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.

Admission to the BOptom BSc program is subject to selection on the basis of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent and performance in UMAT.

We cannot predict in advance what ATAR or UMAT score will be required for entry. To be competitive it is expected that applicants will require a ATAR of at least 95.00 and UMAT scores in the mid to high range.

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.

It is not possible to provide any more than general advice outside of the UAC application process but you should note that entry to this program is extremely competitive. It is expected that applicants will be required to have a very high secondary rank (95 or above) and/or tertiary rank (eg. Distinctions or High Distinctions at university) and UMAT scores in the mid to high range.

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 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 2013.

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 2013, students who are enrolled in the prescribed Year 1 Science Vision Science plan or Year 1 Advanced Science Vision Science plan will be invited to apply directly to UNSW for a limited number of transfer places for 2014.

 

Assessment for entry to these places to commence Year 2 of the BOptom BSc program will be based on ATAR or equivalent (to be competitive this would need to be at least 90.00), UMAT results and performance in first year UNSW subjects.

 

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) is as follows:

(A) Mathematics*
(A) Chemistry
(A) Physics
(A) English (Advanced)

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 appropriate Yr 12 qualification in Australia or another appropriate qualification (see http://www.uac.edu.au for details) 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 2014, students enrolled in the prescribed Year 1 Vision Science plans will be contacted during 2013 and invited to submit an application.

Please see Faculty of Science Welcome Future Students