Course overview
Graduate sooner with Deakin's Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry, Australia's only accelerated combined bachelor and masters degree. Delivered over ten consecutive trimesters, this 3.5-year program prepares you for registration as an optometrist in Australia and New Zealand.
Develop the clinical skills to assess, diagnose and manage eye and vision disorders, with foundations in evidence-based practice and professional standards. You will complete placements throughout your course to gain hands-on experience with real patients, including at Deakin's Collaborative Eye Care Clinic and spend your final six months as a student resident.
Build an understanding of the visual system and factors that influence eye health, including the impact of regional and rural health disparities. With training across areas such as clinical optics, ocular structure and function, and practice management, you will graduate confident, work ready and prepared to make an immediate impact.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400315543 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- D302
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 083228D Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7/9
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry you must pass 40 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 40 credit points of core units.
Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry (H710) must be satisfied.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: Students must pass all first year units, or be granted recognition of prior learning for these units, before proceeding to second year.
Due to the integrated nature of the curriculum and assessment, and the requirements of the external accrediting body, from Year 2 onwards, you must pass all units in a given trimester prior to proceeding to the next trimester. Any student who fails to meet this requirement will need to intermit until the next offering of the unit, which will usually be in a period of two trimesters.
To support student reintegration to the course after a period of intermission, students will be required to demonstrate that they have maintained skills and knowledge at a level required to practice safely. To support students in doing this, non-award units will be offered in the trimester preceding re-entry to the course. Please contact your course adviser for assistance.
Students must enrol in the Waurn Ponds (Geelong) offering of all units
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
And
OR
^ Students who completed Unit 3 and 4 (or Year 12 equivalent) Chemistry MUST do SLE155. Those who did not do Chemistry in VCE units 3 and 4 (or Year 12 equivalent) may take SLE133.
Year 1 - Trimester 3
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Year 2 - Trimester 3
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Year 3 - Trimester 2
Year 3 - Trimester 3
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
The course is only available to students on a full-time basis.
This is a 3.5 year accelerated full-time program delivered over ten consecutive trimesters commencing in Trimester 1.
Please refer to the AHPRA registration site for English language skills required for AHPRA registration.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
CHOOSE DEAKIN, THE #1 VICTORIAN UNIVERSITY FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Requirements for Clinical Placements and Registration
In accordance with Department of Human Services policy*, all students are required to undertake a National Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of clinical placements will not be able to undertake any placements. Students are also required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of the course, and are required to read, understand and comply with the School of Medicine Infectious Diseases and Immunisation Policy.
Failure to comply with this policy, or obtain a Working with Children Check, may also prevent students from undertaking clinical placements.
Several clinical placement agencies require that students are vaccinated / blood tested before undertaking clinical placement and / or graduate employment. Deakin University Medical Centres provides detailed advice, blood testing and administer all necessary vaccinations prior to commencement of clinical placements and/or employment.
Additional costs associated with the course
Students will be expected to purchase some specialist equipment during their course, and there may be some additional costs associated with your clinical placements. Further details will be provided during your enrolment. Students should expect to spend around $5,000 ($1,500 and $4,000) on equipment. Life expectancy of the equipment is around 15 years.
International places
Up to 10 international places will be available each year
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Course information
The course includes an extensive practical placement component (cost incurred by the student) including a Clinical Residential Placement in the last six months of the course. Students will also need to purchase personal optometric diagnostic (costing approximately $6500-$7000) in Year 2 of the program.
Mandatory student checks
Inherent requirements
All prospective applicants should review the Inherent Requirements of the course, which describe what students need to achieve, and consider whether they may need reasonable adjustments in order to meet these requirements.
Deakin seeks to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, including those with a disability or chronic health condition or other factors which may impact on their studies. We aim to take an inclusive approach which encompasses temporary or ongoing physical or mental health conditions, neurodivergence or being the carer of someone with a disability. For more information refer to the Disability Resource Centre.
We encourage applicants who would like to know more, or who think they may need reasonable adjustments, to reach out via email for a confidential and constructive discussion. You will be connected to a member of the course team who will be able to discuss your circumstances, the requirements of the course, and how the School and University can help to put reasonable accommodations in place. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career, and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
Working with Children Check
Students are required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children Check (WWCC). Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The School will guide you through this process. Additionally, students may be required to obtain a working with children check (State/Territory specific) dependent on the location they are allocated to for their interstate placement as part of this course.
Police record check
Students will be required to obtain a valid Police Record Check every calendar year for professional placements as part of this course. Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The School will guide you through this process.
Immunisations
Prior to commencing clinical placements students are expected to have a current immunisation status including at least two COVID-19 vaccinations subject to placement provider requirements. Information will be provided to applicants once they enrol in the course. The School will guide you through this process.
Code of Conduct
On commencement of the course students are expected to agree and sign the Student Code of Conduct.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
The course has been developed to provide students with opportunities to practice optometry (under supervision) in a variety of contexts. In keeping Deakin Optometry’s commitment to improving rural eyecare delivery, students will spend at least three months of their extended residential placement in a regional, rural or remote location to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these communities when attempting to access eye care.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
Students are required to complete units in Trimester 3.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Placements are an integral part of this course and ensure that you graduate career ready and with confidence. From your second year onwards, you will attend clinical placements across a range of placement settings. During the last six months of this course, you will undertake a clinical residential placement with a focus on regional and remote optometry. During this residency you need to consolidate your knowledge and skills in supported environments under the supervision of qualified optometrists.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 Prerequisite subjects:
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
Personal statement
Applicants can include a personal statement to complement their application. Applicants will need to ensure that they outline any relevant work and/or life experience and summarise the reasons why they wish to undertake the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
Inherent requirements
Applications are accepted from students who possess the skills and prerequisites required to complete the course, gain professional certification and practise safely. The inherent requirements of the course can be found here.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Domestic Students and International Students who have completed secondary qualifications taught in English (VCE English Units 3 or 4 or equivalent.)
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
International students who have NOT completed secondary qualifications taught in English (VCE English Units 3 or 4 or equivalent.)
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) or equivalent;
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Subject adjustment
A study score of 40 in any English equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 35 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 35 in any English equals 1 aggregate point per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$71,400 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 12 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
Pathways
If you did not meet the selection requirements for this course don't despair, we have further pathway options available. Explore your options to get ready for the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry using our pathways finder.
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Alternate exits
- Bachelor of Vision Science (H310)
Career outcomes
Do you want to secure your future in one of the largest and fastest growing industries in Australia and the world?* The healthcare and social assistance sector is Australia’s largest employer, and its continued strength is of particularly good news to those wishing to work in specialised fields.
Deakin optometry graduates are well prepared to meet this demand and enjoy strong career outcomes, with Deakin ranked the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. You’ll be equipped to work in a wide range of settings, including:
- clinics
- corporate and community settings
- health services
- hospitals
- non-government organisations
- private practice
- research institutes
- state and local governments
- tertiary education institutions.
Career opportunities for qualified optometrists include:
- practice ownership
- private and public eye care
- research and education
- recognised specialties within optometry such as:
- myopia control
- dry eye management
- low vision
- paediatric vision.
*2025 Employment Projections – for the five years to 2030, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia.
Professional recognition
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be eligible to apply for registration to practise as an optometrist in Australia. Deakin optometry has been awarded accreditations by the Optometry Board of Australia, following assessment by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ).
As a graduate from this course you will be eligible to apply for registration to practise as an optometrist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and to Medicare as a service provider. This will enable you to pursue employment opportunities throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply advanced integrated optometric knowledge to evaluate clinical information, utilising expert skills and judgement to independently perform optometric examinations, establish diagnoses and design appropriate management plans within a robust practice management system. |
| Employ a range of communication strategies to interpret theoretical positions, methodologies and conclusions, and explain and justify professional and clinical decisions to other health professionals, peers and colleagues (specialist and non-specialist audiences). Employ a range of communication strategies that take into account individual diversity to effectively communicate information regarding informed consent, diagnoses and management plans to patients, carers and other health-care professionals. |
| Choose appropriate technologies to effectively find, use and disseminate clinical and research findings; demonstrate skills in applying new technologies in clinical settings to implement examination plans and manage patient records. |
| Apply expert knowledge to critically analyse and synthesise complex optometric information and theories to address research questions and new situations in professional practice. |
| Apply an advanced body of knowledge in order to define and frame clinical optometric problems and apply evidence based strategies to solve such problems. Apply business and practice management skills to identify areas of optometric business in need of improvement and strategies to improve and maintain a safe and efficient/compliant optometric practice. |
| Operate in a professional, reflective and ethical manner, being cognisant of the accountability and responsibilities that come with professional optometric practice, thereby employing a structured and efficient approach to professional practice. |
| Operate as an independent optometric professional, capable of demonstrating leadership in practice management and collaboration with other health professionals in providing high quality optometric care for patients. |
| Model behaviour consistent with professional and ethical standards of the profession, being sensitive to cultural and social diversity and the issues impacting on eye and vision care in regional and rural communities, adopting a global perspective to evidence-based practice and advocacy. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
