BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice

What you will study

Our ODP degree programme is structured as a spiral curriculum, meaning that topics are introduced in Year One, and then expanded upon in Years Two and Three.

Year 1 (LEVEL 4)

Year One is an introduction to the main topics of Operating Department Practice, including clinical, professional, research and life sciences topics.

MODULES

• Introduction to Operating Department Practice: introduction to the fundamental topics of anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care
• Introduction to Perioperative Clinical Skills: introduction to the practice placement element of being an ODP. This module will focus mainly on elective, scheduled cases.
• Introduction to Life Sciences (IPE): introduction to the life sciences, including physical anatomy and physiology and mental health
• Foundations in Professional Practice (IPE): introduction to the professional roles and responsibilities of an Allied Health Professional covering topics such as confidentiality, dignity, care, and reflection
• Foundations in Research (IPE): introducing students to the concepts of research, becoming familiar with research articles, assignment writing, and statistics

Year 2 (LEVEL 5)

Year Two will expand on topics which were introduced in the first year.  There will be greater complexity, and greater application to practice of an ODP.

MODULES

• Developing Operating Department Practice: expanding on the theory behind anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care
• Developing Perioperative Clinical Skills: more complex skills introduced within the practice element of the programme. More focus on emergency scenarios, emergency anaesthetics and surgery.
• Applying Life Sciences to Perioperative Practice: re-visiting topics of life sciences with an application to anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care. Expanding on the considerations for, and treatment of body systems within the perioperative environment.
• Contemporary Studies in Operating Department Practice: exploring policies which govern and shape modern Operating Department Practice, beginning with WHO Safe Surgery Saves Lives
• Evidence in Practice (IPE): exploring how research directly impacts the practice of Allied Health Professionals in their clinical work.

Year 3 (LEVEL 6)

Year Three introduces students to expanding roles of ODPs, including Surgical First Assistance, Critical Care and Resuscitation.  Students will also be prepared for practice by exploring elements such as audit, research, leadership, and management.

MODULES

• Advanced Operating Department Practice: exploring the theory behind surgical first assistance, critical care, resuscitation, and caring for patients with complex needs.
• Advanced Perioperative Clinical Skills: the practice placement element of more advanced perioperative practice with placements in departments outside of the theatre department to expose students to a greater depth of their scope of practice
• Research for Practice (IPE): students will complete a research project exploring an area of Operating Department Practice where they will be able to collect their own data.
• Transition to Professional Practice (IPE): students will explore leadership and management theories, preparation for employment and professional registration, and quality policies and procedures. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

The minimum academic entry criteria for the BSc (Hons) Operating Department practice programme is:
112 UCAS points as described in the online prospectus, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade C or grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Candidates must also provide evidence of study within the five years prior to application.

In addition to the academic entry criteria, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Meet occupational health requirements

Teaching & Assessment

Teaching, learning and assessment will follow a blended approach with online content, videos, small group sessions and practical sessions. We have a case study format throughout, relating concepts to the real-life environment. The Active Learning Framework (ALF) will be used throughout each module, at each level. There is a broad range of assessments, using practice, case study portfolios, presentations, and posters. 

Assessment methods include:

• Essays
• Presentation
• Examination
• OSCE

Teaching and Learning

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our Student Support has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion team can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our Careers and Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Our ODP degree will give opportunity for you to be part of the Student Streamlining Project with NHS Wales and enables access to HCPC register as an Operating Department Practitioner (subject to HCPC approval).

Career options open to students after completing the course include:

• Operating Department Practice
• Surgical first assistant
• Surgical Care Practitioner
• Physicians associate
• Physicians assistant

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

View the full programme specification here

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our Accommodation to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.