London South Bank University United Kingdom

BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice at London South Bank University is your pathway to a vital role within surgical teams, preparing you to support patients through anaesthetic, surgical, and post-operative care. You will delve into fundamental and advanced perioperative skills, exploring basic and applied anatomy and physiology, anaesthetic and surgical practice, and the critical concepts of inter-professional collaboration. This undergraduate degree is designed for motivated individuals who aspire to contribute significantly to patient well-being in a dynamic healthcare environment, equipping you with the essential knowledge and practical abilities required for this demanding profession.

This full-time, on-campus programme is studied over three years, blending comprehensive academic learning with essential clinical experience at allocated hospitals. You will progress through developing operating department practice skills, focusing on complex care needs and ambulatory surgery in your second year, before advancing to preparation for advanced perioperative practice, pathophysiology, and contemporary issues in your final year. You will graduate with the expertise and confidence to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Operating Department Practitioner, ready for a rewarding career in theatres and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program provides a comprehensive education in Operating Department Practice, covering essential knowledge and skills across three years. Year one introduces fundamental anatomy, physiology, and practical skills within the perioperative environment, alongside basic surgical and anaesthetic principles. Subsequent years build upon this foundation, exploring complex care needs, ambulatory surgery, post-anaesthesia care, and professional scope. The curriculum culminates in advanced perioperative practice, focusing on pathophysiology, pharmacology, contemporary issues, enhanced recovery, and leadership in quality improvement.

1 Year 1

Basic anatomy and physiology for perioperative practice
Introduction to perioperative practice skills
Caring for individuals in the perioperative environment
Understanding fundamental surgery practice
Understanding fundamental anaesthetic practice
Concepts of inter-professional and collaborative practice

2 Year 2

Developing Operating Department Practice skills – complex care needs
Ambulatory care/ Day surgery practice skills
Applied anatomy and physiology for perioperative practice
Post anaesthesia care skills
Scope of professional practice for Operating Department Practitioners
Appraising evidence for research informed practice

3 Year 3

Preparation for Advanced Perioperative Practice
Pathophysiology and pharmacology for perioperative practice
Contemporary issues in perioperative practice
Enhanced recovery and emergency care in theatres
Improving quality, change management and leadership

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,789.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,789.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,789.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 71,369.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,114.00 - USD 15,065.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,833.00 - USD 9,666.00
Transport USD 1,128.00 - USD 2,417.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,611.00 - USD 3,222.00
Estimated Total USD 7,572.00 - USD 15,305.00

Living cost estimates are based on Southwark Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

72%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Aerospace Engineering & DesignAerospace Research & AcademiaAerospace Supply Chain & LogisticsHealthcare Administration & ManagementHome Health & Long‑Term CareLogistics & Warehouse ManagementMedia Planning & BuyingProduction & Operations ManagementRegulatory Affairs & ComplianceResearch & Product Development

Top Employers Hiring for this course

AstraZeneca

Barts Health NHS Trust

East London NHS Foundation Trust

GSK

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Health Services Laboratories

Johnson Matthey

NHS

Why Study BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice at London South Bank University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at London South Bank University in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice at London South Bank University

Can I work while studying?

International degree students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For international students, the required English test scores include an IELTS overall score of 7.0, TOEFL overall score of 80, or PTE score of 59. Each test has specific minimum score requirements for different skills.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can work as Operating Department Practitioners, surgical assistants, anesthetic practitioners, or recovery practitioners.

What will I actually study in this course?

A crucial role

Doctors and nurses aren’t the only key players in hospitals and healthcare settings: Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) also play a crucial role. If you’d like to be part of the valuable team helping patients prepare, undergo, and recover from surgery, then this course is for you.

The operating department assists patients throughout their time in whichever healthcare setting they may be in. Gain both expertise and

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice course has its intake in September. It is a full-time course that lasts for 3 years.
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