There are different admission requirements for the Bachelor of Optometry Bachelor of Science and the Vision Science major within the Bachelor of Science (Science and Advanced Science programs).

Normal entry is into Stage 1 of the BOptom BSc program and is limited by a quota into Stage 1.

Applicants must submit an application to sit the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) with the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) http://umat.acer.edu.au, 2008 UMAT test was held on Wednesday 30 July 2008. For 2009 entry, applicants must have sat for the UMAT test in 2007 or 2008.

Note: UMAT Scores are valid for two years. This means they can be used in an application for admission in the year following the test, and/or one year later. For example, results from UMAT 2007 are valid for application for 2009. However, if you take UMAT two years in a row, your most recent UMAT Scores will be used when considering your application.

Admission for 2009 to the BOptom BSc program is subject to selection on the basis of the Universities Admissions Index (UAI) or equivalent and performance in UMAT. Selection will be based on two thirds UAI or equivalent and one third UMAT result.

Admission to the BOptom BSc for those who have completed or who are undertaking tertiary studies will be ranked on overall academic merit and performance in UMAT. Selection will be based on two thirds overall academic merit and one third UMAT result.

Students may apply for advanced standing once they have received an offer of admission into the program.

Please note that the Certificate of Matriculation - Reduced Program/Limited UAI, the Foundation Year, the Tertiary Preparation Certificate or the University Preparation Program (UPP) are not acceptable for admission to the BOptom BSc program.

An alternative entry pathway for admission to the BOptom BSc program is available for applicants who have not undertaken post-secondary studies and who are not eligible for entry in 2009.

These applicants are advised to apply for entry to the Bachelor of Science (Science program or Advanced Science program) at UNSW and follow the Vision Science major. During 2009, students who are enrolled in the prescribed Year 1 Science Vision Science plan including the recommended courses or Year 1 Advanced Science Vision Science plan will be invited to apply directly to UNSW for a limited number of transfer places for 2010.

 

Assessment for entry to these places to commence Year 2 of the BOptom BSc program will be based on
Universities Admissions Index (UAI) or equivalent (to be competitive this would need to be at least 90.00)*, Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) results and performance in first year UNSW subjects. Each assessment criteria will be equally weighted.

 

 

The number of transfer positions is limited. It is important to remember this is a competitive process and there is no guarantee that you will be offered a place.

 

Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies can still apply to do Vision Science in the Science and Advanced Science programs but will not be permitted to transfer internally to BOptom BSc - application to transfer for these applicants will be via UAC.

 

Applicants who complete a combined Science or Advanced Science program at UNSW will not be permitted to transfer internally to BOptom BSc - application to transfer for these applicants will be via UAC.

It is assumed that students, through their high school studies (or other equivalent study), will have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area that is considered desirable for successful university-level study.

Students who do not have the level of assumed knowledge are not prevented from enrolling but may be placed at a significant disadvantage. Any students who have not achieved the recommended level of assumed knowledge are strongly advised that it is in their best interest to undertake a bridging course or other appropriate preparation before enrolling.

For the Bachelor of Optometry Bachelor of Science program, the level of assumed knowledge (A) and recommended knowledge (R)are as follows:

(A) Mathematics*
(A) Chemistry
(R) Physics

Enrolment in a program at UNSW assumes competence at communicating in written and spoken English. This is especially important for the BOptom BSc program for which you must possess excellent communication skills.

* Please note that General Mathematics does not meet the necessary level of assumed knowledge.

Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens, Permanent Residents of Australia and Holders of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa. Applications must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Visit http://www.uac.edu.au for further information.

International Students. International students undertaking
* an Australian Year 12 qualification in Australia in 2008
* an Australian Year 12 qualification outside Australia in 2008
* an International Baccalaureate in Australia in 2008
* a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 in 2008
should lodge an application through UAC (see above).
All other international students should lodge an application directly with UNSW. Visit http://www.international.unsw.edu.au for further information.

For internal transfer from the Bachelor of Science (Science program or Advanced Science program) into Year 2 of the BOptom BSc for 2010, students enrolled in the prescribed Year 1 Vision Science plans will be contacted during 2009 and invited to submit an application.

Please see Faculty of Science Entry Requirements