Course Comparison

Course
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Integrated Foundation Year MOptom (Hons) Optometry with Integrated Foundation Year
Award
Bachelor of Science - BSc (Hons) Master of Optometry - MOptom (Hons)
Duration
4 years 5 years
Assessment breakdown
- -
Course type
Full-time Full-time
Placement
(+ optional placement) (with placements)
Location
Plymouth Plymouth
Provider
School of Biomedical Sciences School of Health Professions
Entry requirements
Suitability interviews, DBS and occupational health assessments may also need to be undertaken by applicants considering progression to certain professionally recognised programmes.
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C at GCSE level)
A level:Typical offer 32-48 points from a minimum of 2 A-levels including grade E in a Science subject. Excluding General Studies
GCSE:Mathematics and English language grade C/4.
International Baccalaureate:24 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.
BTEC: PPP in a science related subject.
T level: Accepted – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
Access: pass an Access to HE Diploma (e.g science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing).
Other qualifications and professional experience may be considered. Interview may be required, please refer to institution for individual consideration.
We are aware of the various education systems throughout the world and make offers based on equivalent qualifications to those listed in our entry requirements. You should be able to possess the ability to study in the English language and be familiar with this in a scientific context. To that end, we will ask for a minimum IELTS score; this will not differ from that required for any other science degree, and support in scientific English is offered.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 
Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
GCSE 
Applicants need to achieve 5 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects:  
  • English (Consideration may be given to equivalent literacy qualifications)
  • Mathematics (Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics)
  • Science 
Students not achieving mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 on application may be offered a free online mathematics support package and an examination equivalent to C grade GCSE to enable the achievement of appropriate entry requirements prior to commencing the programme. This examination is offered during the recruitment cycle to all eligible candidates. 
Plus suitable Level 3 qualifications or experience as outlined below: 
A level
Typical offer 88 points from a minimum of 2 A-levels including grade C in a Science subject. Excluding General Studies.
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C/4 at GCSE level).
International Baccalaureate
25 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.
BTEC
MMP in a science related subject.
T level
Accepted, a minimum of a Pass (C or above in the Core) preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
Access
Pass an Access to HE Diploma (e.g science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing) with at least 33 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction.
Other qualifications and professional experience may be considered. Interview may be required, please refer to institution for individual consideration.
English language
We are aware of the various education systems throughout the world and make offers based on equivalent qualifications to those listed in our entry requirements. You should be able to possess the ability to study in the English language and be familiar with this in a scientific context. To that end, we ask for a minimum IELTS score; of at least 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each section. English language requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 
Extended entry requirements
  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.
Further information