Operating Department Practice

If your application to study BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice is successful, we'll invite you to an online interview which will be through Microsoft Teams.

As your interview is online, we highly recommend booking into a campus tour or an Applicant Day to get to know the University.

At the beginning of your individual interview, we’ll ask you to show valid photo ID to verify who you are. We won’t ask to see qualifications at this stage.

Please note your interview may be recorded.

Below, you'll find some helpful information about your interview and some of the things we'll be discussing. Do take a look before your interview.

Come prepared

You'll need to be prepared with knowledge and understanding of the role of an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP):

  • When you graduate, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. Therefore, you must be aware of and uphold the HCPC's professional values and behaviours.
  • Additionally, as you’ll be working with service users at a very vulnerable time in their lives from early on in your degree, and throughout your career, you're expected to be familiar with and uphold the NHS Constitution and values.

Teams interview

  • Prior to the interview, you’ll be given a task, where you’ll be asked to prepare a short presentation using PowerPoint (or equivalent)
  • You’ll be allocated a 30-minute timeslot
  • We’ll send you a link to access the interview on Teams
  • Please ensure you are at a device with a camera (ability to share screen will be needed for your presentation) and a microphone
  • This is an interview for a professional course leading to a professional qualification. Please dress and conduct yourself in a professional way.
  • Have your ID ready for verification checks.

Please note: A camera, a microphone and valid photo ID are required. If you don’t have access to these, we may have to reschedule your interview.

Interview format

  • Presentation: Before your interview we’ll send you a question, for you to prepare a five-minute presentation:
    • The presentation should be presented using PowerPoint slides (or an alternative format using visual aids) and can be as creative as you wish
    • The presentation should be no more than five slides in length
    • The presentation should take no more than five minutes to deliver
    • After you have delivered your presentation, please be prepared to answer any questions you may be asked on the topic.
  • Verbal exercise: scenario-based discussion led by you.
  • Individual questions: We’ll be interested in your knowledge of the role of the Operating Department Practitioner (ODP), your communication skills and your values.

Above all, you need to be certain that this is the profession you want to join. To succeed in the interview you’ll need to commit yourself to learning as much as you can before your interview day.

What happens next?

You’ll be notified via UCAS of the results of your interview within three working days.

What next if I am offered a place?

  • Accept your offer via UCAS Hub
  • Arrange your accommodation
  • Complete your DBS and Occupational Health information
  • Notify the Admissions team of any changes to your circumstances.

What next if I am unsuccessful at interview?

  • Please consider the areas which need improvement and ask for written feedback to prepare for future interviews
  • We are happy to accept applications for next academic year
  • You may be offered a place on another course, in which case, follow the instructions above.