Handbook

The Master of Clinical Optometry program 8095 (MClinOptom) is only open to students who have completed the UNSW Bachelor of Vision Science program 3181 (BVisSci) within 5 years prior to admission. Applicants must complete the BVisSci 3181 program and achieve a Weighted Average Mark (see below for definition of program … For more content click the Read More button below. As the number of places available each year is limited and will vary from year to year, entry into the program is competitive. Selection is based on the program WAM for the BVisSci program 3181, a personal statement, and performance at an interview. Not all applicants will be invited to participate in the interview (remote participation may be permitted in limited circumstances). It is expected that the number of places available for entry into the MClinOptom 8095 in 2022 and 2023 will range from 1 to 10 places. From 2023 onward, this estimate will be updated to reflect more current data.   Any honours year or additional tertiary study completed in addition to program 3181 will not be considered by the School of Optometry and Vision Science in the ranking of applicants for entry to program 8095. Students without a UNSW BVisSci degree program 3181 who wish to pursue the MClinOptom program 8095 are advised to apply for entry into either: BVisSci/MClinOptom program 3182 ORBVisSci program 3181 followed by an application for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry (8095) 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 All applicants, domestic and international, are to consult AHPRA’s website to guide their understanding of the Registration Standard: English Language skills and Registration Standard: Criminal history. The Rural Entry Scheme is a new initiative to encourage applicants with a rural background to apply for entry into the 8095 Master of Clinical Optometry Program. This scheme will open for students applying for program entry in 2023 and onwards and students with an extensive rural background demonstrated through, for example, their home and schooling up to and including the completion of secondary (Higher School Certificate) education may be eligible to apply. Eligible students may be offered a place in the 8095 Master of Clinical Optometry Program through a competitive selection process.  Definition of program WAM The above admissions requirements refer to a ‘program WAM’. The program WAM, for purposes of entry into the MClinOptom 8095 program, is calculated using all the courses in the BVisSci program 3181 including the required 2 GenEd courses only (12 UOC) that have a finalised grade at the time of assessment. If more than 12 UOC of GenEd have been completed, only the first two GenEd courses will be included in the program WAM. If 3 GenEd courses were completed, with one in one term, and the other two in the same subsequent term, we will count the first GenEd, and the GenEd with the higher mark, out of the other two.