Introduction
See yourself in this specialist field
Study a Bachelor of Vision Science and begin your journey towards a career in optometry. Our course has been developed with academics, practitioners and representatives from international optometry companies and will be launched in the same year UC opens the doors to our state-of-art UC Public Hospital. During your degree you will develop foundation knowledge and skills in the biomedical sciences with a specific focus on optical and vision sciences. You will also broaden your skills in business and management related areas should you choose to explore private practice. On graduating from this undergraduate degree you will be eligible for entry into a Master of Optometry.
Study a Bachelor of Vision Science at UC and you will:
- demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental sciences underpinning health, optical and vision sciences
- perform common optical and visual diagnostic assessments
- demonstrate a strong understanding of the dysfunctions and diseases of the eye
- demonstrate an awareness of the inter-disciplinary nature of health practitioners and health professions
- demonstrate awareness of and respect for individual human rights and cultural and social diversity.
Work Integrated Learning
In your final year you will enrol in the work-integrated unit Integrated Eye Care and Ocular Therapeutics. This unit incorporates a significant component of industry experience and includes clinical and non-clinical placements designed to observe the latest vision science industry projects and optometric practice in progress.
Career opportunities
- Optometrist
- Private practice & retailer
- Vision-related government and non-government organisations
- Hospitals
- Health clinics & Services
- Research institutes
Course specific information
The Bachelor of Vision Science is an accelerated 3-year program enabling completion in 2.5 years. This course is accredited with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) until April 2023. 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.
Professional Accreditation
This course is accredited with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) until April 2023. 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.
Admission Requirements
Requirements
Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:
- Year 12 ATAR
- other Australian Qualification
- work experience
- overseas qualification
We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the University via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes.
More information is available on our Alternative Entry page: http://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/applications/apply-now/alternative-entry
Admission to this course is competitive. Applications will be assessed on the basis of academic merit and the number of available places. To ensure your application is considered, we recommend applying by the 31st October as the first offers will be released in December.
Please be advised that if you submit your application after the advertised closing date, your application may not be considered.
Additional Admission Requirements
Clinical practice is a key component of the program and is assessed. Students may be required to complete this component outside of teaching time. Prior to commencing clinical practice, all students need to present a complete immunisation schedule, and First Aid certificates including CPR, as a requirement of the ACT and NSW health departments. All students are required to undergo a 'working with vulnerable people' check, an Australian Federal Police Record Check prior to undertaking clinical experience in the ACT, and a NSW Police check before undertaking practice in NSW.
Information on admission closing dates can be found here.
Notes for Domestic Applicants
This course is to be completed in 2.5 years via an accelerated pathway.
English Language Requirements
Academic IELTS of 6.0 or equivalent, with no band score below 6.0
Fees
Information for Fee Paying Students
| Year | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | CSP | $35,000 |
The fees detailed above 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. Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Typical Study Pattern
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UC - Canberra, Bruce
- Standard Full Time, Semester 1 Commencing
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Accelerated Full Time, Semester 1 Commencing
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Print this Study Pattern
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Year 1
- Semester 1
- Winter Term
- Semester 2
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Year 2
- Semester 1
- Winter Term
- Semester 2
- Year 3
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Course Information
Course Requirements
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you may need to meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course.
Course Duration
3 years, or part-time equivalent. To be completed in 2.5 years via accelerated pathway. Maximum 6 years.
Unit Delivery Modes
Each unit within your course may be offered through various delivery modes like on campus, online, flexible and intensive modes. Check how each of your units are delivered in the Course Requirements section.
Admission Periods
| Year | Location | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | UC - Canberra, Bruce | Semester 1 |
Semester 1 |
| 2021 | UC - Canberra, Bruce | Semester 1 |
Semester 1 |
| 2022 | UC - Canberra, Bruce | Semester 1 |
Semester 1 |
Assumed Knowledge
ACT: Mathematical Methods major; Chemistry major; and Physics major.
NSW: Mathematics; Physics; and Chemistry.
Awards
| Award(s) | Official Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Vision Science | BVisSc |
Alternate Exit Awards
- Diploma of Health Studies
- Associate Degree of Health Studies
Related Courses (Double Degrees, Nested Courses and Alternative Exits)
Exit awards only Diploma of Health Studies and Associate Degree of Health Studies. In order for the Diploma of Health Studies to be awarded the student must have: - completed 24 credit points with at least 12 credit points at Level 1; - completed a minimum of 12 credit points at UC; and - obtained a minimum of 12 credit points in any of the health disciplines. In order for the Associate Degree in Health Studies to be awarded the student must have: - completed 48 credit points with at least 12 credit points at Level 1 and 12 credit points at Level 2; - completed a minimum of 24 credit points at UC; and - obtained a minimum of 24 credit points in any of the health disciplines.