University of Leicester

What you'll study

This programme comprises a foundation year followed by the three-year Operating Department Practice degree. The foundation year develops core skills in academic study, biology, chemistry and numeracy alongside healthcare awareness to prepare students for levelled professional study. Once on the degree years, core modules cover anatomy and physiology for perioperative practice, pharmacology related to anaesthesia and pain management, microbiology and infection prevention, and principles of patient safety and clinical governance.

• Anaesthetic practice: techniques for preparing patients for anaesthesia, airway management fundamentals, monitoring and assisting with induction and recovery.
• Surgical (scrub) practice: aseptic technique, instrumentation, assisting surgical teams and understanding theatre workflows.
• Post-anaesthetic recovery: recognising and managing post-operative complications, pain management and safe handover.
• Clinical skills and simulation: hands-on training using simulation suites to practise emergency scenarios, communication and teamwork.
• Professional practice and law: ethics, consent, professional regulation and multi-disciplinary working in the NHS context.
• Research and evidence-based practice: research methods, audit and quality improvement projects relevant to perioperative care.

Practical learning is integrated throughout via assessed clinical placements in partner NHS Trusts, where students gain supervised experience across anaesthetic, scrub and recovery areas. Assessment methods include practical competency demonstrations, clinical portfolios, written exams and project work.

Entry requirements

The foundation pathway is designed for applicants who do not meet direct entry criteria for the honours degree. Typical academic requirements for the foundation year may include a set number of GCSEs (including English and mathematics) and/or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Level 2 or an Access to Higher Education certificate. For direct entry to the degree (bypassing the foundation year), applicants usually present A-levels, BTEC Level 3, Access qualifications or equivalent experience demonstrating achievement in sciences or health-related subjects.

All applicants must meet professional suitability checks required for clinical placements, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, occupational health screening and immunisation checks. International applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English to the University’s accepted standard.

Relevant healthcare experience is advantageous but not always mandatory; personal statements and interviews are used to assess motivation, communication skills and aptitude for working in high-pressure clinical environments.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify as registered operating department practitioners, eligible to work across the anaesthetic, surgical and recovery phases in hospitals and surgical centres. Typical roles include theatre practitioner, anaesthetic practitioner, scrub practitioner and recovery practitioner within NHS trusts or private healthcare providers.

Career development pathways include advanced clinical practice roles, theatre co-ordination and management, perioperative education and training, research or specialist areas such as paediatric or cardiac surgery. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate study in advanced clinical practice, healthcare leadership or related allied health disciplines.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers this programme within a school experienced in allied health education, combining research-informed teaching with practical skills development. Students benefit from modern simulation suites, dedicated clinical skills facilities and strong links with local NHS Trusts that provide supervised placement opportunities across diverse surgical specialities.

The School emphasises small-group teaching, interprofessional learning and support for employability, with academic staff who are experienced clinicians and researchers. Support services include careers guidance, placement preparation and pastoral support to help students succeed academically and professionally in perioperative practice.