Master of Medicine (Refractive Surgery)
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
Refractive surgery is an ever-expanding area within the field of ophthalmology that encompasses laser and non-laser vision correction. Such surgery has traditionally been performed by surgeons in large private clinics, but in recent years has become accepted as part of mainstream ophthalmic care. Laser eye surgery is now the most frequently performed eye operation in Australia.
Upon completion of the Master of Medicine (Refractive Surgery) at Sydney Medical School, you will be equipped with knowledge of refractive surgery theory and practice, using distance
learning complemented by a two-week placement in an accredited refractive surgical centre, including time spent in the wet lab at Sydney Eye Hospital. Jointly offered with the University of Auckland, New Zealand, the course is the first of its kind in the world. Your lecturers will include internationally recognised corneal and refractive surgeons.
Units of study
For full information on Units of Study available in this course, please visit the Sydney Courses website
Table of units of study (online handbook)
Full units of study list
Embedded courses
Further course information
Study plan
Students of the Master of Medicine (Refractive Surgery) complete a total of 48 credit points (cp) to be awarded the degree. The course comprises 36cp of core units of study plus a research dissertation (12cp). Core units include studies in ophthalmic anatomy, ophthalmic optics, refractive surgery and practical refractive surgery. In the unit of study, Practical Refractive Surgery, you will undertake a two-week full-time clinical placement held at an accredited private refractive surgery centre.
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 (Refractive Surgery), all students complete a 12 credit point research project involving a submission of a 8000 - 20,000 word dissertation, as the capstone experience.
Course outcomes and further study
Graduate opportunities
The Master of Medicine (Refractive Surgery) prepares ophthalmologists for the appropriate selection of candidates for refractive surgery, and provides an understanding of the surgical techniques involved and how to deal with complications that may arise.
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
Admission requirements
A successful applicant for admission to the Masters of Medicine (Refractive Surgery) will:
(a) hold a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; and
(b) hold appropriate medical indemnity; and
(c) have completed the requirements of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, and be eligible to undertake a subspecialty fellowship in the final year of accredited training; or
(d) be registered to practice ophthalmology in their state, territory or country.
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.
How to apply
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).
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Master of Medicine (Refractive Surgery).
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Master of Medicine (Refractive Surgery).
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.