University of Canberra
Master of Optometry
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Providing students with advanced knowledge, clinical skills and professional attributes related to the optometry profession.
Course overview
The Master of Optometry is a two-year program. The course incorporates the latest research and technology and has been developed by a group comprising academics, practitioners and representatives from international optometry companies and independent practitioners.
Work Integrated Learning
This course includes a high volume of work integrated learning to allow students to gain clinical practice experience of optometry.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ). Successful completion of both the Bachelor of Vision Science AND the Master of Optometry course at the University of Canberra will allow graduates the chance to apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia to practice as an optometrist.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
15th February, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Master of Optometry course, students must complete 48 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each unit is worth three credit points.
Required
Students must pass 48 credit points as follows:
- Research Planning
- Research Project in Health
- Advanced Primary Care Optometry (nine credit points)
- Optometry for Special Populations (nine credit points)
- Assessment of Optometric Competence
- Community Optometry (nine credit points)
- Optometry Residency (nine credit points)
- Optometry in Practice
Entry requirements
The Master of Optometry is only open to students who have completed the Bachelor of Vision Science at the University of Canberra.
Applicants who are studying a Bachelor of Vision Science from another institution are encouraged to apply for admission into the Bachelor of Vision Science at UC to become eligible for the Master's. These applicants are eligible to apply for credit consideration for a UC Bachelor of Vision Science (in accordance with UC's credit policy and procedure) to reduce the duration of this course.
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible, you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course, please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.
Recognition of Prior Learning
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy. Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Optometry will:
- Be able to demonstrate the requisite knowledge for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics.
- Be able to demonstrate the requisite skills for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics.
- Be able to demonstrate the professional attributes necessary for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics.
- Have the expertise and skills to critique, synthesise and apply evidence from research and science to inform optometric practice.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the inter-professional nature of the health profession and its diverse cultural and social setting.
Career outcomes
Graduates can expect employment in the following sectors:
- Optometrist
- Private practice and retailer
- Vision-related government and non-government organisations
- Hospitals
- Health clinics and services
- Research institutes
- Optometrist in a state government hospital and health service
- Clinical optometrist in an ophthalmic surgery practice
- Community outreach optometrist
Fees and CSP
Estimated full-course fee in 2026: From $19,072 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Domestic full-fee paying place in 2026:
- Fee per unit: $4,812.50
- Fee per annum: $38,500
- Full-course fee: $77,000
The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you only need to pay some of your tuition fees. The student contribution amount is the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the units you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.
