Program Overview

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Bachelor of Vision Science

The Bachelor of Vision Science at UNSW opens the door to a wide range of roles across eye care, research, and public health. Its a practical, hands-on degree that gets you ready to work alongside optometrists, orthoptists, and other eye health professionals.

Overview

Youll explore how vision works, what causes problems with sight, and how to improve outcomes through research, clinical support, and technology. Along the way, youll apply your knowledge through work placements, internships, and global exchange opportunities, and collaborate with students from other disciplines to build your confidence in problem-solving and communication.

Key Features

• Wide range of career opportunities: The Bachelor of Vision Science can lead to work in many areas of eye health. Graduates find opportunities in both public and private settings, including clinical support, research, education, pediatric eye care, imaging technology, and health policy.
• Emphasis on critical thinking and experimentation: Problem-solving is a big part of working in vision science. Youll learn how to identify vision problems, understand the theory of why or how vision problems occur, and develop treatment options.
• Progression opportunities: When you complete the Bachelor of Vision Science, you may be eligible to apply for the Master of Clinical Optometry. If you want to become a practicing optometrist, youll need to complete the Master of Clinical Optometry before registering with the Australian Optometry Board.

Why Study at UNSW?

• Connect with industry-leading research centers and institutes: UNSW's Medicine & Health faculty is ranked #54 globally for life sciences and medicine (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025) and is creating the leaders of tomorrow.
• Study with the School of Optometry and Vision Science: UNSW Optometry and Vision Science is the largest school of optometry in Australia. Were committed to forming partnerships within the ophthalmic industry and across the healthcare sector.

Program Structure

This program contains a total of 144 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in 3 years of full-time study. Most courses are 6 UOC.

Year One

• Molecules, Cells and Genes
• Chemistry 1A: Atoms Molecules and Energy
• Biological Chemistry for Optometry Students
• Seeing the World: Perspectives from Vision Science
• Geometrical and Physical Optics
• Visual Optics
• Mathematics for Life Sciences or Mathematics 1A or Higher Mathematics 1A
• Fundamentals of Physics or Physics 1A or Higher Physics 1A

Year Two

• Introductory Anatomy
• The Clinical Environment
• Optical Dispensing
• Physiology 1A
• Physiology 1B
• Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
• Organisation and Function of the Visual System
• General Education Course

Year Three

• Disease Processes of the Eye 1
• Vision Science in the Consulting Room
• Ocular Imaging & Applied Vision Science
• Disease Processes of the Eye 2
• Working in the Clinical Environment
• Pharmacology for Optometry
• Development and Aging of the Visual System
• General Education Course

Entry Requirements

• 2025 Lowest Selection Rank: 92.0
• 2025 A levels: 15.0
• 2025 IB Diploma: 36.0
• 2025 Lowest ATAR: 85.05

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.

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.

Fees & Scholarships

• 2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee: $9,000
• 2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree: $32,500
• Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

Future Careers

Studying vision science at UNSW opens doors across a diverse and growing field. In Australia, around 10,000 people work as optometrists and orthoptists, and the sector is growing by about 3% each year. Starting salaries for entry-level vision science-related roles average around $53,000. With experience, earnings can grow significantly, especially in specialized areas like diagnostics, policy, or research.

Job Opportunities in Vision Science

• Clinical support: Optical assistant, ophthalmic assistant, vision screener
• Research and labs: Research assistant, laboratory technician, clinical trials assistant
• Optical dispensing and tech: Optical dispenser, optical sales assistant
• Imaging and diagnostics: Ophthalmic technician, orthoptist technician
• Public health and promotion: Health promotion officer, public health program coordinator
• Education and training: Teaching assistant (tertiary)
• Policy and government: Policy officer (health or disability), occupational health advisor
• Rehabilitation and support: Rehabilitation assistant (vision impairment)
• Paediatric eye care: Paediatric vision screener, child eye health support officer

How to Apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service.