Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This honours degree combines academics, clinical skills development and sustained practice placements. Core study areas include anatomy and physiology relevant to perioperative care, pharmacology for anaesthesia and pain management, principles of asepsis and infection control, perioperative care pathways, anaesthetic practice, immediate post-operative recovery, surgical instrumentation and technique, patient assessment and monitoring, and professional and ethical practice.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, small-group practicals in simulation suites, clinical skills labs and assessed practice placements in NHS theatres. Students progress from foundational biosciences and communication skills in the first year to applied perioperative practice, advanced anaesthesia and complex recovery care in later years, supported by research methods and a final-year project or service improvement piece. There is a strong emphasis on interprofessional learning, patient safety, critical decision making and reflective practice.

Clinical placements are an integral part of the programme and take place across a range of operating departments, covering trauma, orthopaedics, general surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics and day-case settings. Practice assessments are undertaken throughout to prepare students for professional registration.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires completion of secondary education qualifications such as A-levels or equivalent vocational qualifications (for example BTEC) with evidence of science or health-related study preferred but not always mandatory. Applicants normally need a good pass in English and mathematics at GCSE level (or equivalent) and some programmes expect a science subject at A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification.

Selection also includes a successful interview and evidence of suitability for clinical practice. Applicants must satisfy occupational health checks, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and meet immunisation requirements before starting placements. Prior healthcare experience, while helpful, is not always essential but can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Operating Department Practitioners, enabling work in anaesthesia, intra-operative theatre practice and immediate post-operative recovery. Job roles include ODP in NHS hospitals and private sector theatres, anaesthetic practitioner, recovery practitioner, theatre co-ordinator and roles supporting surgical teams.

With experience, ODPs can progress to advanced clinical practice roles, education and training posts, theatre management, clinical audit and research. Graduates often undertake postgraduate study such as postgraduate certificates, MSc programmes in critical care or advanced clinical practice, or pursue specialist training in areas like paediatrics, trauma, or surgical care practitioner pathways.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers this programme within its Faculty of Health & Social Sciences with close links to regional NHS Trusts, providing a wide range of placement opportunities across perioperative specialities. The university emphasises learning in realistic clinical environments, using modern simulation facilities and well-equipped clinical skills labs to develop hands-on competence and confidence before and during placements.

Teaching is research-informed and delivered by staff with clinical backgrounds, ensuring current practice is embedded in the curriculum. The course is designed to meet professional standards for safe practice and prepares students for professional registration and employment in perioperative services. Students benefit from interprofessional learning opportunities and dedicated placement support to help make the transition into frontline clinical roles.