Bachelor of Vision Science

Advancing vision and eye health.

Study the mechanisms that allow us to visualise the world. This degree explores the sensory processes that underlie vision and the development and use of vision-related technologies.

Faculty

Faculty of Medicine and Health

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Vision Science

Commencing Terms

Term 1

Duration (Full Time)

3 Year(s)

Overview

Study the science of how we see and interact with our world. This degree provides a comprehensive education in a wide range of areas, including:

sensation and perception
psychophysics
optics
anatomy and functioning of the eye
oculo–visual disorders
introductory pharmacology
visual aids and dispensing
the consulting room interface
research design and methods and experimentation.

You’ll gain broad experience in optometric eye care and training to communicate effectively with patients and other health practitioners. This degree will help you develop sought after skills, ensuring your training is relevant in today’s fast-changing world.

Key features

Wide range of career opportunities
This degree will prepare you to work with ophthalmic industries in the development of new technologies, diagnostic instruments and patient care options. You’ll be able to work in a wide range of public and private sector areas that specialise in primary eye care, optical devices, technologies, teaching and scientific research in vision and ophthalmology.
Emphasis on critical thinking and experimentation
This degree will prepare you to identify problems a client has with vision, understand the theory of why or how eye problems occur and develop treatment options. You’ll apply your knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios through experimentation.
Progression opportunities
If you want to become a practising optometrist, you’ll need to complete the Master of Clinical Optometry before registering with the Australian Optometry Board. When you complete the Bachelor of Vision Science, you may be eligible to apply for the Master of Clinical Optometry. Please note that places are limited in the master’s program and entry can be very competitive.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Connect with industry-leading research centres and institutes
We’ll provide you with a varied education in vision science through the Centre for Eye Health, Brien Holden Vision Institute and Optometry Giving Sight.

Study with the School of Optometry and Vision Science
UNSW Optometry and Vision Science is the largest school of optometry in Australia. We’re committed to forming partnerships within the ophthalmic industry and across the health care sector. The School is committed to translational research which will lead to practical application and significant improvements in ocular health.

Program Code

3181

CRICOS Code

092962K

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

429740

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

Indicative Enrolments

137

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

85.45

The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.

The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2022 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

See more

Assumed knowledge

Chemistry, English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced, Physics

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

I studied in:

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

This Bachelor of Vision Science explores the sensory processes that underlie vision and the development and use of vision-related technologies. Your study will include optical science, anatomy and functioning of the eye, eye disorders, clinical optometry, ocular therapy and treatments of ocular-visual disorders. You’ll also learn about research design, methods and experimentation that can be applied in the workplace.

Download sample program

Full program structure

The Bachelor of Vision Science can be completed in three years of full-time study. The program is made up of 24 courses total, including 22 core courses and two general education courses.

Go to the handbook

Future careers

The Bachelor of Vision Science will prepare you to work in the eye health sector, including clinical settings, health promotion in government and non-government organisations and the ophthalmic industry.

You can work in wide range of optics, vision science and ophthalmology research laboratories that develop drugs, imaging technology and vision correction devices such as contact lenses, spectacles and ocular implants.

Career opportunities are also available in the government sector, particularly in teaching and defence technology (e.g., lasers and optical equipment). You could also contribute to the development of health and occupational policy regarding the importance of vision to quality of life in the workplace.

You may be interested to pursue further study in a clinical discipline in optometry, orthoptics or rehabilitation for people with vision impairment (Diploma in Orientation and Mobility) or seek higher studies with an honours year, leading to a master's or PhD.

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

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Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$7,655*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$48,300*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$149,625*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Explore Scholarships