Operating Department Practice (with foundation year)

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 BSc Operating Department Practice (with Foundation Year) is designed to provide a pathway through to our highly-rated, accredited Operating Department Practice (ODP) degree - and a rewarding professional career.

With a solid foundation in Biology, this course will provide you with the fundamental knowledge of healthcare provision, healthcare professional roles and clinical skills to enable you to be successful on the first year of the ODP degree and beyond.

Three quarters of the Foundation Year is common to a range of future healthcare professions, so it provides an ideal opportunity to learn about other roles and enables you to make informed decisions about your future career options. The course’s multi-professional nature breaks down interprofessional barriers and encourages an ethos of interprofessional collaboration when in practice.

Within the module specific to ODP, you will be introduced to the profession’s broad scope of practice, professional values and how it contributes to the delivery of high-quality patient-centred care.

Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will move onto our ODP degree. Led by the School of Healthcare, this programme draws on the experience and expertise of more than 40 years of health education at the University of Leicester.

Our ODP degree programme within the Leicester School of Operating Department Practice 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.

This course is accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

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.