Operating Department Practice Studies

Course overview: As an operating department practitioner (ODP) you are a specialist vital part of the multidisciplinary perioperative theatre team, providing a high standard of patient-centred care during anaesthesia, surgery, and post anaesthetic care (recovery). You can expect to work within the whole of the perioperative environment across a variety of surgical specialities assisting anaesthetists and surgeons alongside the wider multidisciplinary team.

Our patient-centred course equips you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to ensure that you can fully contribute to healthcare delivery in a dynamic and fast-moving surgical environment.

You gain practice and experience across a variety of perioperative areas including general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, ear, nose and throat, obstetric surgery, anaesthetic and post-anaesthetic care. Over 50% of the course is spent in hospitals on a rotation basis throughout the North East, alongside experienced clinical staff and previous Teesside ODPs. You follow various shift patterns including nights and weekends to gain the maximum learning experience. You are supported by evidence-based learning in lectures, seminars and practical activities in our clinical skills labs and simulated operating theatre. Your learning is underpinned and enhanced by the academic team who have decades of collective experience in theatre settings.

On successful completion of the course you will be eligible to apply for registration to the Health and Care Professions Council.

Please note 100% attendance is expected during this programme.

Top reasons to study this course


1. Financial support: You may be eligible for a £5,000 maintenance grant each year from the NHS Business Service Authority. Visit our course page to find out more.
2. Placement opportunities: gain valuable learning experiences and specialised training in hospital theatres across the North-East.
2. Industry-standard facilities: our bespoke simulation suite gives you realistic training experience.


After the course: A qualified ODP is trained in all areas of theatre work and can specialise in surgery, anaesthetics or post-anaesthetic care. New areas of practice are also opening up to the ODP such as accident and emergency, intensive care units and specialist theatres. Career opportunities exist within NHS hospital trusts and private hospitals, primary care trust clinics and the armed forces.

You can progress to postgraduate study to develop to an advanced role and surgical care practitioner skills alongside surgeons. You can also develop your role through teaching, or pursue theatre management roles.

Choosing Teesside University means joining a modern, ambitious university that puts students first. Named Modern University of the Year 2026 (Daily Mail University Guide 2026) and recognised for its outstanding student experience, Teesside combines award-winning teaching with the support you need to succeed.

Based in Middlesbrough, the university has invested millions into creating a vibrant campus packed with industry-standard facilities, study spaces and social hubs. You'll also have access to Adobe Creative Campus tools, helping you build valuable digital skills alongside your degree.

From day one, you'll be part of a welcoming student community with excellent support services, societies, sports clubs and opportunities to boost your career prospects. If you're looking for a university that helps you achieve more and make the most of student life, Teesside could be the perfect fit.