Master's Degree Medicine & Health Sciences Full Time

Master of Optometry

at University of New South Wales · Sydney, New South Wales

CRICOS course code

081122G

CRICOS provider code

00098G

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$80,000 total

Per year

A$40,000/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Optometry at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is designed for graduates seeking advanced expertise in clinical optometry and vision science. This two-year master's degree is structured over four semesters and comprises a comprehensive blend of coursework and clinical training. Students complete prescribed units of study totalling a standard number of credit points, reflecting the depth and breadth expected from a qualification at this Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level.

The curriculum includes advanced topics in ocular health, diagnosis and management of visual disorders, paediatric and geriatric optometry, contact lenses, and therapeutic management of eye disease. Students are exposed to evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and patient management. The course culminates in a capstone research project or clinical case study, allowing students to showcase their ability to translate research and clinical knowledge into practice.

Work-integrated learning is a key aspect, with extensive supervised clinical placements in diverse optometric settings including hospitals, community clinics, and specialist practices around Australia. This hands-on training ensures graduates acquire the professional capabilities needed for contemporary optometry practice. The program is ideally suited for those with a background in health sciences or vision science, aiming to qualify as registered optometrists in the Australian context.

Students build skills in clinical decision-making, communication, ethical practice, and health promotion. Close links with Australian industry and research organisations further enhance learning and professional opportunities. International students benefit from post-study work rights via the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. Applicants must meet UNSW’s English proficiency requirements, and should check the university's official page for the latest admission details and course offerings.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Clinical Optometrist in private or community practice
Ocular health specialist in Australian public health settings
Vision science researcher or academic
Contact lens consultant for eye care companies
Optometric educator or clinical supervisor
Roles within Australian hospital eye departments and vision care NGOs

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Optometry at University of New South Wales?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$80,000 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Clinical Optometrist in private or community practiceOcular health specialist in Australian public health settingsVision science researcher or academicContact lens consultant for eye care companiesOptometric educator or clinical supervisorRoles within Australian hospital eye depa...

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