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UCL (University College London): Institute of Ophthalmology
www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-sciences/ioo/studying-ophthalmology
Enhance your career in eye care and bioscience
The Institute of Ophthalmology at UCL, a global top 10 university (QS World University Rankings 2026), is a world-leading centre for research and teaching in ophthalmology and biomedical science. We deliver advanced ophthalmic research and education in partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital and together, we represent the largest co-located site for eye research, education and care in the world.
The Institute of Ophthalmology is ranked the best place in Europe to study ophthalmology (SCImago Institution Rankings 2025 for Ophthalmology).
We also have our suite of biosciences courses enabling you to advance your lab-based and translational research or turn your scientific breakthroughs into commercial and societal impact.
Discover our range of postgraduate ophthalmology and biosciences courses.
Register your interest below to hear about upcoming open days, course information and all things Ophthalmology and Biosciences at UCL.
Book onto our Ophthalmology open days here.
Book onto our Biosciences open days here.
Explore our Ophthalmology courses
- Ophthalmology MSc (for medical doctors and optometrists)
A comprehensive course combining clinical and research-based learning in ophthalmology, ideal for those aiming to deepen their expertise in eye health and disease.
- Ophthalmic Nursing PG Cert (for ophthalmic nurses)
Enhances understanding of eye diseases, treatments, and the research that informs clinical practice, supporting professional development in eye care.
- Orthoptics (Pre-registration) MSc (for science graduates)
Prepares students for a career in orthoptics, focusing on diagnosing and managing disorders of eye movement and vision in children and adults.
Explore our Ophthalmology courses here.
Explore our Biosciences courses
- Bioscience Innovation and Enterprise MSC
Focusing on the business of science, you'll turn bioscience breakthroughs into real-world impact. Learn to translate research into innovation through business, tech, and entrepreneurship.
- Bioscience (Research and Development) MSc
Advance your biomedical expertise and explore translational medicine, clinical trials, and lab-based research to prepare for a PhD or scientific career.
- Bioscience (Research and Development) with Practice MSc
This two-year programme covers the same Year 1 content as the Bioscience (Research and Development) MSc, with a second-year lab placement at either the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology or an international partner institution.
Explore our Biosciences courses here.
UCL Institute of Ophthalmology International Excellence Scholarships
The International Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious £5,000 scholarship aimed at talented international students wishing to tackle pressing global health challenges. The scholarship is eligible for students pursuing one of the following programmes at UCL:
- Ophthalmology MSc
- Bioscience Innovation and Enterprise MSc
- Bioscience Research & Development MSc
- Bioscience (Research and Development) with Practice MSc
Testimonials
Bioscience Innovation and Enterprise MSc Alumnus Pablo, co-founded UCL startup Throxy, secured $6.2 million (£4.6m) in investment to scale up its artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted platform.
Find out about Pablo’s Bioscience Journey.
Academic excellence
- The UCL Institute of Ophthalmology is ranked the best place in the UK and Europe to study ophthalmology (SCImago Institution Rankings 2025 for Ophthalmology)
- In the biomedical and health sciences field, UCL is ranked 1st in the UK for papers in the top 1% of their field by citation rate (2019-2022, CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024).
- Access to The Hatchery, UCL's equity free incubator, providing co-working space, resources and support to help your start-up succeed.
- UCL hosts more UKRI Future Leader Fellowships than any other UK university, with three academics at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology receiving the prestigious fellowships over the last three years
World-leading facilities and partnerships
- Our longstanding partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital represents the largest co-located site for eye research, education and care in the world
- As a student, you will have access to innovative facilities, connection to a growing network of peers, and support from highly experienced and professional tutors
- Project Oriel will integrate Moorfields Eye Hospital’s main City Road hospital site and the Institute of Ophthalmology in a new purpose-built environment on the St Pancras Hospital site in Camden, bringing together clinical care, research and education
- Through our partnerships, we offer strong engagement with industry (e.g. GSK, Roche, Pfizer and Santen), successful spin-outs and spin-in initiatives and powerful collaborations with centres in the US and across Europe
- We have a number of important global collaborations, including with the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) and the International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) in Poland
Register your interest to find out more about our Ophthalmology courses.
Register your interest to find out more about our Biosciences courses.
Available courses
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