Operating Department Practice

ODPs are specialist registered practitioners in the operating department, their crucial role combining technical and caring skills to deliver the best possible patient care. This degree covers all aspects of the job, preparing you up for a rewarding career in the profession.

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 in the UK.

ODPs work as part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including with surgeons and anaesthetists, from the lead up to surgery right through to recovery and beyond. 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.

Our ODP programme within the School of Healthcare offers course-long placements in Nottingham, Derby, Northampton, Kettering, Chesterfield, Peterborough, Grantham and Boston, as well as Leicester. This gives you the option to enjoy the benefits of our excellent ODP programme whilst learning in a local hospital close to home.

The degree 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 in one of our partner hospitals. Based in the East Midlands and surrounding areas, all our partner hospitals provide 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.

This course is accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You can also start the course in April or September.

Students on this course are eligible for a grant of at least £5,000 a year, which you do not need to pay back.
This course is part of the Higher Education Pathway for Armed Forces project, which recognises the qualifications, skills and experience of ex-armed forces personnel.

Leicester isn't just a top 25 UK university (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026), that's rated top 10 for student experience, twice (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and The Daily Mail University Guide 2026). It's cutting-edge research, world-class facilities, an incredible network of expert teaching staff, a warm campus community, and a place to call home.

What's more, all Clearing applicants are guaranteed a place in Leicester's accommodation! Expect modern furnishings, speedy Wi-Fi and cosy lounge areas - all at a range of costs and sizes. To secure a spot, make sure you've completed your application before 1st September.

With a student body made up of Midlanders, Brits, and people from across the world, you're bound to make friends for life at Leicester. Whatever you're passionate about, there are plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people, with over 150 societies including, Debating, Art, Bollywood, Archery & Tennis. Leicester is is also a student-friendly city. You've got music venues, bars, pubs & clubs all on your doorstep.