Operating Department Practice (Pre-registration) MSc

This course is not just about acquiring expertise; it's about embracing a calling to be the unsung heroes behind the scenes. As a an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) you will strive to be the steady hands that navigate the complexities of surgical procedures, and the compassionate soul that ensures every patient journey is one of safety, comfort, and dignity.

The role is unique and unlike no other Allied Health Professional. With specific training in the areas of anaesthetics, surgery and recovery, the ODP provides highly skilled assistance to medical staff and is a central role in the multidisciplinary perioperative team. There is an identified need for increasing numbers of ODPs in both private and public healthcare provision and on an international level.

You will not only gain a profound understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, but also cultivate essential teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills essential for success in the operating theatre. 

Subject to approval, the course will be externally accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners and approved by the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC). The course leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and therefore enables you to use the protected title of Operating Department Practitioner.

There is a strong emphasis on employability, and we encourage you to build personal resilience and leadership skills to facilitate professional development in work-based environments. In all levels of study, you will interact with Operating Department Practitioners and other professionals from a range of careers.

We have a strong commitment to social justice, sustainability, and enhancing cultural intelligence by encouraging you to be aware of, and address, social and economic concerns inequalities in healthcare.

How you will study

You must study this postgraduate course full time.

The course will take 2 years to complete.

In your first year you will study 4 compulsory modules, as well a practice placements. The course is 50% practice placement and 50% university-based.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

In your second year you will study 4 compulsory modules, and you will continue with your practice placements.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

With 50% of the course being practice placement and 50% university-based, your learning is balanced between theory and practice. You will learn through a blend of theoretical study, hands-on experiences, and professional placements, preparing you for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Your lectures will provide theoretical context around perioperative concepts including anaesthesia, surgical interventions, and complex patient care. Seminars will encourage deeper learning through interactive discussions, debate, critical analysis, and collaborative problem-solving. Guest speakers from all areas of perioperative practice and research will enhance your understanding of the profession.

Hands-on immersive simulations are an exciting and integral part of the course. You will engage in realistic perioperative scenarios, applying theoretical knowledge in safe, controlled environments that will encourage debate to foster deeper learning. We are in the process of developing a purpose-built operating theatre on our main campus, to support your learning.

Interprofessional collaboration is emphasised throughout the course, and you will work alongside nursing and allied health students in simulation and clinical placements to highlight the importance of multidisciplinary working. Shared learning experiences will prepare you for complex multidisciplinary team working on clinical placements and equip you with the communication and team-working skills to thrive in the modern healthcare setting.

Graduate employability is always a focus, with professional skills development introduced in year one, and continued in year two with an employability week that will feature:

• Industry speakers
• Guest lectures from advanced practice
• CPD portfolio building
• CV creation seminars
• Interview techniques

Assessment

You will be assessed through:

• Written assignments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
• Exams
• Research
• A practice assessment document (PAD), demonstrating your knowledge development and clinical placement skills

Qualifications

You would normally require a degree in a related subject of science, social sciences and/or healthcare and experience of undergraduate level research, including undertaking a project or dissertation. If you have either a 2:2 in a related subject, or an honours degree in a subject not covered above, your application may still be considered if you are able to evidence significant academic or experience in health, social care and/or education.

Additional requirements

Admission to the course is dependent upon the following selection processes and criteria:

• Personal statement
• Satisfactory DBS check
• Medical report - you must be in good health and up to date with your routine immunisations
• Declaration of any convictions, cautions or allegations
• Understanding of the Operating Department Practitioner role in healthcare
• You will be trained in manual handling techniques before being allowed into practice at the beginning of the course

Interview

You will need to attend an interview for this course.

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 7.0 (with no skill below 6.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

APEL

If you can't meet these minimum requirements it may be possible to take into account evidence of Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) as an alternative method of meeting the programme’s entry requirements. In such a case, appropriate references and records of employment might be presented to support the applicant’s case for admission.

UK 2025 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this postgraduate course is £9,535 per year for full time study.

This cost applies to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Funding your studies

If you live in England, you can use the same student loans system as undergraduate students to pay for this course. When applying for funding, you will need to apply as an undergraduate student.

If you live in Wales or Scotland you will need to apply for a Postgraduate Master's Loan.

You can find out more about this loan and how to apply by following the link below to our funding opportunities page.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

NHS Learning Support Fund

If you apply for this course, you might be eligible for additional financial support from the NHS. Visit their website to find out more about eligibility criteria and what you can receive.

Learning Support Fund

Tuition fees

International 2025 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this postgraduate course is £18,400 per year for full time study.

This price applies to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Additional costs and financial support

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Operating Department Practice take you?

You could seek an anaesthetics or scrub role immediately after graduating from this degree. You could from there progress to roles such as:

• Advanced scrub practitioner
• Surgical care practitioner
• Leadership and management
• Research
• Education
• Physicians associate
• Physicians associate in anaesthesia

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market.

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.