Course overview
Graduate in just three and a half years with Australia's only accelerated Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry course. Optometrists are in high demand with occupation growth expected to reach 16.4% by 2029*, you will gain the discipline-specific knowledge and skills to be work-ready and eligible to apply for registration as a practising optometrist in Australia and New Zealand.
You will undertake a variety of short-term industry placements throughout your course and spend the final six months as a student resident, empowering you to graduate confidently. You will develop crucial skills in the clinical assessment, treatment and management of eye and vision disorders, with strong foundations in evidence-based and reflective practice, inter-professional collaborative practice and practice management. Our course has a strong emphasis on understanding the visual health issues impacting regional and rural Australia and the rural health gap.
Want to graduate job ready as a qualified optometrist from Australia’s only accelerated combined Bachelor/Masters course?
Deakin offers Australia’s first accelerated Bachelor/Masters course, which means you can graduate and begin your career sooner. This is made possible due to Deakin’s trimester system whereby you will undertake ten consecutive trimesters starting from Trimester 1.
During the course you will investigate the structure and function of the visual system while learning about various visual health issues and their wider impact on the local and international community. Gain crucial skills in the clinical assessment, treatment and management of eye and vision disorders, as well as forming a strong understanding of the ethical, legal and professional standards of practice. You will cover a broad spectrum of industry-relevant study areas that prepare you for work as a professional optometrist, including:
- the key principles of optics
- clinical optics and treating eye and vision disorders
- ocular function and structure
- the science of vision
- the business of optometry.
Your clinical placement rotations take place in both metropolitan and regional or rural settings, where you will consolidate your knowledge and skills under the supervision of qualified optometrists. As a student resident you will learn in one of a range of clinical optometric and medical settings.
Our optometry students are able to work directly with real patients who attend the Deakin Collaborative Eye Care Clinic - located onsite at our Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus. Our students are supervised by experienced registered optometrists while providing ocular healthcare to the patients at the clinic. It's equipped with a fully fitted optometry practice for examination and a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose clinical skills laboratory.
As well as preparing you to diagnose and manage ocular conditions, this unique combined degree has a strong emphasis on the underlying social and environmental factors that contribute to the health gap between regional communities and urban populations. With Deakin ranked #1 in Victoria for graduate employment, you’ll graduate with a well-rounded understanding of the field of optometry and the practical skills to make a meaningful impact from day one. On successful completion of this accredited course, you can apply for registration to practise as an optometrist in Australia and New Zealand.
Deakin is deeply committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As part of this commitment, our Indigenous Entry Stream provides a specialised pathway for Indigenous students to become healthcare practitioners, improving cultural safety and health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the communities they serve. Our Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry is one of four courses available through this stream.
Are you a current Year 12 student? If you attend a school in a regional or remote area or within the Greater City of Geelong you may be eligible to apply for this course through our Regional and Remote Entry Scheme using our dedicated VTAC code. As an eligible applicant you may also receive up to a 10 aggregate point adjustment towards your entry score. Make the most of your ATAR.
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*2024 Employment Projections – for the five years to 2029, Australian Government, Jobs and Skills Australia.
Key dates
VTAC entries are closed.
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
2026 course information
- VTAC code
1400315541 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400310261 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Optometry (Regional and Remote) -- 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
Optometry through Mougadam’s eyes
Inspired by his chemistry teacher and a desire to help others, Mougadam is studying Deakin’s accelerated 3.5-year Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry, a hands-on course that prepares graduates to work across Australia and New Zealand.
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 this degree as an accelerated course over 10 consecutive trimesters, commencing in Trimester 1.
All 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:
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).
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Choose a Deakin degree for vital industry experience on placements, hands-on learning in world-class facilities and guidance from industry-expert academics. We offer lifetime career support and are the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.
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 three COVID-19 vaccinations. 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.
CHOOSE DEAKIN, THE #1 VICTORIAN UNIVERSITY FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
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
- 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
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
- For current year 12 students only, who have studied at a high school outside major metropolitan centres (i.e. in RA2-5 areas as defined by the ASGS-RA classification system) or in the City of Greater Geelong
- Senior Secondary Certification in Education with ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent (including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
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.
Indigenous Entry Stream applicants
To be eligible for a place in the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry course, Indigenous Entry Stream applicants must meet the following admission criteria (note this entry stream is for non-Year 12 applicants via direct application only):
- Recognition as an Indigenous Australian and
provide confirmation of Aboriginality from their community and
have completed one or more of the following requirements: - A Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent (including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL), or
- Have successfully completed at least one year of study at certificate IV or higher in any discipline
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.
Regional and Remote Entry Scheme
Current year 12 students from regional and remote areas may be eligible for additional aggregate points to their selection rank through Deakin's Regional and Remote Entry Scheme. Learn more about this scheme, eligibility and how to apply.
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.
Indigenous Entry Stream
The Indigenous Entry Stream provides a direct-entry pathway for Indigenous Australian applicants. This stream is for non-Year 12 applicants. Current Year 12 applicants can apply directly through VTAC. Learn more about this scheme, eligibility and how to apply.
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
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
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 and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$15,288 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 12 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Twelve credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website or estimate your tuition fees.
Scholarship options
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Apply through VTAC
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 will open on 3 August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 open in July.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
Offer rounds and key dates
Successful applicants to this course are placed in a pool of eligible applicants. Offers are made in rounds until all places are filled.
Round 1: 10 – 14 November 2025
Round 2: 1 – 5 December 2025
Round 3: 12 – 16 January 2026
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry with our pathways finder.
If you did not meet the selection requirements for this course don't despair, we have further pathway options available. Are you a Year 12 student? You may be interested in our Regional and Remote Entry Scheme. Our Indigenous Entry Stream is available for this course providing a specialised pathway for Indigenous students to become healthcare practitioners. 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; with the government projecting an occupation growth of 16.4% for Optometrists and Orthoptists over the next five years.*
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.
*2024 Employment Projections – for the five years to 2029, 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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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. |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | 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. |
| Critical thinking | Apply expert knowledge to critically analyse and synthesise complex optometric information and theories to address research questions and new situations in professional practice. |
| Problem solving | 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. |
| Self-management | 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. |
| Teamwork | 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. |
| Global citizenship | 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. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
