Master of Orthoptics (Research) at University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

This degree is designed for health service professionals wanting to develop research skills that have practical application for innovations and policy in the healthcare sector, and scholarly understanding of health services provision. It enables informed participation in research endeavours and health services innovation and improvement. Students extend and deepen their knowledge of a specialised area in health services through a program of supervised research. This course assists students to complete original research that contributes to knowledge in their field within an international context. Research at UTS takes place in a dynamic and outcomes-oriented environment. The university attracts students who want to develop their knowledge and expertise within a professional and stimulating framework. Students are part of a lively and vigorous research culture, working closely with academic staff and health industry partners.

The Master of Orthoptics provides the requisite in-depth knowledge, skills and experience to work as an orthoptist in the multidisciplinary eye healthcare sector. Innovative and practice-based in approach, it enables the development of specialist knowledge and skills while preparing students for changing practices in response to new evidence and rapidly emerging medical technologies. The Master of Orthoptics is the only course of its type in NSW and one of only two in Australia. This course is delivered in a student-focused manner that integrates theoretical knowledge with professional practice, building on strong links with the orthoptic profession as well as other professional groups involved in eye and vision care and with industry. During the course, students undertake clinical placements at a variety of sites, including hospitals, private practices and rehabilitation settings. Students are required to take clinical placements in rural, regional or interstate areas of Australia including Indigenous populations, while there is also opportunity to undertake approved international placements. On-campus learning takes place in the Graduate School of Health's state-of-the-art facilities, which opened in 2019. Students have the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills while learning from internationally recognised teachers and researchers, and from practitioners who are at the forefront of implementing new knowledge and technologies in clinical practice.

This course is intended for indigenous health professionals, or others who have completed a relevant undergraduate degree and wish to pursue a career that includes research or gain a competitive advantage in their career by completing an additional postgraduate qualification. Students gain research skills and expertise in their area of research interest, and demonstrate their outstanding academic ability and commitment to their field through the completion of the degree. This course provides students with the opportunity to work with leading national and international researchers in their area of interest, and to develop and complete an original research project which contributes to knowledge in the field. Students gain research training and skills, as well as developing extensive knowledge and expertise in an area of research. Students are supported by a strong and vibrant research culture, both within the school and the university, and have access to other researchers, a wide variety of workshops, the university library and research facilities.