Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment

Help us shape the future of health

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to make a real impact in the field of vision impairment. The first qualification of its kind in Australia, this new program opens up a range of career opportunities in industries dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Commencing Terms: Term 1
Duration: 1 Year
Delivery Mode: Distance (online with some face-to-face)
Campus: Kensington
Codes: Program code 7431; CRICOS code -

Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program 2025 Indicative CSP first year fee: $6,000*
2025 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree: $6,000*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $30,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $30,500*

Cross-disciplinary learning
Flexible online delivery
Grow career opportunities

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Overview

Build your knowledge in vision impairment and gain specialised expertise to improve the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. This program is the first of its kind in Australia, offering students from a range of educational and employment backgrounds the opportunity to grow their skills and understand the causes and implications of vision impairment for people in our communities.��

Expand your career opportunities by gaining a deep understanding of how to deliver client-focused services with an ethical and culturally aware lens. You’ll learn about the wider personal ecosystem that impacts the services provided for those who are blind or have vision impairment in our communities on disability, diversity, and social inclusion.

Broaden your knowledge of the impact of ocular disease and cortical damage, and discover evidence-based approaches to vision rehabilitation. Specialise further with elective courses that dive into assistive technologies, implications of development and aging for vision impairment, public health and policy, and research.��

Key features

Expand your career opportunities��
Enhance your knowledge in a high-demand field, with Vision 2020 predicting that 1 in 2 people in Australia will require eye care services by 2050. Expand your career opportunities with elective courses in specialist areas of vision impairment.

Flexible learning to suit your lifestyle
The Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment is a fully flexible program that lets you tailor your studies to suit your life and your goals. Complete your certificate in one year or spread your studies over two years, and gain your qualification entirely online.

Discover evidence-based approaches��
Learn how to critically evaluate the latest research on vision impairment rehabilitation, so you can create evidence-based solutions for people who are blind or visually impaired and continuously improve your knowledge in this field.��

Why study at UNSW?

Join one of the world’s top-ranked schools
Join the largest optometry and vision science school in Australasia. The UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science is ranked 2nd worldwide for Optometry, and UNSW Medicine & Health is one of the world’s top medical faculties*.

Pioneers in vision and ocular disease research
The School of Optometry & Vision Science is a leading research institution** in major areas of vision and ocular disease. From dry eyes to sensory processes, our researchers are working to solve vision problems and shape the future of health in Australia.

Australian-first vision impairment program
The Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment is the first program of its kind in Australia, offering Bachelor of Vision Science graduates a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge in vision impairment.

*Ranked =54 Globally in QS World Rankings 2024

**2021 Global Optometrist Top 200 Research Ranking

Program Code

7431

Campus

Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

To gain entry to this program, students must have at least a three-year full-time AQF level 7 Bachelor degree in any discipline. This program is only open for Term 1 enrolments and is completed part-time.

English language requirements

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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:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

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

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

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Program structure

This program contains a total of 24 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in 1 year full-time study or 2 years with part-time study.��

Full program structure

3�� core courses - 18 UOC

The Visual System, Impairments & Implications
Orientation and Mobility Foundations: Disability, Diversity and Inclusion
Vision Rehabilitation��

1 elective course - 6 UOC

Research Skills in Optometry
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology
Development and Ageing: Implications for Orientation and Mobility
Health Promotion and Social Perspectives of Health
Ethics & Law in Public Health

Future careers

Healthcare and social assistance roles are predicted to grow by 25.2% by 2033, according to . The UNSW Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment will set you apart with specialised skills and knowledge. Vision science professionals work in a range of settings, including rehabilitation, clinical settings, health promotion in government and non-government organisations, and the ophthalmic industry. You’ll also find experts in vision impairment working in disability organisations as allied health workers, youth and community workers, disability support/carers and managers.

Potential roles

Accessibility Consultant
Assistive Technology Specialist
Community Worker
Disability Sector Manager
Disability Support Worker
Education Support Worker
NDIA Coordinator
NDIS Planner
Vision Rehabilitation Support
Youth Worker

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our��portal. 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 and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.��.

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Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via��our  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 .

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

Commonwealth Supported Places

2024 Indicative CSP First Year Fee

$4,500*

2024 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree

$4,500*

All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees�� subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply.��

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$23,000*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$23,000*

*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the .

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$30,000*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$30,500*

*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��.

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��.

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.