Optometry

If you are interested in problem-solving, science and working with people the Optometry degree at Ulster will provide you with the training you need to become an Optometrist. You will benefit from the small class sizes (approximately 36 per year), unique to Ulster, which ensures our students have excellent access to patients, equipment and lecturing staff. Our graduates consistently score our course in the top three of UK Optometry degrees and go on to careers in high street practice, hospital practice, the optical industry, vision science research and academia.

At Ulster we offer a 4-year Master of Optometry with Honours degree.

This full-time programme of study is based at the Coleraine campus for the first three years, followed by a year placement somewhere within the UK. We have a well equipped Optometry Clinic which provides eye care services to the local population whilst also acting as the central teaching hub for our students.

You can find out more about the Optometry Clinic by clicking here.

In addition to the extensive clinical experience gained in the Optometry Clinic and NHS placements, you will learn through interactive lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions, where engagement in learning is encouraged through a diverse range of teaching and assessment methods.

Key skills for Optometry include the ability to understand and apply scientific principles and methods, a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, good organisational and administrative skills, good manual dexterity and strong interpersonal and communication skills.

The Optometry programme at Ulster has been accredited by the General Optical Council to provide optometric education and provides the training required to become a registered optometrist in the UK or Ireland.