Undergraduate: BSc (Hons) Dispensing Optician
Introduction
Develop the knowledge and skills to become a registered Dispensing Optician with the General Optical Council (GOC) accredited* Dispensing Optician Degree Apprenticeship. Study for an honours degree while you work, with no tuition fees.
Course highlights
- Register with the General Optical Council (GOC) upon completion*
- Work-based approach allows you to deliver impact in the workplace as you learn
- Benefit from specialist facilities that include Ophthalmic Dispensing teaching labs, Optometry teaching labs and specialist facilities in contact lenses, low vision and visual stress
This degree apprenticeship gives you the chance to earn while you learn, combining university study with hands-on experience in practice. It’s designed for those who want to qualify as registered Dispensing Opticians and build a career in eye care. Working in partnership with your employer, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to assess patients’ visual needs and provide the right optical solutions.
From the start, you’ll apply what you learn in real workplace settings, with your learning building gradually so that theory and practice connect.
Key facts
An apprenticeship is a job with training, combining practical experience with academic learning.
All apprenticeships have been assigned a minimum requirement of off-the-job-training (OTJT) hours to comply with the Funding Rules. We will advise you and your employer on how these OTJT hours are planned. This time will be dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship, and therefore is not part of your usual work duties.
The off-the-job learning will be delivered through a blended learning model. This is a mix of:
- online live learning sessions (synchronous)
- flexible on-demand online learning resources (asynchronous) and activities
- face-to-face learning through residential blocks at the Cambridge campus
- and practical learning experiences in your usual work setting.
In terms of attending on-campus learning, you can expect:
- Year 1 – 4 x 5-days
- Year 2 – 4 x 5-days
- Year 3 – 4 x 5-days
Assessment
A range of assessment methods are used across this programme including (but not limited to) essays, exams, project and group work as well as some novel methods such as creating ‘Podcasts’.
Accreditation
General Optical Council
As of September 2025, we are continuing to work through the GOC’s approval processes. This means that we do not yet have approval under section 12 of the Opticians Act. We will not be able to accept applications to this programme until we have completed stage 3 of the GOC approval process.
What our apprentices say
Thomas
“The apprenticeship is an opportunity to fast-track my career. I have gained a lot of practical skills and theoretical knowledge.”
ThomasDegree Apprentice
Sigita
“The apprenticeship has allowed me to spend more time with my patients and to support them through their journey, whilst expanding my own knowledge and experiences.”
SigitaDegree Apprentice
Careers
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have a university level qualification as well as a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience. This General Optical Council accredited course means you can competently and confidently work as a registered Dispensing Optician at an optometric practice.
In addition, the programme equips you with the academic and professional grounding to pursue further qualifications, such as becoming a Contact Lens Practitioner, Low Vision Practitioner, Orthoptist, or Optometrist.
This course helps you build core skills in numeracy and literacy, while also developing communication, teamwork and management skills you can use in any career. It’s shaped around the apprenticeship knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) and the learning outcomes set by the General Optical Council (GOC)*.
Entry requirements
In addition to the person specifications that have been set out by your employer, these are the entry requirements for the course.
- All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules applicable at the start of the programme. If you have any questions about these entry requirements, please contact [email protected] in the first instance.
- A completed Initial Needs Assessment Form
- 5 GCSE’s grade A-C (4 to 9). Including English, Maths and Science at 4/C or above
- Evidence of Level 3 study or work experience demonstrating skills that are broadly equivalent - (A levels, BTEC National Diploma, International Baccalaureate, T levels, etc).
- If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure and registration with the General Optical Council (GOC) will be required.
Applicants who do not meet the above requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require additional assessments and/or an interview.
Apply now
For employers
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of degree apprenticeships, then our dedicated Degrees at Work team are here to help. Get in touch today on the details above or take a look at our information for employers.
Current vacancies
Apprenticeship vacancies
To be eligible to apply for one of our degree apprenticeships, you'll first need to be in a full-time position with one of our partner employers. Follow the links below to view our current vacancies and sign up to receive email alerts when new vacancies become available.