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University of New South Wales (UNSW)

  • 34% international / 66% domestic

Bachelor of Vision Science

  • Bachelor

Study the science of how we see and interact with our world. Whether you're interested in advanced optometry, paediatric eye care or a career in the public health sector, the Bachelor of Vision Science will take you there.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 - 3 years full-time
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Fees
$8,500 per year / $176,000 total

About this course

Overview

Study the science of how we see and interact with our world. Whether you're interested in advanced optometry, paediatric eye care or a career in the public health sector, the Bachelor of Vision Science will take you there.

Join the globally recognised UNSW degree and you'll get hands-on practical experience in a wide range of areas, including:

  • sensation and perception
  • psychophysics
  • optics
  • anatomy and functioning of the eye
  • oculo-visual disorders
  • introductory pharmacology
  • visual aids and dispensing
  • the consulting room interface
  • research design and methods and experimentation

During the course, you'll collaborate with students from a range of disciplines to develop essential technical and professional skills to thrive in your future career in vision health. You'll undertake Research Integrated Learning where you'll complete research skills courses and research internships to gain valuable practical experience in the field.

The Bachelor of Vision Science at UNSW encourages you to bridge the gap between study and employment with Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Research Integrated Learning (RIL) opportunities. In this course, you'll grow your skills and employability through work placements, internships and global exchange opportunities. Explore different career paths and gain real-world, practical skills while being guided by world-leading academics.

Gain broad experience in optometric eye care and training to communicate effectively with patients and other health practitioners. This degree will help you develop sought-after skills, ensuring your training is relevant in today's fast-changing world.

Key features
  • Wide range of career opportunities

    The Bachelor of Vision Science will prepare you to work with ophthalmic industries in the development of new technologies, diagnostic instruments and patient care options. You'll be able to work in a wide range of public and private sector areas that specialise in primary eye care, optical devices, technologies, teaching and scientific research in vision and ophthalmology.



  • Emphasis on critical thinking and experimentation

    This degree will prepare you to identify problems a client has with vision, understand the theory of why or how eye problems occur and develop treatment options. You'll apply your knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios through experimentation.



  • Progression opportunities

    If you want to become a practising optometrist, you'll need to complete the Master of Clinical Optometry
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    before registering with the Australian Optometry Board
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    . When you complete the Bachelor of Vision Science, you may be eligible to apply for the Master of Clinical Optometry. Please note that places are limited in the master's program and entry can be very competitive.
Why study this degree at UNSW?

Connect with industry-leading research centres and institutes

We'll provide you with a varied education in vision science through the Centre for Eye Health

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, Brien Holden Vision Institute
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and Optometry Giving Sight
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.

Study with the School of Optometry and Vision Science

UNSW Optometry and Vision Science is the largest school of optometry in Australia. We're committed to forming partnerships within the ophthalmic industry and across the healthcare sector. The School is committed to translational research which will lead to practical application and significant improvements in ocular health.


Program Code
3181
CRICOS Code
092962K
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
429740
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144
Indicative Enrolments
137
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
2023 Lowest Selection Rank 1
92
2023 A levels 2
16
2023 IB Diploma 3
35
2023 Lowest ATAR 4
85.45
    1. The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.
    2. The 2023 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2023 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

    See more
Assumed knowledge

Chemistry, English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced, Physics

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways


Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry
I studied in:
Qualifications Direct entry requirement
International ATAR
87
UNSW Foundation Studies GPA
7.6
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
12

All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1.

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
32

Results based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2019 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For more details, visit www.uac.edu.au

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
1230

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies.

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Select from the options below *
Which applies to you? *

Study locations

Kensington

Career pathways

Future careers

The Bachelor of Vision Science will prepare you to work in the eye health sector, including clinical settings, health promotion in government and non-government organisations and the ophthalmic industry. You can work in a wide range of optics, vision science and ophthalmology research laboratories that develop drugs, imaging technology and vision correction devices such as contact lenses, spectacles and ocular implants.

Career opportunities are also available in the government sector, particularly in teaching and defence technology (e.g., lasers and optical equipment). You could also contribute to the development of health and occupational policy regarding the importance of vision to quality of life in the workplace.

You may be interested in pursuing further study in a clinical discipline in optometry, orthoptics or rehabilitation for people with vision impairment (Diploma in Orientation and Mobility) or seek higher studies with an honours year, leading to a master's or PhD.

Access career opportunities in:

  • optometry
  • public health
  • scientific research
  • imaging technology
  • ocular implant development
  • private practice
  • paediatric eye care
  • health and occupational policy.

Our reputation could help secure your career

When you enrol in the Bachelor of Vision Science you'll be joining the highly respected School of Vision Science & Optometry where access to world-class facilities and research centres is offered to every student.

Graduating from the widely respected Bachelor of Vision Science at a prestigious Go8 university like UNSW will open up a world of opportunity that could take you just about anywhere - Australia and beyond.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Science & Mathematics courses at University of New South Wales (UNSW).
81.9%
Overall satisfaction
85.5%
Skill scale
63.2%
Teaching scale
71.1%
Employed full-time
$66.1k
Average salary