City

What you'll study

This degree follows the professional ODP curriculum and blends academic study with workplace training. The programme typically runs over three years and combines campus-based modules, simulated practice and assessed placements in theatre, anaesthesia and recovery settings. Core subjects include anatomy and physiology for perioperative practice; pharmacology and anaesthetic agents; principles of asepsis and infection control; perioperative and surgical skills; anaesthetic and recovery techniques; patient assessment and monitoring; pain management; and principles of perioperative care across specialties.

Students also study professional topics such as ethics and law in healthcare, communication and teamwork, evidence-based practice and research methods, leadership and quality improvement. Practical assessment occurs through objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), workplace-based assessments and reflective portfolios that map competency to the professional standards required for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

• Core clinical modules: anaesthetic practice, theatre practice, recovery and post-anaesthetic care
• Foundational sciences: anatomy, physiology and pharmacology relevant to perioperative care
• Professional practice: ethics, law, communication and interprofessional working
• Research and evidence-based practice: critical appraisal, audit and quality improvement
• Workplace assessment: supervised placements across a range of surgical specialties and emergency settings

Entry requirements

Applicants must be employed by an organisation able to offer the apprenticeship and to support the required supervised clinical hours. Typical academic requirements include A-levels, a national diploma (BTEC) or relevant prior learning at level 3; candidates with an appropriate healthcare support worker background or an HNC/HND in a health subject may also be considered. GCSEs in English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalents) are usually required.

All applicants must pass occupational health screening, an enhanced DBS check and workplace fitness assessments. Selection includes an interview and may include practical scenario testing and assessment of numeracy and literacy. Mature applicants with relevant experience are welcomed and assessed on their individual profile and readiness for degree-level study.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify to apply for registration with the HCPC as Operating Department Practitioners and are prepared to work across the perioperative pathway. Typical first roles are as ODPs working in theatre teams, anaesthetic departments and recovery units in NHS and private hospitals. With experience, ODPs progress to senior practitioner roles, theatre co-ordination, education and clinical skills training, infection control or surgical services management.

Other career routes include advanced practitioner roles, specialist perioperative practice (for example trauma, paediatrics or cardiac surgery), research and postgraduate study (such as MSc programmes) or roles in pre-assessment and critical care. The apprenticeship route also gives strong workplace credibility for internal progression within employing trusts and health providers.

Why study at City

City has established partnerships with NHS trusts across London, giving apprentices access to diverse placement opportunities and exposure to a wide range of surgical specialties. The programme is delivered by clinicians and academics with direct perioperative experience and combines practical simulation facilities with workplace-based learning to develop clinical confidence and professional competence.

The apprenticeship model means you are employed and paid while you train, with assessments mapped to both academic outcomes and occupational competency standards. City provides student support services, clinical skills sessions and simulation resources that mirror real-world theatre environments, alongside academic teaching in research, leadership and professional development to support long-term career progression.