Clear your vision for a bright future with a Masters degree in Optometry from a top UK university

Are you a professional optometrist looking to advance your knowledge base and skillsets and improvise on eye-care delivery? A Masters degree in Optometry can help accelerate your career growth, as the course is designed specifically for optometrists working in both private and public healthcare settings, who want to gain more specialised clinical experience in the field. The UK can be one of the ideal choices for the program, considering that the country is home to many top-ranked universities in the world and renowned teachers who are experts in their respective domains. Learn about Masters in Optometry in the UK and how to pursue one from your study-abroad expert.

Why Study a Masters in Optometry in the UK?

Students who wish to enhance their knowledge in the clinical diagnosis and management of the science of vision take up a Masters in Optometry in the UK. The course is opted for at UK universities for the following reasons:

  • The UK hosts several QS-ranked universities that perfectly blend theoretical and practical approaches to learning more about Optometry in their Masters programs. Sufficient scope for research is provided to students along with classroom learning techniques.

  • Upon course completion in a leading UK university, graduates in MS Optometry can practice as registered optometrists with attractive earnings.

  • As per a report published in May 2023, hospital eye-care services are likely to grow to 40% over the next 20 years.

Related Source: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/121024/pdf/

Optometry Courses in the UK for International Students

Professional degree programs in Optometry offered at many UK universities can be your first step to becoming an accredited Optometrist or a healthcare professional specialising in the delivery of primary eye care to patients. Course completion at recognised UK universities enables you to start independent practice within or outside the UK as a registered Optometrist. Furthermore, an Optometry Masters degree from the UK is the next step on the ladder, imparting specialised skills and knowledge to both practising professionals as well as students keen on gaining advanced learning in the subject. Some of the core specialisations covered as part of the program are:

  • Public Health Optometry

  • Paediatric Optometry

  • Ophthalmic Emergencies

  • Occupational Optometry

  • Glaucoma

Cost of Studying Masters in Optometry in the UK for Indian Students

The estimated course fees of a Masters in Optometry in the UK may vary as per the university chosen. The average fee for a Masters degree in the subject is around GBP 22,500 for the first year of the program. 

Related Source: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/clinical-optometry-msc2

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Masters in Optometry in the UK

Students applying for a Masters in Optometry must be able to meet certain specific admission criteria as defined by the university. While each UK university may have a different set of criteria, there are some commonly accepted Masters in Optometry requirements in UK universities, as listed below:

  • A Bachelor’s with a minimum aggregate of 60%, or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution in India and overseas

  • An overall 6.5 on the IELTS Test Report Form for international students as proof of English proficiency 

Related Source: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/english-language-requirements

Top Universities / Colleges for Optometry Masters in the UK

Looking for the best college in the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in Optometry? Listed below are some of the top universities ranked as per QS World University Rankings 2023 for offering the best education in Masters in Optometry in the UK:

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2023/countries=gb?page=3&countries=gb

Career Prospects in the UK After Pursuing a Masters in Optometry

Some of the highly demanded jobs in the UK upon completion of a Masters course in Optometry are as follows:

  • Optometrist 

  • Optician

  • Vision Therapist

  • Optometric Technician

  • Contact Lens Specialist

  • Behavioural Optometry Specialist

The average salary after a Masters in Optometry in the UK is likely to be GBP 55,517 per annum. It may range somewhere between GBP 44,000 and GBP 63,000 per year, depending on the skills and experience of the person.

Related Source: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-optometrist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IM1035_KO7,18.htm

FAQs

1. Who can do a Masters in Optometry in the UK?

Students applying for a Masters degree in Optometry must have completed an Honours in Optometry or any other professional optometric course. International students must also produce an overall 6.5 on the IELTS Test Report Form.

Related Source: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/clinical-optometry-msc2

2. How many years is Masters in Optometry in the UK?

The average duration of the course may be 1-2 years, varying from one university to the other.

Related Source: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/courses/list/18940/msc-advanced-clinical-optometric-practice/

3. What is the cost of pursuing an Optometry degree in the UK?

The estimated cost of studying Optometry in the UK may vary per the degree pursued. The average fee for a Masters degree in the subject is around GBP 22,500 for the first year of the program.

Related Source: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/clinical-optometry-msc2

4. What is the scope of Masters in Optometry in the UK?

Optometrists with a Masters degree can look forward to potential career opportunities in eye clinics, optical outlets, eye hospitals, or vision care companies.

5. Can international students work part-time while pursuing an MS Optometry course in the UK?

Yes, international students are authorised to work part-time (20 hours/week) during their study program in the UK.

Related Source: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/international-applicants/working-in-the-uk/

6. Is there clinical training in the Master's in Optometry program in the UK?

Yes, some MS in Optometry courses at UK universities include clinical training as part of the curriculum.

7. Is a UK Optometry Masters degree recognised in other countries?

Yes, UK Masters degrees hold global recognition and validity. An MS in Optometry gained from a UK university can be used elsewhere in the world to find employment.

Updated on 04 November, 2024