BSc (Hons) Optom degree

Awarded by the University of Manchester in Singapore
Hosted by the Singapore Polytechnic, Department of Optometry

What is the duration of the course?

The BSc (Hons) Optom degree course spans a duration of two years full time studies.

What is the cost of the BSc (Hons) Optom course?

This course is subsidized by the Singapore government. As such, the subsidized tuitions fees are as follows: $7,800 per annum for Singapore Citizens
$8,580 per annum for Permanent Residents
$11,700 per annum for International Students
The non-subsidized tuition fee is: $36,720 per annum for Full Fee Students

Will the entire course be conducted in Singapore?

Yes, the entire course will be conducted in Singapore. It is not required to attend any part of the course in the University of Manchester, UK campus.

Is the BSc (Hons) Optom degree fully awarded by the University of Manchester?

Yes, the BSc (Hons) Optom degree is fully awarded by the University of Manchester.

Will the BSc (Hons) Optom Singapore degree by recognized by the Optometrists and Opticians Board in Singapore?

As of current, the OOB is maintains a list of optometry qualifications that is eligible for primary registration. The BSc (Hons) Optom degree awarded by the University of Manchester is in this list. The OOB considers the degree awarded through the Singapore course to be equivalent to its UK counterpart.

Will the graduates of the BSc (Hons) Optom degree awarded in Singapore be able to practice in the UK?

Unfortunately, the General Optical Council (GOC) will consider the applicant on the basis of nationality and where the qualification is gained. As the BSc. (Hons.) Optom.degree is awarded in Singapore, it will be considered as a Non-EU/EEA (European Union / European Economic Area) qualification. As such, the graduate is required to undertake the Examination for Non-EU/EEA qualified optometrists (akin to optometry graduates from other countries). In summary, the GOC does not deem the BSc (Hons) Optom degree awarded in Singapore equivalent to the degree awarded on campus in UK.

Note:
The BSc (Hons) Optom degree administered full-time at the University of Manchester UK campus is considered an EU/EEA qualification. This allows the graduate to directly undergo one year of supervised pre-registration traineeship. If the graduate was not awarded the certificate of clinical competence by the university, he/she has to pass the Professional Qualifying Examination 1 Exam (PQE1), before beginning on the one year pre-registration traineeship.

What are the requirements for registration to practice in the UK for the BSc (Hons) Optom degree graduates from the Singapore course?

Being considered as a Non-EU/EEA qualified optometrist, the graduate has to undergo one year of experience in Singapore and present a portfolio of evidence about this (selected case records). The graduate has to undertake and pass the Examination for Non-EU/EEA Qualified Optometrist. If successful, he/she can register with the GOC.

Will the MOptom degree awarded in Singapore allow the graduate to register with the GOC directly?

MOptom degree awarded in the Singapore course is considered a Non-EU/EEA qualification by the GOC. Therefore, the MOptom graduate will also be required to undertake and pass the Examination for Non-EU/EEA Qualified Optometrist.

(Updated : 22 October 2008)

Important Note:

The B.Sc. (Hons.) Optom. degree is awarded in Singapore by the University of Manchester, and hosted by the Singapore Polytechnic. The Singapore Optometric Association makes its own investigation and provides the above information for prospective students to understand how the course is structured. The SOA therefore will not claim any liability if any of the information is found to be inaccurate. The SOA invites prospective students to inquire on the University of Manchester or the Department of Optometry in Singapore Polytechnic if they wish to find out more about the above course.