Program Overview

Master's Degree in Optometry and Vision Sciences

Introduction

The Master's degree in Optometry and Vision Sciences is designed to produce opticians and optometrists with a high level of academic training, facilitating their career advancement. The program builds on and extends knowledge and skills linked to the bachelor's degree, introducing students to research, specialization, and contribution to closely related areas.

Aims

The main aim of the master's degree is to enable students to pursue high-level academic careers and provide them with a postgraduate qualification that allows them to move beyond basic professional practice and play a leadership role in generating knowledge in the field. Graduates will be able to add value to the optometric profession and will be prepared to pursue further training at the doctoral level.

Characteristics of the Curriculum

The course comprises 60 ECTS credits, which include compulsory subjects, a block of optional credits, and a master's thesis. The curriculum is structured as follows:

• Compulsory credits: 30 ECTS credits, including:
  • Applied Optics and Vision Research Methods (9 ECTS credits)
  • Clinical Optometry (12 ECTS credits)
  • Vision and Biomedical Sciences (9 ECTS credits)
• Optional credits: 18 ECTS credits, which can be earned through:
  • 6 optional subjects
  • 6 credits for an external academic placement and 4 optional subjects
  • 12 credits for an external academic placement and 2 optional subjects
  • 12 credits for external academic placements and 6 credits recognized for work and professional experience (1,600 hours of work)
  • 6 credits recognized for work and professional experience (1,600 hours of work) and 4 optional subjects
  • 9 credits recognized for work and professional experience (2,400 hours of work) and 3 optional subjects
• Master's thesis: 12 ECTS credits

Academic Planning

• Type: Face-to-face
• Mode of study: Full- or part-time
• Language of instruction: Spanish
• Semester structure:
  • First semester (SeptemberJanuary): 23 days/week, mornings
  • Second semester (FebruaryJune): 23 days/week

Admission Criteria

Graduates in Optics (any curriculum) and in Optics and Optometry qualify for direct admission to the master's degree.