Operating Department Practice Apprenticeship
3 years, full-time
ODPs are registered specialist practitioners in the operating department, their crucial role combining technical and caring skills to deliver the best possible patient care. This degree apprenticeship is run in partnership with the NHS and other healthcare providers. You will be employed and paid a salary by them during the programme.
Start date:
Course information
Accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Course description
Course description
Surgery requires an immense amount of patience, expertise and level-headedness. Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) have these skills in abundance and they set the highest standards for patient care.
ODPs work as part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including with surgeons and anaesthetists from the lead up to surgery right through to recovery. Working in the Operating Theatre, you’re truly at the sharp end of the care provided to patients undergoing surgery. An operation is often an important step on the road back to normal life, and you’ll become a key member of a team that cares for patients at a crucial time. Working as an ODP is an extremely rewarding career that gives you a real sense of privilege.
As a degree apprentice, you will study alongside our other ODP students and have the same learning opportunities and assessment requirements. The course blends academic study and work-based learning - we believe that this is the best way to develop your knowledge and skills. In the classroom, you'll study areas fundamental to an ODP's role, such as biological sciences, operating department technology, clinical leadership and management and the legal, ethical and professional issues that affect clinical practice.
However, building your confidence and breadth of experience with patients is vital, so 65% of your time is spent on placement with your employing hospital. We partner hospitals all over the East Midlands, all providing high quality, supportive placements where you will be mentored, taught, supervised and assessed to ensure you have what it takes to step into the professional environment.
We’re really proud to have some of the most satisfied ODP students in the UK. Our exceptional teaching and learning environment was reflected in our National Student Survey (NSS) 2024 results, where we were ranked 8th in subjects aligned to ODP for overall positivity (according to Times Higher Education NSS 2023 methodology applied to the NSS 2024 data).
The 2024 NSS comprised 27 core questions covering academic experience, teaching and assessments, and well-being services. It is completed by almost 346,000 final year students in the UK and gives feedback on their university experience.
With over 40 years' experience in ODP education, you'll learn from a dedicated team of experts with a huge amount of experience in supporting you to succeed. We know our approach works - in a recent (2019) National Student Survey, (NSS) 100% of students were satisfied with their course, placing us in the top three providers of ODP.
Not only that, our course entitles you to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), as a Registered ODP and we are proud to have an employability rate of 100%.
You can start the course in April or September.
- We also offer a three-year BSc in Operating Department Practice.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- GCSEs: 3 passes A*-C/ 4 and above (or equivalent), including Maths and English
- A-levels: BBC (or equivalent)
- Access to HE Diploma: 112 UCAS points, including 45 credits at level 3 and minimum 15 at Distinction, in a health-related subject
- BTEC Nationals: Pass relevant Diploma (preferably in a health-related subject) with DMM
- Mature Applicants (21+): Applicants aged 21 or over who in the judgement of the University submit sufficient evidence of serious previous study in the health and social care sector, and the academic aptitude to pursue a programme in Operating Department Practice, along with relevant work experience, may be eligible for admission.
- Armed Forces into Allied Health: Please contact our Admissions Tutors for an advisory consultation. More information about the AFIAH project.
- T Levels: Merit in either: Health (with an Occupational Specialism in Supporting the Adult Nursing team), or Health (with an Occupational Specialism in Supporting the Midwifery team), or Health (with an Occupational Specialism in Supporting the Theatre team), or Health (with an Occupational Specialism in Dental nursing), or Healthcare Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Pharmacy Services Assistant), or Healthcare Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Healthcare Science Assistant).
Please note: Advice and feedback on whether you meet the entry criteria can only be provided after we have received your application.
If you receive an offer of a place on the course, this will be subject to occupational health clearance and a DBS check (for which there is an associated cost covered by the University).
Contextual offers
The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to support students who may be impacted by the area they live in, their personal circumstances or who have completed one of our progression programmes. These offers are usually one or two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must apply for an eligible course and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
Selection Process
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous assessment results. Suitable applicants will be invited for interview.
Occupation Health and Criminal Records Check
Home Students
An offer to study this course at the University of Leicester is subject to satisfactory Occupational Health clearance, which will include current vaccination and testing requirements as stated by our placement providers. Alongside our NHS colleagues, we consider vaccination to be a professional responsibility and the best way to protect students, NHS colleagues and their patients. If you receive an offer, you will be required to complete and submit an Occupational Health Questionnaire.
Offers are also subject to a satisfactory enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Overseas Students
An offer to study this course at the University of Leicester is subject to satisfactory Occupational Health clearance, which will include current vaccination and testing requirements as stated by our placement providers. Alongside our NHS colleagues, and the GMC we consider vaccination to be a professional responsibility and the best way to protect students, NHS colleagues and their patients. If you receive an offer, you will be required to complete and submit an Occupational Health Questionnaire Form.
Offers are also subject to you providing a Certificate of Good Standing or Good Conduct Letter from your embassy or local police force, which should be no more than 6 months old prior to starting the course. This must specifically include confirmation that there is no known reason that you cannot work with vulnerable adults and children.
If you have studied in the UK for a minimum of 12 months prior to starting the course we will not require the Good Conduct Letter but will require a satisfactory ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ (DBS) check (as required for Home students) upon arrival.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in September 2025 or April 2026
Learners on this degree apprenticeship programme will be employed and fees will be paid on your behalf.
Employed status
As an employee of a healthcare organisation you will be subject to their contractual policies and practices e.g. holiday entitlement, sickness policy and hours of work.
International Students
Starting in September 2025 or April 2026
Please refer to the Apprenticeship funding rules information on the Government website.
Accreditation
Accreditation
This Operating Department Practice qualification (BSc ODP) entitles you to apply for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)), as a Registered ODP.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
The Operating Department Practice qualification (BSc ODP) entitles you to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Registered ODP.
Career opportunities are strong, there is a good starting salary and 100% of graduates are in full-time employment within the healthcare sector.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have found work in local, regional and national NHS hospital trusts and in independent sector hospitals.
Graduate testimonial
"Life as a student Operating Department Practitioner is interesting. Since becoming a Registered ODP I enjoy the caring environment and gain a high level of job satisfaction. It’s a fascinating and rewarding career with excellent opportunities for further progression." Katherine
Careers and Employability Service
Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Careers and Employability Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Related courses
Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
We are committed to providing skills and knowledge to help prepare you tackle global challenges. We have mapped our undergraduate degrees for learning which aligns to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This degree includes learning which relates to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Goal 3: Health and well-being
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1
Year 1 is a foundation year in which you learn the core skills and knowledge for the surgical and anaesthetic phases of the role.
Modules
- Foundations of Operating Department Practice
- Foundations of Surgical Practice
- Foundations of Anaesthetic Practice
- Practice Development and Progression 1
- Foundations of Professional Practice in Healthcare
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2
Year 2
Year 2 builds upon these transferrable skills in clinical specialties including post anaesthetic care, obstetric and emergency specialties.
Modules
- Specialist Practice
- Post-Anaesthetic Practice
- Critical Care and Non-elective Practice
- Practice Development and Progression 2
- Development of Professional Practice in Healthcare
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 3
Year 3
Year 3 involves gaining experience in the enhanced aspects of the role including enhanced clinical skills, leadership and management and conducting your major project
Modules
- Enhanced Practice
- Practice Development and Progression 3
- Clinical Leadership and Management
- Major Project
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Your career prospects are superb - our ODP course has a 100% employability rate. By studying this professional qualification you will become eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as an Operating Department Practitioner.
ODP education at the University of Leicester has been established for more than 40 years. By studying at the major provider for ODP training in the East Midlands, you'll learn from a dedicated team of experts with a huge amount of experience.
Get all the practical experience you need. Placements around the East Midlands account for about 65% of the course, allowing you to develop your clinical skills and experience real life scenarios. We have partner hospitals in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Cambridgeshire, where you'll be fully supported.
We have outstanding facilities, including a dedicated ODP practical room that allows for simulation and rehearsal of your clinical skills.
How to apply
Apprenticeship Code: ST0582
Applications for this degree apprenticeship programme are managed and advertised by healthcare employers e.g. NHS Jobs in partnership with the University of Leicester.
You do not apply through UCAS.
We would advise that you create a free account on NHS Jobs and set alerts for ODP apprenticeship opportunities. This way you will be notified when positions are advertised.
Vacancies may be advertised throughout the year and are not linked to existing UCAS and university application deadlines.
Although most employers advertise these positions to external applicants, at times some will limit them to internal candidates only. Therefore we also recommend getting in touch with your local healthcare provider.
Teaching and learning
The Operating Department Practice BSc is a vocational degree, designed to maximise your experience. You can start the course in April or September.
Unlike a typical degree, which runs over three terms or two semesters with a long summer break, we run on an ‘all year’ timetable, with a short summer break and two weeks off in December. We also provide additional annual leave, which can be booked throughout the year. This can also be used to book time off for religious holidays and celebrations. You will receive the timetable for the full three year course when you begin studying with us.
Over the three years you will spend 30 weeks in the classroom. The rest of the time is spent undertaking your practical clinical placements and self-directed study.
The course is divided in to 15 modules covering key areas, including biological sciences, principles of peri-operative care, operating department technology and the legal, ethical and professional issues that affect clinical practice.
We use a variety of learning methods, including classroom sessions, private study and critical evaluation, as well as experiential learning and reflective practice. You will be assessed through practicals, student assignments, presentations, projects as well as examinations.
Along with classroom study, you will work with real patients and expert ODP teams, allowing you to get varied and detailed experience. This wealth of first-hand experience will enable you to develop and enhance your clinical skills and confidence.
Placements
About 65% of your course time is spent on clinical placement at one of our Clinical Placement Partner Hospitals. Clinical experience is crucial to develop your all round skills as a future ODP. As an Apprentice your clinical placement will likely to be with your direct employer.
We work with our hospitals to provide high quality, supportive placements where you as will be mentored, taught, supervised and assessed.
Clinical placement provides you with many varied experiences that will ensure you are ready for employment; these include:
-
Experiences as part of working Operating Department Teams
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Caring for patients from all backgrounds and ages
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Opportunities to experience a range of surgical specialities
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Exposure to routine, trauma and emergency surgery
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Meeting other students and professional colleagues with lots of experience
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Patient contact from first semester
Placement Hospitals
Leicestershire
- Leicester Royal Infirmary
- Leicester General Hospital
- Glenfield General Hospital
Cambridgeshire
- Peterborough District Hospital
- Hinchingbrooke Hospital
- Stamford Hospital
Derbyshire
- Royal Derby Hospital
- Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Lincolnshire
- Pilgrim Hospital Boston
- Grantham District Hospital
Nottinghamshire
- Queens Medical Centre
- Nottingham City Hospital
Northamptonshire
- Northampton General Hospital
- Kettering General Hospital
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Academic support
Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:
- study and exam skills
- academic writing
- presentations
- dissertations
- numerical data skills
- referencing sources
Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Operating Department Practice | Qualification BSc | Duration 3 years full-time | Start Dates April and September each year | Availability Applications for this degree apprenticeship programme are managed and advertised by healthcare employers e.g. NHS Jobs in partnership with the University of Leicester. You do not apply through UCAS. |
Data about this course
This is a very challenging course but every day is rewarding – you cannot get better than that.