• Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science

Study plan

The majority of the Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) is in the form of distance learning. The course consists of 48 credit points (cp), which requires the completion of five 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. All students will undertake a treatise (12cp) of 8000 - 40,000 words under the guidance of a supervisor.

Capstone experience

A capstone experience comprises one or more units of study designed by the school to provide students with an opportunity to draw together the learning that has taken place during the award, synthesise this with their prior learning and experience, and draw conclusions that will form the basis for further investigation, and intellectual and/or professional growth.

For the Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science), all students complete a treatise (12cp) of 8000 - 40,000 words under the guidance of a supervisor, as the capstone experience.

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.

Course accreditation

This course will assist those seeking a position in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) approved training scheme.

Further study

Outstanding graduates may be eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in the courses of Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy and Master of Surgery (by research) offered by Sydney Medical School. A research degree provides students with the opportunity to prepare a substantial piece of work which represents a significant contribution in a particular field of study; and to gain transferable skills in general research methodology.

Sydney Medical School is affiliated with over 40 independent medical research institutes aimed at achieving medical firsts in specialist areas of health and medicine.
It provides an outstanding environment for postgraduate research. Sydney Medical School's research activities consistently attract high levels of funding from the Commonwealth and state governments, overseas funding agencies and other public and private sources.

Other study options

Sydney Medical School offers a wide range of short professional development courses for health professionals through its clinical schools, disciplines and associated research institutes.

Many of the courses offered are pre-accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME) points, and other courses may be awarded CME points on request to your relevant association or professional body. For further information and a list of courses available please see the Sydney Medical School website http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/future-students/courses/short-courses.php.

Admission requirements

A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science) will hold a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification. 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 Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Science).

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Master of Medicine (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.