Enter OTP
3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
London South Bank UniversityIf you’re interested in playing a key role in surgical care, LSBU’s BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice is an ideal choice. The course combines classroom learning with extensive hands-on experience, preparing you to become a registered Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) and work confidently in theatre, anaesthesia, and recovery settings.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
Your first year focuses on the fundamentals of operating department practice. You’ll study anatomy and physiology, explore the roles within a surgical team, and complete 800 hours of clinical placements, putting your knowledge into practice in real hospital environments.
Year 2:
In the second year, you’ll tackle more complex areas such as anaesthesia, surgical techniques, and advanced patient care during operations. Clinical placements increase to 850 hours, giving you exposure to a wider range of surgical environments and procedures.
Year 3:
Your final year emphasizes advanced skills, leadership, and professional development. With another 850 hours of clinical placement, you’ll be prepared for independent practice and ready to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Focus Areas:
Surgical patient care, anaesthesia, recovery, theatre management, patient safety
Learning Outcomes:
Clinical competence, professional accountability, teamwork in surgical settings, patient advocacy, leadership skills
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners and eligible for HCPC registration upon graduation
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
LSBU is known for high-quality teaching and strong employability outcomes in allied health professions
At LSBU, the Operating Department Practice program is all about hands-on learning that prepares you for a real career in surgery and theatre. From the classroom to the clinical floor, you’ll gain practical skills, build confidence, and experience what it’s like to be part of a surgical team. The program combines simulation, placements, and reflective practice so you’re ready to step into the professional world as a competent and confident Operating Department Practitioner.
Here’s how you’ll put theory into practice:
Clinical Skill Laboratories: Practice essential procedures in a safe, controlled environment using advanced equipment and realistic scenarios.
Workshops and Simulation: Participate in interactive workshops and role-play exercises that simulate surgical procedures, helping you make decisions and work as part of a team.
Clinical Placements: Complete placements in NHS acute trusts, community settings, and independent sectors, gaining hands-on experience across a variety of surgical environments.
SimMan Software: Use advanced simulation software to replicate patient care scenarios and develop your clinical decision-making skills.
E-Learning and Formative Assessments: Engage with online modules and receive regular feedback to reinforce your learning.
Observation and Reflection: Learn through observation during placements and reflect on your experiences to enhance critical thinking and professional growth.
These opportunities ensure that when you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped with the skills, experience, and confidence to excel in your career.
Graduating from LSBU’s Operating Department Practice program sets you up for a dynamic career in healthcare. You could work as an Operating Department Practitioner, Anaesthetic Practitioner, Surgical Care Practitioner, or Recovery Practitioner. With strong clinical training, professional accreditation, and industry connections, you’ll be ready to step into the workforce confident and highly employable.
Here’s how LSBU supports your career journey:
JobShop & Career Services: Offers tailored guidance on job opportunities, internships, CVs, and interview preparation specifically for healthcare students.
Placement Support: Helps secure clinical placements across NHS Trusts and independent healthcare providers, ensuring real-world experience.
Employment Stats & Salary: LSBU graduates rank among the highest paid from London Modern universities within the first year of graduation, with excellent employment rates in major London hospitals.
University–Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with NHS Trusts such as Guy’s & St Thomas’ and Chelsea & Westminster Hospital give you valuable hands-on experience.
Accreditation: Accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP) and recognized by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), ensuring eligibility to practice professionally.
Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you have several pathways to advance your career:
Postgraduate Study: Pursue an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice to specialize further in anaesthesia, surgery, or recovery.
Doctoral Research: Engage in PhD studies in allied health professions to contribute to evidence-based practice in operating departments.
Professional Development & CPD: Maintain HCPC registration and explore specialist certifications in perioperative care, anaesthesia, or surgical assisting to enhance your expertise and career prospects.
A levels : BBC in three A level subjectsGCSE : 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalentIB : overall 24 points or higher with science subjects in HLIndian boards : minimum average of 55-65% or higher, science subjects preferredAmerican curriculum : High School Diploma with overall GPA of 2.8 or above (on a 4.0 scale) and two completed AP exams of 3 or betterIELTS : 7.0 overall with 7.0 in the listening and reading, writing and speaking sections.TOEFL : overall 100 (minimum 19 in writing and listening, 20 in reading and 22 in speaking)Operating Department PractitionerAnaesthetic PractitionerSurgical Care PractitionerRecovery PractitionerPerioperative NurseTheatre Coordinator
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
