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The DipHE in Operating Department Practice (ODP) is a two-year full-time programme comprising of online and work-based learning.
Our programme has been developed to prepare Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) who are fit for purpose now and for the future as service evolves. You will be equipped to practice in dynamic, multidisciplinary settings and demonstrate competency in providing high standards of safe, compassionate, evidence-based, and patient–focussed care in the perioperative context.
The DipHE ODP programme will incorporate 40% theory and 60% work-based learning hours, reflecting the standards of education and training (HCPC, 2017), Standards of proficiency (HCPC, 2014) and the Scope of Practice (COPD, 2009).
Students who complete the programme will be eligible to apply for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Tuition fees for this programme are paid by the student's health board.
Our course offers an exciting opportunity to be involved in this innovative, pan-Scotland, ODP preparation. You will engage in online learning while practicing simultaneously as an ODP student within your employing health board. As such there will be opportunities to network with peers across Scotland while engaging in interdisciplinary practice locally.
You will benefit from learning and developing clinical skills from a variety of experienced theatre practitioners including other qualified ODPs, nurses and medical staff.
You will also enjoy specialist input from Professorial experts within the School of Health & Life Sciences at UWS and specialist input from multidisciplinary clinicians within current service. Service users will also input to the programme.
60% of the programme is built around work-based learning in the clinical setting. Students will gain clinical skills and experience in a range of placements under the supervision of a mentor.
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Don’t worry if your qualifications are not listed here, we take a range of factors into account when assessing your application and are happy to consider other alternative combinations of qualifications and experience.
Passes in the Scottish National Qualifications in five subjects including two at H level.
or GCE
Passes in the GCSE/GCE in four subjects including one at A Level;
or SQA National Qualifications/Edexcel Foundation
It may be possible for candidates with an appropriate volume of SCQF credit at level 7 or above or equivalent to be offered direct entry to Level 8.
Other Required Qualifications/Experience
For all students entering the programme under 2019 NES contract arrangements: Must be in full time employment with a participating NHS Health Board, and be able to provide evidence of managerial support to complete the full programme through online and work-based learning.
For all students entering the programme under alternative individual contract arrangements: Must be in full time employment with an individually contracted NHS Trust/ Health Board, and be able to provide evidence of managerial support to complete the full programme through online and work-based learning – including the provision of placements to support programme completion.
English language requirements: To meet HCPC (2018) 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, with no element below 6.5.
PVG: Entry to the programme will be subject to satisfactory assessment.
As this programme is designed to meet the needs of a specific workforce market within the NHS, the notion of articulation from colleges is not applicable at this time.
Successful applicants who gain a place on this course will need to register on the PVG Scheme, managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. An application form will be sent from the University once you have accepted your offer. The fee for joining the scheme is £59.
Visit the Disclosure Scotland website for more information on the PVG scheme.
The Diploma of Higher Education in Operating Department Practice (ODP) is a two-year full time programme.
It is delivered over three academic terms per year, and combines online and work-based learning to enhance the student's professional competence and autonomy within the field of ODP.
Each year there are three modules that must be completed totalling 120 credit points per year.
The ODP Profession - 30 Credits
https://psmd.uws.ac.uk/ModuleDescriptors/ModuleDescriptorsTitlesA_Z/ModuleDescriptor.aspx?documentGroupCode=MD0004182
Applied Practice & PDP 1 - 60 credits
https://psmd.uws.ac.uk/ModuleDescriptors/ModuleDescriptorsTitlesA_Z/ModuleDescriptor.aspx?documentGroupCode=MD0004187
Life Sciences - 30 credits
https://psmd.uws.ac.uk/ModuleDescriptors/ModuleDescriptorsTitlesA_Z/ModuleDescriptor.aspx?documentGroupCode=MD0004183
Anaesthesia & Medicine Management - 30 Credits
https://psmd.uws.ac.uk/ModuleDescriptors/ModuleDescriptorsTitlesA_Z/ModuleDescriptor.aspx?documentGroupCode=MD0004188
Applied Practice and PDP 2 - 60 credits
https://psmd.uws.ac.uk/ModuleDescriptors/ModuleDescriptorsTitlesA_Z/ModuleDescriptor.aspx?documentGroupCode=MD0004190
Care of the Vulverable Person - 30 credits
https://psmd.uws.ac.uk/ModuleDescriptors/ModuleDescriptorsTitlesA_Z/ModuleDescriptor.aspx?documentGroupCode=MD0004189
Online tutorials, workshops, quizzes, presentations, independant learning, work-based learning.
You will benefit from learning and developing clinical skills from a variety of experienced theatre practitioners including other qualified ODPs, nurses and medical staff.
Academic staff involved in this programme will comprise experienced academic staff who hold a postgraduate teaching qualification recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council with relevant clinical backgrounds e.g. in infection control, surgical, trauma and perioperative care. All staff involved are educated to a minimum of Masters degree level and have curriculum development and programme management experience. You will also enjoy specialist input from Professorial experts within the School of Health & Life Sciences at UWS and specialist input from multidisciplinary clinicians within current service. Service users will also input to the programme.
This programme will prepare you for a successful career in Operating Department Practice. Registered ODPs work in a range of contexts such as operating theatres, outpatient departments, endoscopy clinics and accident and emergency.
The programme team will endeavour to enhance the student ODP’s career and employability by developing graduate skills and attributes relevant to the workbased experience including critical thinking and decision-making skills, and the transfer of theory to practice. Additionally, students engaging in the programme will develop aspects of personal development planning by gaining graduate attributes such as becoming more effective, independent and confident learners and improving their general skills for study and career management.