Top UK Universities For Optometry - Ranking & League Table

Looking to Study Optometry in the UK?
Top UK Universities for optometry

Here’s our full guide on the top universities for Optometry in the UK. We have curated a list of high-ranking universities which offer affordable, globally-recognized qualifications for Optometry.

Table of Contents

UK University League Table for Optometry (Updated 2022)

The University League Table for Optometry below displays the top-ranking universities for studying Optometry in the UK. We’ve compiled a list of universities you should look out for, based on UK and global rankings, as well as entry requirements.

UniversityCourse NameFees (£)DurationSubject RankingUK RankingTEF Ranking
Cardiff UniversityOptometry BSc (Hons)£ 21,9503 years125Silver
Glasgow Caledonian UniversityOptometry BSc (Hons)£ 12,2504 years277N/A
Ulster UniversityOptometry BSc (Hons)£14,9103 years344N/A
University of SheffieldOrthoptics BMedSci (Hons)£ 24,4503 years426Silver
University of ManchesterOptometry BSc (Hons)£20,0003 years513Silver
Bristol, University of the West of EnglandOptometry BSc (Hons)£13,5003 years955Gold
City, University of LondonOptometry BSc (Hons)£16,2403 years1054Silver

What do you Study in Optometry?

Optometry is the study of the eye and eye care. You will learn the anatomy of the human eye and related subjects such as biochemistry and eye disorders.

Careers for Optometry Graduates

What can you do with a degree in Optometry? Many graduates find employment in places such as:

  • Academia
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Private practice

Top Optometry Schools In The UK

The number two university for Optometry in the UK is the Glasgow Caledonian University. According to 2021 rankings, Glasgow Caledonian University is ranked as the best university in the UK for Bachelor’s programmes in Optometry. You could read more about the Glasgow Caledonian University’s Optometry course on their website here or read more about the application process via UCAS here.

Ranked in the third place in the UK for Optometry courses is Ulster University. Ulster offers undergraduate students the choice between completing a Bachelor of Science with honours programme and a Masters of Optometry with honours. Students who opt for a Masters programme will complete an additional year of study. 

Need advice about applying to a UK university? We are here to help. Book a free appointment with us now!

Recommended Optometry Schools In The UK

The University of Manchester is ranked fifth in the UK for the subject and it offers one undergraduate programme in Optometry. Manchester is a top destination for many Malaysian students who choose the university because it is a Russell Group university with a reputation for quality teaching.

The University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE Bristol) is an excellent choice for those interested in studying Optometry. UWE Bristol is also highly popular among Malaysian students who choose to study in the city of Bristol as it is student-friendly and has been voted as one of the most liveable cities in the UK. UWE Bristol’s Optometry programme costs £13,500 in tuition a year for international students, which is one of the more affordable choices among the top Optometry schools in the UK.

2021 Optometry League Table

Looking for the 2021 League Table for UK Universities offering Optometry? Find it here:

UniversityCourse nameFees (Per Annum)DurationSubject RankingUK RankingTEF rating
Glasgow Caledonian UniversityOptometry BSc (Hons)TBC4 years188N/A
Ulster UniversityOptometry BSc (Hons)£14,4803 years260N/A
Cardiff UniversityOptometry BSc (Hons)£ 21,9503 years330Silver
University of SheffieldOrthoptics BMedSci (Hons)£ 23,7503 years428Silver
University of ManchesterOptometry BSc (Hons)£ 20,0003 years517Silver
City, University of LondonOptometry BSc (Hons)£ 16,2403 years857Silver
Bristol, University of the West of EnglandOptometry BSc (Hons)£ 13,5003 years964Gold

How To Apply To Study Medicine In The UK?

Step 1: Choose A University

The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK that offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Here are some things to consider when applying:

  • Location
  • Employability/Graduate prospects
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements
  • University Ranking

Step 2: Preparations

Once you have narrowed down the search to your top five universities, the first step is to prepare necessary documents and forms. This includes school leaving certificates, exam results, the UCAS application form and a written Personal Statement, among other documents that may be required.

Step 3: Submit UCAS Application

The application process for UK universities differs from local universities as applications go through an organisation known as UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS handles all admission applications to UK universities, including those submitted by international candidates like you.

To ensure a better chance of getting accepted, it is important that you prepare all the necessary documents and fill out all forms correctly. We also recommend that you apply for multiple universities simultaneously to ensure that you get your preferred offers. Read our full guide on UCAS here.

More about UCAS

The entire application process might be daunting and lengthy for some, so let us help you. Make a free appointment with us today for professional assistance in submitting applications to your prefered UK universities.

UK Optometry School Entry Requirements

Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK university to study Optometry.

  1. English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.
  2. Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities)
  3. Health checks.
  4. Entrance interviews.
  5. Personal statement. This is a supporting document and part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Optometry is the study of the eye and eye care. You will learn the anatomy of the human eye and related subjects such as biochemistry and eye disorders.

The top university for Optometry in the UK is the Glasgow Caledonian University, according to 2022 rankings.

The common entry requirements for studying Optometry in the UK include English language tests, criminal record declarations, health checks, entrance interviews and submission of a personal statement.

The tuition fees for Optometry degrees in the UK range between £12,000 to £24,000 per annum for international students, depending on the university. The ranking and location of a university might also affect tuition fee costs.

The UCAS deadline for Optometry programmes is 15 January on the year of admission.

Get Free UK Optometry Course Application Assistance

If you would like a free consultation on any step of the application process, contact us today or come visit us at our office in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Book an appointment with us now!

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