The UWS BSc Operating Department Practitioner Graduate Apprenticeship mirrors contemporary Operating Department practice. It places a strong emphasis on experiential learning to ensure that graduates possess the requisite knowledge and skills to deliver safe, effective, person-centred care in the 21st century.
This is a three-year, full-time study programme. Students will spend four days per week in clinical practice with one day learning online.
This degree aims to prepare Operating Department Practitioners who will be equipped to practice in dynamic, multidisciplinary settings and able to demonstrate competence in the provision of high standards of safe, effective, individualised and patient focused care during anaesthesia, surgery and post-anaesthesia care.
Get in touch with our dedicated team at apprenticeships@uws.ac.uk
UWS is a leading institution for widening participation in higher education and has been named The Times and The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2026.
We’re incredibly proud to be named as the leading university in Scotland for social inclusion through the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. This accolade recognises our deep commitment to supporting our diverse student population and the impact our graduates make in the communities they serve."
Professor James Miller, Principal of University of the West of Scotland
Passes in the Scottish National Qualifications in five subjects, including three at higher level. Applicants with equivalent/non-standard qualifications (including Foundation Apprenticeships, Modern Apprenticeships, SVQs/ NVQs, HNC, HND and access programme will also be considered.
For those applicants who do not meet our Standard Entry Requirements, applications may be considered on an individual basis from those who possess a minimum of one years’ relevant work experience and meet the previous DipHE entry criteria (Passes in the Scottish National Qualifications in five subjects including two at higher level or equivalent).
Four passes in GCSE / GCE in four subjects including one at A level
All students must be in full-time employment with an individually contracted Health Board.
You must be able to provide evidence of managerial support to complete the full programme through online and work-based learning – including the provision of placements and to support programme completion.
To meet the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, 2022) requirements for accreditation, all candidates must be able to communicate in English to the Standard equivalent to Level 7 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no element below 6.5.
Entry to the programme will be subject to satisfactory assessment.
Throughout your 3 years of study, you will combine theory with work-based learning. You will gain experience a variety of different placements including scrub and circulating, anaesthetic and post anaesthetic care. Specialities, such as shared airway, emergency and dual life, also form part of the programme.
£1,820 Total cost for online study
£9,535 Total cost for online study
£9,535 Total cost for online study
£16,275 Total cost for online study
This programme will prepare you for a successful career in Operating Department Practice. You will graduate with enhanced employability skills in the context of a dynamic and evolving healthcare system.
Registered ODPs work in a range of settings such as operating theatres, outpatient departments, endoscopy clinics and accident and emergency.
For individuals and Health Boards who wish to find out more about the BSc Operating Department Practitioner (Graduate Apprenticeship), please contact our dedicated team at apprenticeships@uws.ac.uk
For more information on application requirements, interview preparation, and training pathways, refer to the following resources:
All Operating Department Practitioner training posts will be advertised via participating NHS boards. Applicants cannot apply direct to the university and must have secured a training post prior to application.
Below is an overview of the three participating regions and the NHS boards under each, along with key details to help you navigate the application process:
East Region
North Region
West Region