Operating Department Practice BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Students in scrubs in a mock operation scenario in the operating theatre

Operating Department Practice (ODP) is an exciting and rewarding career where you work within the perioperative theatre environment caring for patients undergoing surgery.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 years full-time

UCAS codes

HU10

Start date

September 2025

How to apply

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Course overview

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs), unique among undergraduate Allied Health Professions in the UK, receive specialised training for operating theatre roles. Throughout your training, you'll develop autonomy as a practitioner, collaborating with anaesthetists, surgeons, and other professionals to prepare and assist in surgical and anaesthetic procedures, thereby enhancing patient care experiences.

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) play a crucial and unique role in patient care. They are responsible for a wide spectrum of tasks essential for the smooth running of perioperative environments. As an ODP you may prepare and maintain operating theatres, ensure the availability of equipment and drugs, manage patient safety and support patients' emotional and physical needs throughout their surgical journey, from pre-anaesthesia to post-anaesthetic care in recovery. Staying calm in pressured environments, ensuring safety and ensuring everyone has a voice to speak up when needed are all vital skills you’ll be developing on the course.

Leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as an ODP (please see Accreditation section for more information).
You will learn through simulated activities such as role play and clinical skills development. Facilities replicate those found in hospitals, including a mock operating theatre and scrub room, mock ward setting, high dependency bays, and utilising high-tech manikins which respond to the treatment provided⁴.
Learn to collaborate and thrive as an ODP and within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate safe, evidenced-based care delivery.
Practice placements sourced for you by the university, providing you with opportunities to develop clinical skills and become a safe, confident and competent practitioner^2,5.
Study one academic module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.
All eligible students on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the government of £5,000 per year. You can apply for additional payments if you incur childcare costs⁶.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Careers in operating department practice enable you to develop a mix of technical, management and communication skills to support a diverse range of patients during their most vulnerable moments.

The role of ODPs is dynamic and varied. Increasingly, ODPs are also adapting their knowledge and skills to work in non-traditional acute settings like emergency departments, intensive care, interventional radiology, cardiac catheterisation, MRI, CT scanning, and endoscopy units.
Teaching and learning are supported by highly trained, clinically current and experienced staff, clinical partners, service users, fellow ODP students and those from other health courses across the school.
We focus on your future employability, offering you insight into roles in areas such as surgical first assistance, critical care, leadership and management.

Studying in the School of Health and Care

Gain the skills and experience to transform lives, communities and the future of healthcare delivery. We aim to empower you to become a stand-out healthcare professional, capable, competent and confident in your field and role within the wider healthcare team.

While continuously developing your sense of professional identity as an operating department practitioner from day one, you'll also collaborate with learners from other School of Health and Care fields, learning in an environment that puts inclusivity, diversity and dignity at its heart.

5th

for Health Professions

Guardian University Guide 2024

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

Health and Care Professions Council

The degree is currently accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)¹. Following changes that have been made to improve the course, we will apply for re-accreditation for entrants of 2025-26. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible. This is a normal part of the process of continuous improvement of our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

College of Operating Department Practitioners

The degree is currently accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners¹. Following changes that have been made to improve the course, we will apply for re-accreditation for entrants of 2025-26. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible. This is a normal part of the process of continuous improvement of our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

What you'll study

During your degree, you will study:

professional practice
surgical practice
anaesthetic practice
post-anaesthetic practice
critical care and non-elective practice
clinical leadership and management
practice development
complex practice
reflective and research-based practice.

Modules

Fundamentals of Surgery - 20 credits

This module introduces you to the fundamental surgical aspects of operating department practice and is designed to develop the ability to plan and deliver care for patients undergoing surgical procedures in the perioperative environment. You will explore the intricate anatomy and physiology relevant to surgical procedures. You will aim to establish a theoretical foundation and cultivate basic proficiency in essential skills such as scrub technique, gloving and gowning, instrument recognition, patient positioning, ensuring patient safety, delivering care and managing risks. You will have the opportunity to take part in simulated learning activities to support you to refine your skills for practice.

Compulsory

Fundamentals of Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Care - 20 credits

This module introduces you to, and prepares you for, anaesthetic practice. With a focus on instilling core principles of safe and effective anaesthesia, you will explore basic anaesthetic techniques, airway management and anatomy, equipment utilisation and patient monitoring. Guided by national standards, you will aim to develop an understanding of evidence-based practice, laying a robust groundwork of professional practice. Through diverse teaching methods, including simulation, you will aim to develop your skills, fostering collaboration and teamwork. You will be encouraged to take ownership of your learning and develop the skills needed to be an autonomous, reflective practitioner.

Compulsory

Placement 1: Surgical Practice - 20 credits

This module aims to familiarise you with the surgical environment, emphasising your role in ensuring safe and effective personalised patient care^2,5. Undertaken in the perioperative practice setting, it integrates theory with hands-on experience, enabling the application of basic perioperative surgical care principles and the development of clinical skills. Gaining insights into both circulating and scrub practitioner roles and the role of sustainability in practice, you will aim to apply your technical knowledge and skills with professional behaviours to work in multi-disciplinary teams. You will aim to demonstrate inclusive communication skills when treating everyone with respect and compassion.

Compulsory

Placement 2: Anaesthetic Practice - 20 credits

This module focuses on perioperative practice learning within an anaesthetic environment where you will aim to apply an understanding of the basic principles of perioperative anaesthetic care and practice opportunities to experience a range of clinical skills^2,5. You will explore knowledge of professional behaviour, the importance of communication and the benefits of interprofessional working within a multi-disciplinary team.

Compulsory

Becoming a Professional Practitioner - 20 credits

This module aims to equip you with the values, behaviours and actions essential for professional practice. We will support you to develop your personal and academic skills, providing you with opportunities to reflect on your knowledge, skills and values. We will work with you to foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration and valuing diversity to prepare you to work within multi-professional environments.

Compulsory

Evidence: Your Profession in a Global Context - 20 credits

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to understand and appreciate the role of evidence in both your profession and the wider health and care sector. The module supports you in understanding how your personal views and experiences may influence your thinking in developing your professional identity. This module will help you develop critical thinking skills by encouraging you to question, challenge and reflect. You'll learn to use evidence to build your approaches, making you a more inclusive, evidence-based practitioner.

Compulsory

Modules

Developing Surgical Care - 20 credits

This module aims to develop your knowledge in surgical care. Legislation, national policy and local protocols will be examined to assess their impact on perioperative patient care. The module also focuses on the management of patients with complex needs requiring surgery. You will aim to further develop communication skills, to ensure you treat individuals with respect and compassion irrespective of background. Emphasising interprofessional collaboration, the module builds on year one experiences to further develop your skills and competence as a surgical practitioner, consolidating your role in the multidisciplinary team.

Compulsory

Developing Anaesthetic Care - 20 credits

In this module, you will delve deeper into the complexities of anaesthetic practice. You will aim to expand your understanding of airway anatomy, advanced anaesthetic techniques, perioperative management and strategies with an emphasis placed on critical thinking and clinical decision-making within diverse anaesthetic scenarios. Through immersive experiences and simulations, you will aim to develop your proficiency in collaboration and communication, in preparation for the dynamic challenges of the perioperative environment.

Compulsory

Placement 3: Developing Anaesthetic Practice - 20 credits

This module aims to enable you to apply your understanding of a wider range of knowledge and skills related to anaesthetic practice whilst increasing in complexity^2,5.

You will further develop your understanding of the role of the anaesthetic practitioner as you are exposed to more complex aspects of the patient’s surgical journey. You will continue to develop vital skills and behaviours such as communication, teamworking, professionalism and the use of evidence to inform your practice.

Compulsory

Placement 4: Developing Surgical Practice - 20 credits

This module aims to enable you to build upon previous practice placement experiences and apply your understanding of a wider range of knowledge and skills related to surgical practice whilst increasing in complexity^2,5. You will apply this to develop your understanding of the role of the surgical practitioner as you are exposed to more complex aspects of the patient’s surgical journey, as well as further developing vital skills and behaviours such as communication, teamwork, professionalism and the use of evidence to inform practice.

Compulsory

Pharmacology in Perioperative Practice - 20 credits

This modules explores the understanding of pharmacological principles of drugs utilised in anaesthesia, surgery and post-anaesthetic care with emphasis on drug storage, preparation, administration and drug effects on perioperative patients.

The module also delves into the broader aspects of pharmacology such as relevant policies, procedures and legislative considerations. You will aim to develop the essential skills and knowledge necessary to carry out drug calculations with confidence.

Compulsory

Exploring Knowledge Through Curiosity - 20 credits

This module explores methods of enquiry utilised in daily practice. You will aim to develop your ability to analyse the knowledge, theory and practice-based evidence within health and care. This module explores how daily inquiry methods can be transformed into more systematic approaches to data collection and analysis. It covers quantitative and qualitative research, evaluation and audit techniques. Through exploration and debate, you will aim to develop an appreciation of interdisciplinary and profession-specific evidence and how to use this learning within the practice context.

Compulsory

Modules

Placement 5: Complex Anaesthetic Practice - 20 credits

This module prepares you for the complex demands of anaesthetic care^2,5. It aims to equip you with additional skills to approach the assessment, planning and management of care for critically ill patients undergoing complex, non-scheduled or emergency procedures. The module fosters the integration of digital technology, enabling you to develop confidence in technological tools to enhance anaesthetic practice. Building upon prior knowledge and experiences, you will aim to develop into a critical thinker capable of delivering competent and skilled anaesthetic and critical care assistance. Through a variety of teaching methods and assessment, including practice placement hours, problem-based learning and clinical simulations, you will aim to cultivate the competency and professionalism necessary for continuous professional development in anaesthetic practice.

Compulsory

Placement 6: Complex Surgical Practice - 20 credits

This module aims to further develop your skills, competencies and knowledge by introducing the roles and responsibilities of assisting the surgeon as a novice Surgical First Assistant (SFA)^2,5. The module builds upon the concepts of surgical practice introduced in years one and two and aims to further develop your ability to become a safe, efficient and capable scrub practitioner. Professional skills such as situational awareness, managing stress and fatigue will also be explored. Legal, professional, ethical and environmental issues will be highlighted focussing on the accountability and responsibility of both the registered scrub practitioner and the role of the Surgical First Assistant.

Compulsory

Complex Perioperative Patient Care - 20 credits

This module provides a holistic approach to patient-centred care. You will focus on critically ill patients, complex care requirements and those with diverse needs. You will gain in-depth knowledge and the necessary skills to navigate these complexities in the perioperative care settings. Using case studies, simulations, and collaborative learning activities, you will develop critical thinking abilities and the clinical skills essential for delivering a high standard of patient care when managing complex healthcare needs.

Compulsory

Post Anaesthetic Care - 20 credits

This module explores a holistic approach to patient-centred care, with a focus on the post-anaesthetic phase of care. Emphasising the requirements of complex care and those with diverse needs, you will aim to gain in-depth knowledge and the necessary skills to navigate these complexities in a post-anaesthetic care setting.

Using case studies, simulations and collaborative learning activities, you will aim to develop critical thinking abilities and the clinical skills essential for delivering a high standard of patient care when managing complex healthcare needs. You will engage in experiential, work-based learning opportunities, solidifying your capability to manage post-anaesthetic care requirements effectively^2,5.

Compulsory

Leading for the Future as a Health and Care Professional - 20 credits

Our health and care workforce is required to lead the delivery of high-quality care, whilst navigating a complex health and social care ecosystem. This module aims to foster confident and accountable leadership through an interprofessional learning experience. By collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds, you'll explore fresh perspectives and analyse contemporary theory, practice and evidence to redefine leadership for yourself. The module aims to foster your development as a reflective leader.

Compulsory

The Evidence-based Practitioner: Professional Project - 20 credits

In this module, you'll learn to critically evaluate, interpret and apply the latest national and international research to improve care. You will aim to gain the skills to analyse, safely use and share these findings, ultimately shaping best practices in your field. This module should also equip you with the skills to conduct an independent study. We'll support you as you develop your research and communication abilities, empowering you to share your findings with healthcare professionals, policymakers and the public.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

We understand that everyone learns differently, so this course will consist of structured teaching sessions which can include:

on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
group work
self-directed learning
clinical placement opportunities^2,5.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Practice-based learning

Practice-based learning forms an essential and significant part of your learning experience. Practice hours will differ between placements and different health and care courses. You will have access to university staff, but should expect to spend the majority of your contact time with practice collaborators undertaking placement activity. Overall, the hours you undertake in practice-based learning will need to satisfy the eligibility requirements set by the professional body regulating the profession, the HCPC. No less than 2112 practice-based hours gained from a combination of placement and simulated learning will need to be completed over the course of your degree.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

coursework
practice placement^2,5
formal examinations
Virtual Simulated Placements
simulations
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
presentations.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

I am proud to be a part of the team that helps our students become confident and competent practitioners. Here at Coventry, we are an enthusiastic teaching team all with a wealth of experience to assist your learning and development. We are lucky to have use of the amazing facilities which allows us to simulate real life situations in a safe and controlled environment.
George McSharry, lecturer, quoted in 2022

Three people in scrubs in a mock operating theatre

Entry requirements

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UCAS details

1

Course name: Operating Department Practice BSc (Hons)

2

Course code: HU10

3

Course location: Coventry University (Coventry)

Typical entry requirements:

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
EU	£9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£19,850 per year	Not available

A non-repayable grant of £5,000 and extra payments worth up to £3,000 may be available to eligible students for each year of study⁶. Read more about this in the NHS Learning Support Fund information booklet.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Develop your skills and knowledge using our cutting-edge simulation facilities. These include mock operating theatre, simulated ward settings, high dependency bays and the use of advanced manikins⁴.

Mock operating theatre

Our operating theatre is set up to accommodate procedures that would take place during hospital surgery. It includes a scrub room and the machines, equipment and lighting you will need to use to be an effective operating department practitioner.

Students practicing patient care in an ambulance

Alison Gingell Building

Our state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building features a mock ambulance, high-tech manikins, hospital wards, critical care settings and therapy suites. This gives you the opportunity to learn in situations that mirror real life scenarios.

Students and a tutor with a manikin in the hospital ward

Mock hospital wards

We have two fully-equipped mock hospital wards, each containing 4 beds. The wards are built to NHS standards and contain moveable beds, first aid equipment and patient monitoring tools, so that you can study a complete patient pathway.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Multiple pathways for professional development and progression are available for ODPs. Beyond the core role, career progression may lead to specialised roles such as Surgical First Assistant, Surgical Care Practitioner, Anaesthetic Associate, or Emergency Care Practitioner. Other opportunities exist in management, practice, and education within the field of ODP, allowing you to continually expand your skills and contribute to the advancement of perioperative care.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for the the NHS, private healthcare companies, global medical technology companies, universities and the Royal Navy, Army and the RAF.

How to apply

Bsc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
SHCU010

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2025/26. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

⁴Facilities

⁵Placements

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks, you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is, therefore, unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

⁶NHS payment

The rules may be subject to review by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the future and as a result may change. Please therefore check the NHSBSA website for up-to-date information before applying.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.