Find the scholarship that's the right fit for you
Master of Optometry (374JA.1)
Please note these are the 2026 details for this course
| Selection rank | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
2.0 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | UAC code |
| Faculty of Health | Discipline of Optometry |
View teaching periods | |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
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.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Selection rank
The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.
Fees disclaimer
The fees shown are the indicative annual fee rates for the course, based on a standard full-time enrolment of 24 credit points across a year. Fees are assessed at unit level, according to their field of education and credit point value.
If you are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for this course, you will be liable for a Student Contribution Amount instead of domestic tuition fees.
You won’t need to submit a separate application for a CSP – you will automatically be assessed for eligibility when you apply for admission to the course. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
| Academic entry requirements | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
2.0 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | CRICOS code |
| Faculty of Health | Discipline of Optometry |
View teaching periods | 094979G |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. 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. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
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.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
The Master of Optometry is a two-year program. It will provide students with advanced knowledge, clinical skills and professional attributes related to the optometry profession.
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 (WIL)
This course includes a high volume of work integrated learning to allow students to gain clinical practice experience of optometry.
Placements are only provided on a full-time basis and will require interstate travel. Accommodation and transport costs are the student's responsibility.
Students will be expected to purchase specialist optometry equipment prior to going on placement during their studies for the Master of Optometry. Students should expect to spend around $5,000 on equipment. Life expectancy of the equipment is in the range of 15 to 20 years.
Career opportunities
Graduates can expect employment as or in the below 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.
Course-specific information
Prior to undertaking any clinical placement students will be required to:
- undertake a National Police Check
- obtain a Working with Vulnerable People registration
- provide your immunisation history
- have a qualification in First Aid including CPR.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited with 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.
The Master of Optometry (374JA) is only open to students who have completed the Bachelor of Vision Science (372JA) 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 (372JA) at UC to become eligible for the Masters. These applicants are eligible to apply for consideration of credit towards a UC Bachelor of Vision Science (in accordance with UC's credit policy and procedure) to reduce the duration of this course.
Additional admission requirements
Limited Commonwealth-supported places (CSPs) are available for this course and will be awarded on academic merit. To be considered for a CSP, please submit your application by 31 October 2024. Eligible applicants will be notified from 15 November 2024. The University will continue to issue fee-paying (FEE) offers until this date, offers for any eligible CSP applicants will be updated accordingly.
Assumed knowledge
None.
Periods course is open for new admissions
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 02 February 2026 |
Credit arrangements
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.
Master of Optometry (374JA) | 48 credit points
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Course duration
Standard 2 years full time. Maximum 6 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion. This course is only available for full-time enrolment.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| Graduates of the Master of Optometry will: 1. Be able to demonstrate the requisite knowledge for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics |
UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development. |
| 2. Be able to demonstrate the requisite skills for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills. UC graduates are global citizens: Make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; and Evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| 3. Be able to demonstrate the professional attributes necessary for independent practice and autonomous prescribing in ocular therapeutics | UC graduates are professional: Communicate effectively; and Take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; and Behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; Be self-aware; and Adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas. |
| 4. Have the expertise and skills to critique, synthesise and apply evidence from research and science to inform optometric practice | UC graduates are professional: Use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; and Display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; Make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; Adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; and Evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| 5. Demonstrate an awareness of the inter-professional nature of the health profession and its diverse cultural and social setting | UC graduates are professional: Communicate effectively; Work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; and Take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; Adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; Understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; Communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; and Behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; and Be self-aware. |
Awards
| Award | Official abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Master of Optometry | MOpt |
Enrolment data
2023 enrolments for this course by location. Please note that enrolment numbers are indicative only and in no way reflect individual class sizes.
| Location | Enrolments |
|---|---|
| UC - Canberra, Bruce | 44 |
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Prospective Domestic Students | Email study@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1800 UNI CAN (1800 864 226) |
| Current and Commencing Students | Email Health.Student@canberra.edu.au |
| Prospective International Students | Email international@canberra.edu.au or Phone +61 2 6201 5342 |
It seems something went wrong with your submission. Please email study@canberra.edu.au to receive your 2023 course guide.
stayonpage
Thanks for submitting your details. A course guide will be sent your email address shortly.
