University of Canberra
Master of Optometry
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Build advanced optometry knowledge and clinical skills through a two-year professional qualification available to graduates of the University of Canberra Bachelor of Vision Science.
Course overview
The University of Canberra’s Master of Optometry develops the advanced knowledge, clinical skills and professional capabilities required for optometry practice. Designed for graduates of UC’s Bachelor of Vision Science, the course builds on foundational vision science through advanced clinical and research-focused study.
Explore primary care optometry, ocular therapeutics and the assessment and management of patients with diverse visual and eye health needs. You’ll also study optometry for special populations and community practice while developing skills in clinical decision-making, patient care and evidence-informed practice.
Clinical experience is a significant component of the course, with work-integrated learning embedded throughout the program. You’ll develop your capabilities through community optometry, an optometry residency and practice-focused study. Placements are undertaken full-time and can require interstate travel, providing experience across different clinical environments.
The 48-credit-point course is studied on campus at Bruce, Canberra and completed in two years full-time. The Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry sequence is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand. Graduates who successfully complete both qualifications can apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia.
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
$1,235 (CSP)
What you will study
To earn the Master of Optometry, students must complete 48 credit points, with 24 credit points representing a standard full-time study load per year. Unless otherwise indicated, each unit is worth three credit points, with a standard 3-credit-point unit rate of $5,000.
Required
Students must pass 48 credit points as follows:
- Research Planning (3 credit points)
- Research Project in Health (3 credit points)
- Advanced Primary Care Optometry (9 credit points)
- Optometry for Special Populations (9 credit points)
- Assessment of Optometric Competence (3 credit points)
- Community Optometry (9 credit points)
- Optometry Residency (9 credit points)
- Optometry in Practice (3 credit points)
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.
For more information, visit the university page.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Optometry will:
- Have the expertise and skills to critique, synthesise and apply evidence from research and science to inform optometric practice
- Be able to demonstrate the requisite knowledge for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics
- Demonstrate an awareness of the inter-professional nature of the health profession and its diverse cultural and social setting
- Be able to demonstrate the professional attributes necessary 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
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
Indicative full-course fee in 2027: From $19,760 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Domestic full-fee paying place in 2027:
- Fee per unit: $5,000
- Fee per annum: $40,000
- Full-course fee: $80,000
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- 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.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
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'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – 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 unit 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 with the cost of a university course.
