Study plan

The majority of the Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science is in the form of distance learning. The course consists of 36 credit points, which requires the completion of four core units of study. Each of the two core units of study (ophthalmic anatomy and ophthalmic physiology) require one semester of study to complete and are taught via the Internet. Assignments are set every three weeks and a final exam is submitted at the end of the unit of study. The unit of study, Practical Ophthalmic Science is a three week block/intensive mode (15 days) to be taken at the Save Sight Institute in Sydney or at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Graduate opportunities

The course aims to assist primarily medical graduates applying for a position in a RANZCO recognised training program. It also aims to assist all graduates who are interested in careers in the visual and neurosciences to have a good grounding in the ophthalmic and visual sciences. Students of this course will gain practical skills including the ability to understand the practical applications of ophthalmic equipment, familiarity with anatomical specimens, prosections, radiographs and electronmicrographs and the ability to apply psychometric testing to obtain reliable and repeatable data. Graduates will be able to apply these practical skills to their careers in the visual sciences and improve the eye health of our community.

Admission requirements

A successful applicant for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science will hold:
(a) a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; or
(b) a bachelor’s degree with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; or
(c) a bachelor’s degree without first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification. Applicants must have completed work equivalent to a first or second class honours bachelor’s degree or pass a preliminary examinations/s as prescribed by the school.
In exceptional circumstances the dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the school, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty.

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (a) directly to the University, or (b) through a University overseas representative (education agent).

Domestic students

Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount

Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science.

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science.

Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.