Master of Orthoptics

Note

It is recommended that domestic and international students apply before 31 October. Applications close once all places have been filled. It is recommended to apply early, as applications and eligibility for interviews are assessed on a rolling basis.

Indigenous applicants should apply via UTS Student Portal and are contacted by the Professor of Practice in Indigenous Health with further information. Indigenous applicants are welcome to submit cultural and/or community referees to accompany their application.

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 UTS Master of Orthoptics is the only postgraduate course for orthoptics 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.

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Course aims

The course aims to prepare graduates to excel in the clinical environment and meet significant demand for orthoptists in both public and private practice.

Study plan

The following example shows a typical full-time program.

First year

Autumn B Session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Eye and Visual Systems	96027	6
Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility 1	96028	6
Ocular Pathology 1	96029	6
Introduction to Professional Practice	96030	6

Spring B Session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Clinical Management of Refractive Error	96031	6
Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility 2	96032	6
Ocular Pathology 2	96033	6
Professional Practice 1	96034	6

Second year

Autumn B Session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Research Project 1	96035	6
Neurological Ocular Disorders	96036	6
Therapy, Management and Rehabilitation	96037	6
Professional Practice 2	96038	6

Spring B Session	Subject Code	Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects.
Research Project 2	96039	6
Advanced Professional Practice	96040	6
Professional Practice 3	96075	12

Course fees

For relevant fee information, please choose from the following:

Local student

In most cases, UTS offers domestic students entry to postgraduate courses on a fee paying basis.

Tuition fees are charged:

based on the particular course in which you are enrolled
based on the number of credit points in which you are enrolled
at the rates set for the current year and revised annually

Fees for future year(s) published in the online calculator, whilst unlikely to change, are estimates only. UTS makes every effort to provide up to date future year(s) fee estimates and to limit any changes, however, UTS reserves the right to vary fees for future year(s) at any time.

Tuition fees can be found in the online calculator.

A small number of postgraduate courses offer government subsidised Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Find out whether there are CSPs available in this course by visiting our postgraduate fees page.

In addition to tuition fees, students are required to pay a Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The purchase of textbooks and other course materials may also result in additional costs.

UTS Alumni save 10%: alumni.uts.edu.au/advantage

International student

Tuition fees for international postgraduate coursework students can be found using fees search.

Tuition fees must be paid in advance each session and are subject to annual increase. Fees for future year(s) published in fees search, whilst unlikely to change, are estimates only. UTS makes every effort to provide up to date future year(s) fee estimates and to limit any changes, however, UTS reserves the right to vary fees for future year(s) at any time.

For this course, the cost per credit point for 2025 is $1021. The total credit points are 96.

All international students should familiarise themselves with the following documents:

Protocol on refund of fees for international students - contains the refund of fees information for international students.
Tuition Protection Service - designed to ensure that students receive the tuition they have paid for

In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Textbooks and other course materials will also result in additional costs.

UTS Alumni save 10%: alumni.uts.edu.au/advantage

For further information on costs related to your study at UTS, visit the international students' fees information page.

Careers

Career options include working in hospital, private practice and community settings providing paediatric and adult eye care, neuro-ophthalmic and low vision rehabilitation, with the option of employment in the ophthalmic industry and research.

Course structure

Course structure explained

Students must complete 96 credit points of study.

Course completion requirements

Requirement	Credit Points
STM91015 Core subjects (Orthoptics)	96
Total	96

Additional information

Course duration

This course is offered on a two-year, full-time basis. Students are not permitted to enrol part time.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Applicants must have the following:

Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 4/7 AND Communication skills, interpersonal skills, interest in eye health, and commitment to orthoptics as a career (assessed in an interview)

Professional and clinical requirements

All successful applicants are required to:

acquire a Working With Children Check and an Australian National Police Check
complete a series of NSW Health forms including a Code of Conduct
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: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.5; or TOEFL: iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 24; or PTE: 58-64 overall with a writing score of 58; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 overall with a writing score of 176.

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.

If you don't meet the admission requirements for this course, there may be alternative pathways to help you gain admission.

Scholarships and prizes

Scholarships

For Master of Orthoptics students

Frank Martin Orthoptics Scholarship

For Health (GEM) students

Only for international students

For all domestic students

Only for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander students

Prizes and awards

For Health (GEM) students

Professional recognition

The Master of Orthoptics is fully accredited by the Australian Orthoptic Board. Upon completion of the degree, graduates are eligible for registration as an orthoptist.

UTS: Handbook

See the Master of Orthoptics in the UTS: Handbook for comprehensive course details.

Information for international students

Find out about support services, the Australian education system, accommodation and more to help you get the most out of your study at UTS.

Part of UTS: Graduate School of Health

Why chose UTS Orthoptics?

Our Orthoptics course is designed to ensure graduates are work-ready and equipped for success in the profession.
Orthoptics has a lot to offer

Find out the top reasons to become an Orthoptist.
Orthoptists are eye therapists

Learn about the role of Orthoptics in the assessment, diagnosis and non-surgical management of eye disorders.
Links with the Profession

UTS engages with the profession through a wide range of initiatives, ensuring our programs meet current and future needs of employers.
Clinical Placements

Students experience a diverse range of clinical placement opportunities.
Practical Experience

The Master of Orthoptics takes an innovative and practical approach. Find out more about how we integrate theory with pharmacy practice.

Domestic students

Before you apply

Here are a few important things for you to check out before you apply:

session dates
admission requirements for postgraduate coursework at UTS
required levels of English proficiency for the course you’re interested in.
recognition of prior learning guidelines if you’ve undertaken previous study that might be credited towards your course at UTS.

How to apply

Domestic applicants can apply via My Student Portal.

Intake

Autumn B Session 2025

Important dates

JANUARY 2025
26	Postgraduate applications close for Main Calendar Autumn Session 2025

FEBRUARY 2025
3	Postgraduate applications open for Spring and Summer Session 2025
3 - 14	Orientation for Main Calendar Autumn Session
17	Main Calendar Autumn Session 2025 commences

MARCH 2025
3	Last day to be admitted to a course or enrol in (add) subjects for Main Calendar, Health UG Calendar, Education UG + PG Calendar Health Extended Teaching Calendar Autumn Session 2025

JUNE 2025
29	Postgraduate applications close for Spring Session 2025

JULY 2025
21 - 25	Orientation for Main Calendar Spring Session
28	Main Calendar Spring Session 2025 commences

AUGUST 2025
11	Last day to be admitted to a course or enrol in (add) subjects for Main Calendar, Health UG Calendar, Health Extended Teaching Calendar Spring Session 2025

OCTOBER 2025
TBC	Postgraduate applications close for Summer Session 2025

DECEMBER 2025
1 - 5	Orientation for Main Calendar Summer Session 2025

JANUARY 2026
TBC	Postgraduate applications close for Main Calendar Autumn Session 2026

Need more information?

Ask UTS

Scholarships, prizes and awards

Scholarships

For Master of Orthoptics students

Frank Martin Orthoptics Scholarship

For Health (GEM) students

Only for international students

For all domestic students

Only for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander students

Prizes and awards

For Health (GEM) students

International students

Before you apply

Here are a few important things for you to check out before you apply:

session dates
admission requirements for postgraduate coursework at UTS
required levels of English proficiency for the course you’re interested in.
recognition of prior learning guidelines if you’ve undertaken previous study that might be credited towards your course at UTS.

You can meet an international student advisor at one of our events worldwide to ask questions and submit an application.

Important dates

Visit the UTS Handbook for full academic dates. Visit essential information for international students for the application closing dates.