C04299v2 Master of Orthoptics

The Master of Orthoptics provides the requisite in-depth knowledge, skills and experience to work as an orthoptist in the multidisciplinary eye healthcare sector.

Innovative and practice-based in approach, it enables the development of specialist knowledge and skills while preparing students for changing practices in response to new evidence and rapidly emerging medical technologies.

The Master of Orthoptics is the only course of its type in NSW and one of only two in Australia.This course is delivered in a student-focused manner that integrates theoretical knowledge with professional practice, building on strong links with the orthoptic profession as well as other professional groups involved in eye and vision care and with industry.

During the course, students undertake clinical placements at a variety of sites, including hospitals, private practices and rehabilitation settings.

Students are required to take clinical placements in rural, regional or interstate areas of Australia including Indigenous populations, while there is also opportunity to undertake approved international placements.

On-campus learning takes place in the Graduate School of Health's state-of-the-art facilities, which opened in 2019.

Students have the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills while learning from internationally recognised teachers and researchers, and from practitioners who are at the forefront of implementing new knowledge and technologies in clinical practice.

Students must complete 96 credit points of study.

Course completion requirements

Course program

The following example shows a typical full-time program.

Year 1

Autumn B Session

Spring B Session

Year 2

Autumn B Session

Spring B Session

Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.

Selected applicants are required to undertake a short interview with a panel. Applicants are assessed in the areas of communication skills, interpersonal skills, interest in eye health, and commitment to orthoptics as a career.

Professional and clinical requirements

All successful applicants are required to:

1. acquire a Working With Children Check and an Australian National Police Check
2. complete a series of NSW Health forms including a Code of Conduct, and
3. demonstrate evidence of protection against a number of specified infectious diseases.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64; or CAE: 176-184.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

Local students

Domestic applicants can apply directly or via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

International students

International applicants apply via UTS: International.

International applicants, in addition to the above requirements, are required to obtain a police certificate/criminal clearance from every country they have resided in. If a country does not issue police certificates/criminal clearances, applicants are required to complete a Statutory Declaration for Overseas Students.