BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice (Extended Degree)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Northumbria University

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about helping others and thrive in fast-paced, hands-on environments, this degree prepares you to play a vital role in the operating theatre. You’ll learn to support patients before, during, and after surgery — building the knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills needed to work safely and effectively alongside surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses.

Curriculum structure

Foundation Year (Year 0):
You’ll begin by strengthening your academic and professional foundations through modules like Study Skills, Becoming a Professional, and Collaborative Project. This year helps you develop your confidence in research, teamwork, and communication while introducing you to the world of healthcare practice.

Year 1:
Your first year focuses on the essentials of perioperative care. Through modules such as Principles of Operating Department Practice, Anatomy and Physiology for ODP, and Introduction to Perioperative Evidence-Based Practice, you’ll start learning how to keep patients safe and comfortable in surgical settings. Clinical placements begin this year, giving you valuable real-world experience.

Year 2:
You’ll build on your clinical skills and explore more complex care scenarios. Modules like Pathophysiology in ODP, Developing Evidence-Informed Practice, and Applied Operating Department Practice help you understand how to manage patients with different medical conditions and make sound, evidence-based decisions during surgery.

Year 3:
Your final year prepares you to step confidently into professional practice. You’ll take modules such as Leadership and Management in Perioperative Practice, Advanced Skills in Perioperative Practice, and Integrating Evidence into Practice Development. You’ll learn how to lead teams, deliver high-quality patient care, and bring evidence and innovation into the operating room.

Focus areas: perioperative practice in anaesthesia, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care; patient safety; teamwork and communication; evidence-based healthcare.

Learning outcomes: graduates will be ready to plan and deliver safe surgical care, work effectively as part of multidisciplinary teams, apply research and evidence to clinical decision-making, and demonstrate leadership in healthcare settings.

Professional alignment: This degree is fully approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), meaning graduates can register as qualified Operating Department Practitioners in the UK.

Reputation: Northumbria is ranked 8th in the UK for research power in Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy (REF 2021), and has a strong record for graduate employability in healthcare.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Northumbria University, the Operating Department Practice program is designed to give you real-world, hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom. You’ll learn through a combination of clinical placements, advanced simulations, and collaborative projects, helping you build confidence, practical skills, and professional judgement essential for working in perioperative settings.

Here’s how your learning comes to life:

Clinical Placements – Gain experience in a variety of operating departments, applying your knowledge under the guidance of experienced practitioners.
Clinical Skills Centre – Practice key procedures in a state-of-the-art, controlled environment before moving into live clinical settings.
Virtual Reality (VR) Technology – Explore human anatomy and surgical procedures through immersive 3D simulations, enhancing your understanding and retention.
Interprofessional Learning – Work alongside students from other healthcare disciplines, developing teamwork and communication skills essential for perioperative care.
Evidence-Based Practice Modules – Engage in modules like Developing Evidence Informed Operating Department Practice to learn how research and evidence guide patient care.
Leadership and Management Training – Build skills in team leadership and decision-making through modules such as Leadership & Management in Perioperative Practice.

These opportunities ensure you graduate not only with knowledge but also the confidence and practical expertise to excel in any operating department.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Northumbria’s Operating Department Practice program are fully prepared to launch a rewarding career in healthcare. You’ll be ready to work across anaesthesia, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care, confidently supporting patients and surgical teams. Typical career paths include: Operating Department Practitioner (ODP), Anaesthetic Practitioner, Surgical Care Practitioner, Recovery Room Practitioner, Perioperative Team Leader, Clinical Educator.

The university provides strong support and valuable industry connections to help you succeed:

Employability Services – One-to-one career guidance, CV workshops, and interview coaching from Northumbria’s dedicated employability team.
Industry Partnerships – Collaboration with NHS trusts and healthcare providers ensures access to high-quality clinical placements and exposure to current professional practices.
Accreditation – Fully accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), allowing you to register and practice as a professional ODP in the UK.
Graduate Outcomes – 82% of final-year students report that the course equips them with the skills they need, and 91% feel supported by the teaching staff.

Further Academic Progression:
After your degree, you can continue your studies or professional development in several ways:

Postgraduate Study – Pursue a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice, Perioperative Practice, or related fields to specialize further.
Professional Development – Engage in CPD courses to enhance your skills, gain new qualifications, or prepare for leadership roles.

These pathways open doors to advanced clinical roles, teaching opportunities, or research positions, helping you build a long-term, fulfilling career in healthcare.