Master of Clinical Optometry
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Duration
- 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8095
- CRICOS code 093022B
-
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2024 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $12,000*
-
2024 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $24,500*
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $46,500*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $97,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Registration pathway
-
Hands-on placements
-
World-class facilities
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
We rely heavily on ourÌýfiveÌýsenses to navigate life:Ìýtouch, taste, smell, hearing and sight.ÌýEach of these senses play a vital role in our day-to-day lives.ÌýProblemsÌýwithÌýeyesightÌýcan have a profound impactÌýon an individual’s life. Through optometry, many vision problems and eye diseases can be corrected or managed, restoring sight to people from all walks of life.Ìý
Optometrists diagnose vision problems, eye diseases and other eye health issues. These highly skilled professionals correct poor vision and manage or slow degenerative eye diseases with corrective lenses, optical aids, therapy or medication.Ìý
The Master of Clinical Optometry is a two-year degree that serves as a pathway to registered practice as an optometrist in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia. It combines the theoretical discipline of vision science, the optics of lenses and instruments, the physiology of the eye, the psychophysics of vision and neuroscience with the clinical art of primary eye care, which covers the diagnosis and management of ocular disease, the dispensing of spectacles and contact lenses, the management of people with special needs (children, low vision), sports vision and vision in the workplace.
Key features
- Pathway to registration
You’ll graduate with the specialised knowledge and skills required for professional practice as an optometrist. Upon completion of the Master of Clinical Optometry, you can apply to register with the (OBA), the New Zealand and other registration boards in Asia where our degree is recognised.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Gain practical experience in UNSW’s Optometry Clinic
You’ll gainÌýpractical experienceÌýin . The clinic is open to the public and uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment that provides the best in patient eye health management. You’ll see patients from a wide variety of ages from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. The UNSW Optometry Clinic operates several internal clinics that, in conjunction with external placements, offer students a broad experience in many aspects of optometric and eye care including rural and remote optometry, paediatrics, ocular emergencies, contact lenses and myopia progression control.
Connect with industry-leading research centres and institutes
We’ll provide you with a varied education in vision science through the , and .
Study with the School of Optometry and Vision Science
UNSWÌýOptometryÌýandÌýVision ScienceÌýis the largest school of optometry in Australia. We are committed to forming partnerships within the ophthalmic industry and across the health care sector. The School is committed to translational research that will lead to practical applications and significant improvements in community eye health.Ìý
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Want to see more from UNSW Medicine and Health?
Entry requirements
Direct pathway: Entry into the double award 3182 Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry program.
You must maintain an overall CREDIT average (65%) at the end of the Bachelor of Vision Science component of the program to progress to the Master of Clinical Optometry. Students who do not meet this requirement are expected to exit the program with a Bachelor of Vision Science degree.
Alternative pathway: Program 8095 is only open to students who have completed program 3181 (BVisSci) from UNSW. Please refer to Admissions from program 3181 to 8095.
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Vision Science (3181) degree at UNSW may apply for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry. Admission into the Master of Clinical Optometry will be a competitive process that is based on academic performance. To be considered for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry, you must have at least an overall CREDIT average (65% WAM) in your completed undergraduate degree, however, there is no guarantee of a place in the Master of Clinical Optometry as only a limited number will be available. Students with a Bachelor of Vision Science degree (or equivalent) from an international institution are advised to either apply for the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry (3182) program, or the Bachelor of Vision Science (3181) and apply for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry via the above competitive selection process.
The award of credit in recognition of prior learning (RPL) for external students will be considered (in accordance with UNSW RPL policy and procedure), and a study plan will be developed on a case by case basis. Students with a Bachelor of Vision Science degree (or equivalent) from an Australian or New Zealand institution are advised to either apply for the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry (3182) program, or the Bachelor of Vision Science (3181) and apply for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry via the above competitive selection process. The award of credit in recognition of prior learning (RPL) for external students will be considered (in accordance with UNSW RPL policy and procedure), and a study plan will be developed on a case by case basis.
English language requirements
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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Direct pathway:ÌýEntry into the double award 3182 Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry program.
You must maintain an overall CREDIT average (65%) at the end of the Bachelor of Vision Science component of the program to progress to the Master of Clinical Optometry. Students who do not meet this requirement are expected to exit the program with a Bachelor of Vision Science degree.
Alternative pathway:ÌýProgram 8095 is only open to students who have completed program 3181 (BVisSci) from UNSW.
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Vision Science (3181) degree at UNSW may apply for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry. Admission into the Master of Clinical Optometry will be a competitive process that is based on academic performance. To be considered for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry, you must have at least an overall CREDIT average (65% WAM) in your completed undergraduate degree, however, there is no guarantee of a place in the Master of Clinical Optometry as only a limited number will be available. Students with a Bachelor of Vision Science degree (or equivalent) from an international institution are advised to either apply for the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry (3182) program, or the Bachelor of Vision Science (3181) and apply for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry via the above competitive selection process.
The award of credit in recognition of prior learning (RPL) for external students will be considered (in accordance with UNSW RPL policy and procedure), and a study plan will be developed on a case by case basis. Students with a Bachelor of Vision Science degree (or equivalent) from an Australian or New Zealand institution are advised to either apply for the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry (3182) program, or the Bachelor of Vision Science (3181) and apply for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry via the above competitive selection process. The award of credit in recognition of prior learning (RPL) for external students will be considered (in accordance with UNSW RPL policy and procedure), and a study plan will be developed on a case by case basis.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Full program structure
Future careers
Become an optometrist
Optometrists diagnose vision problems, eye diseases and other eye health issues. These highly skilled professionals correct poor vision and manage or slow degenerative eye diseases with corrective lenses, optical aids, therapy or medication.Ìý
The demand for qualified optometrists remains steady in Australia and globally, due to ageing and growing populations. By 2036Ìýthe number of optometrists is like to increase withÌýAustralia’s population projected to reach 32.4 million people.
Across the world, overÌý. Access to proper eye care can correct many of these cases through different clinical measures. Sadly, for people living in communities with limited access to health care, treatment for vision problems is often inadequate. There are many opportunities for qualified optometrists to join programs and organisations that provide care to these populations on a short-term or long-term basis.Ìý
Accreditation
Upon completion of the Master of Clinical Optometry, you can apply to register with theÌýÌý(OBA), theÌýÌýNew Zealand and other registration boards in Asia where our degree is recognised.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through ourÌýÌýportal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.Ìý.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýour  service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencementÌýdate. ForÌýmore information visitÌýour .
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
$12,000*
$24,500*
All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your feesÌý subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.Ìý
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Ausstudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some Masters degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit .
*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the .
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visitÌý.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
The exposure to a wide range of clinical environments provided excellent hands-on experience.
