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 WAM) of 65.00.

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 and performance at an interview. Not all applicants will be invited to participate in the interview.

The number of places available for entry into the MClinOptom 8095 to vary each year.

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 OR BVisSci 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.

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.

This program includes placements in Health Facilities in Australia, private practice and the UNSW Optometry Clinic. Students in this program require a Criminal Record Check. International students need both the Australian check as well as a police certificate from their home country or any country in which they have been a citizen or permanent resident since turning 16 years of age.

Students in this program must comply with Health Facility's immunisation and blood borne viruses policies (for placement).

First Aid training

The program is accredited by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) 2016, the Optometry Board of Australia (OBA) and the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board New Zealand (ODOB) for the purpose of registration in Australia and New Zealand.