For Use on BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice (DA) Course Page.

Operating Department Practice (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc (Hons)

Develop the skills needed to safely and effectively provide care at all stages of the surgical journey on this degree apprenticeship course.

<̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ class="heading heading--main" > Key information

Typical offer:

104-112 points to include a minimum of 2 A Levels at grade C, including a science subject

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date
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<̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ id="overview" class="heading heading--bookmark published" > Overview

Discover how to be an effective member of a theatre team on this integrated BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship.

Prepare to provide expert assistance throughout the perioperative process by developing skills in anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthetic care. 

Learn how to advocate for patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures, enabling you to work alongside medical colleagues and ensure high quality care.

Approved by:

This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Health & Care Professions Council
<̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ class="contact__heading contact__heading--main" > Contact information

Degree Apprenticeships

+44 (0)23 9284 8599

degree-apprenticeships@port.ac.uk

Contact Degree Apprenticeships
<̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ id="entry-requirements" class="heading heading--bookmark published" > Entry requirements

BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice (Degree Apprenticeship) entry requirements

Typical offers

  • 104-112 points to include a minimum of 2 A Levels at grade C, one of which should be in a Science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science, Sports Science, PE). Applicants with a Care Certificate will also be considered. (calculate your UCAS points).

  • A levels - BBC-BCC, including a relevant subject.
    Relevant subjects: Biology; Human Biology; Chemistry; Applied Science; Sports Science; PE.

  • T-levels - Merit
    Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Health, T Level in Healthcare Science, T Level in Science

  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DMM (must be in a Science subject)

  • International Baccalaureate - 26

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - .

Selection process

  • All applicants will be required to complete a Skills Gap Analysis before completing an application form
  • All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment
  • All applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course
  • Applicants aged 16-18 must have acceptable Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, such as GCSE with grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills. If you do not have acceptable qualifications, you will be required to obtain this. Those aged 19 and over are only subject to these requirements if you or your employer choose for you to study towards English and Maths qualifications, which will be funded. Please note that you may still be required to evidence accepted Level 2 qualifications for the course, as part of academic assessment.
<̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ id="modules" class="heading heading--bookmark published" > Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.

What you'll study (indicative)

Core modules in this year include:

  • Introduction to Anaesthetic Practice – 20 credits
  • Introduction to Surgical Practice – 20 credits
  • Level 4 ODP Clinical Placement – 40 credits
  • Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology and Patient Assessment – 20 credits
  • Transition to Pre-Registration Healthcare in Higher Education – 20 credits

There are no optional modules in this year.

Core modules in this year include:

  • Altered Physiology, Pharmacology and Considerations for Practice – 20 credits
  • Context of Professional Practice and Patient Advocacy – 20 credits
  • Developing Skills in Anaesthetic and Post-Anaesthetic Care â€“ 20 credits
  • Level 5 ODP Clinical Placement – 40 credits
  • Research Methods in Perioperative Practice – 20 credits

There are no optional modules in this year.

Core modules in this year include:

  • Acute and Complex Perioperative Care â€“ 20 credits
  • Enhanced Perioperative Practice â€“ 20 credits
  • Leadership in Perioperative Care â€“ 20 credits
  • Level 6 ODP Clinical Placement and End Point Assessment – 40 credits
  • Supporting Learners in Practice and Transition to Registration – 20 credits

There are no optional modules in this year.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

<̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ id="costs" class="heading heading--bookmark published" > Course costs and funding

Tuition fees

The good news is there's no cost to you as the degree apprentice, as this is an opportunity for your employer to upskill and invest in you – so you won't have to worry about paying back tuition fees. The payment of the course fee is shared between the Government and your employer.

For further information, you can visit our Degree Apprenticeships page or contact our team.

<̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ id="how-to-apply" class="heading heading--bookmark published" > How to apply

Application deadline

  • The application deadline to start in September 2026 is to be confirmed.

Applications received after this date may not be considered.

I'm applying with my current employer

If you're already in full-time work, and your employer is interested in you studying this course, get them to contact us and we'll work out how to work together. 

If your employer isn't interested yet, you might find it useful to share our information for employers page with them.

Employer contact form Information for employers

 


 

I'm looking for a job with a Degree Apprenticeship role

If you're not in full-time employment, or your current employer is not interested in degree apprenticeships, you'll need to find a role that does offer a degree apprenticeship. You can search the gov.uk list of , or contact us with your details and we'll let you know when degree apprenticeship vacancies come up.

When you apply for a role that includes one of our degree apprenticeships, you'll follow the company's standard recruitment process for the job, while we assess your academic suitability for the course.

  Contact us

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.