetic care delivery. It will allow you to develop in your role as an anaesthetic practitioner as you begin to deliver care to diverse patient groups undergoing elective and non-elective surgery.

20 credits

Applications of Evidence-based Practice module will allow you to explore the relationship between research and evidence within perioperative care. You will develop an understanding of the research process to move the profession forward.

You will learn to analyse methods of enquiry in operating department practice and appraise research evidence to identify areas of good practice and those requiring further research.

20 credits

Identifying & Developing Leadership Skills for the Operating Department Practitioner module will allow you to identify, examine and discuss the importance of leadership abilities and the impact of these upon others. You will examine current themes within healthcare settings which ultimately have an impact on patient care and safety, and how the Operating Department Practitioner’s (ODP) leadership abilities can manage this.

0 credits

Development of Operating Department Practice in clinical practice, aims to help you develop safe and effective transferable practice under supervision of a practice supervisor to plan and deliver care for a range of patients across the lifespan.

You will contribute to the inter-professional team caring for the patient undergoing complex and emergency procedures in anaesthetics, surgery and post-anaesthetic care units. This will include paediatric, shared airway, trauma and obstetric surgery.

Year Three

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

20 credits

The Advancing Leadership into Management for the ODP and Supporting Learners in Practice module will focus on your professional development with a specific focus on developing your leadership skills ready to transition as a registered Operating Department Practitioner (ODP).

20 credits

Acute Care Beyond the Operating Theatre aims to prepare you for the demands of an ever-evolving perioperative environment once you are qualified and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP).

20 credits

The Surgical First Assistance module allows you to understand the care of the surgical patient as a member of the extended surgical team. It will prepare you to work in the role of the Surgical First Assistant (SFA) as an ODP once you are qualified and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

40 credits

Independent Research within Operating Department Practice will allow you to develop inquiry based learning as you undertake a primary or secondary research study as a research investigator to inform perioperative practice.

You will learn the importance of self-management, supported by a Faculty supervisor, to collect and analyse data within your chosen methodological framework, and learn how to disseminate the findings of research in order to make recommendations for future practice within the operating department setting.

20 credits

The Negotiated Professional Practice module is designed to consolidate your learning over the last two years to prepare you for the demands of an ever-evolving Operating Department Practice (ODP) profession. As ODPs practise in increasingly diverse settings, this module allows you to select a specialist area of interest and evaluate its benefits to service users as well as your own professional development as a future registrant of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

0 credits

Proficiency of Operating Department Practice in clinical practice, aims to help you demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment as an Operating Department Practitioner exercising initiative and personal responsibility to meet the professional standards required by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

You will contribute to the inter-professional team caring for the patient within and outside of the operating theatre as a member of the theatre team and extended surgical and anaesthetic teams.

Taught in state-of-the-art facilities, including access to simulation suites and operating theatres, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospitals education centres. We use a variety of teaching methods to help you get the most from your study, reflecting the subject matter and your individual needs.

From structured lectures to personal use of our multimedia facilities, the focus for learning in the classroom is to help you to:

Work as part of a team
Understand how an ODP fits into the team and what they do
Understand the role played by other professionals
Manage your clinical workload
Make informed decisions to enhance clinical practice using the evidence base to support this
Communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team and service users
Adapt to different practice settings and be proactive in identifying and responding to your development needs.

The knowledge and skills in relation to the 3 main areas of perioperative practice; anaesthesia, surgery and post-operative care are introduced, developed and enhanced over the 3 year duration of the course.

The module delivery is arranged in blocks to allow you to apply your new knowledge in the clinical setting.

You will experience a mixture of teaching, self-directed study and practice-based clinical placements, spending 60% of your time each year on placement.

Successful completion of this programme gives eligibility to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council for registration as an Operating Department Practitioner.

Health and Care Professions Council

This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, and will give you eligibility to apply for registration if you successfully complete the course.

College of Operating Department Practitioners

This course is awaiting endorsement from the College of Operating Department Practitioners, the professional body for the profession.

Employability

Enhancing employability skills

To prepare students to meet the requirements for eligibility to apply for entry onto the Health and Care Professions Council register as Registered Operating Department Practitioners.

Combines theory with clinical placement to enhance awareness of different specialities in preparation for employment in operating theatre departments.

Develops transferable skills for working in a range of health care settings and recognising the need for life-long learning.

Placements

You will be required to travel for your clinical placements to engage in a broad range of specialities and practice areas. These placements will be with both NHS and independent health providers across the South West.

It is important you appreciate that fees for accommodation and/or travel will require personal financial outlay; these may be reimbursable to some extent, the most up-to-date information can be found on the NHS Business Service Authority website and the administrative team can also advise. Additionally there is no guarantee of a placement in a specific hospital or area.

More about our placement opportunities

Facilities & Staff

Facilities

We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across. Using a mixture of modern classrooms, a skills suite and a real operating theatre we ensure that the students experience offers students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice.

In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that students learn using the most up-to-date equipment available.

Find out more about the Research Innovation and Learning Development Building

Operating theatre

The operating theatre is operationally used within in a hospital’s day case unit and has all of the machinery, tools and equipment necessary; however with protected, supported time you will be able to build up confidence and feel comfortable in your working environment. Operating theatres can be daunting and confusing places on first view but during clinical skills sessions, you will learn to feel more comfortable within that environment.

RILD Library

The library, based in the Research, Innovation, Learning and Development (RILD) building, is a specialist health education library. The state-of-the art facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas and a silent study area as well as a numerous number of computers that students can access during theory. In addition to this, students will have access to not only the online BCU catalogue but also the NHS libraries in their placement areas.

The library offers extended opening hours and has an ODP specific reading list.

Computer facilities

As mentioned above, the RILD library has computers, full colour printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs have:

Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
Microsoft Office software
Research and statistical software

Our staff

Fiona Urwin

South West ODP Lecturer and Admissions tutor / Clinical lead

Fiona is a Registered Nurse and during her career up to 2018, she worked within Operating Theatres of both NHS and private hospitals; her final position being that of Theatre manager. Fiona's expertise is predominantly in the surgical phase of the perioperative environment and also in team leading and management of a busy NHS department.

From 2006, she also worked closely with different Universities, supporting and mentoring their Student ODP’s and nurses whilst they were undertaking their peri-operative placements and she is passionate about the importance of a good student experience during their placements to ensure that their learning is enhanced.

Fiona has an interest in inter-professional education/learning and shared experiences and how this contributes to high quality care in the perioperative setting.

More about Fiona

Mark Owen

South West ODP Senior Lecturer and Course Leader

Mark is an Operating Department Practitioner registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Clinical experience includes anaesthetic, surgical and post-anaesthetic care. He successfully completed the Surgical First Assistant training to enhance his role in surgical care.

In Mark's academic role he is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and have a Master of Science in Health and Social Care Education. He has led a variety of modules including, surgery and enhanced surgery, management and leadership at pre-registration level and a post-registration module for the surgical first assistant.

Mark has an interest in Interprofessional education/learning and how this contributes to high quality care in the perioperative setting.

More about Mark