Course details

Summary

The degree of Master of Ophthalmology (MOphth) is designed for medical graduates who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Basic Sciences (PGDipOphthBS) and wish to extend their understanding of the subject by completing a research project. It also aims to assist those seeking a position in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) approved training scheme.

Structure of the Programme

The programme of study shall consist of the preparation and submission of a thesis embodying the results of supervised research on an approved topic in a branch of ophthalmic science.

A candidate may not present a thesis which has previously been accepted for another degree.

The programme of study, the topic of the thesis and the supervisors of the research shall be approved by the Academic Board of the Otago Medical School.

The research should be of a kind that a diligent and competent student should complete within the equivalent of one year of full-time study.

Entry criteria

• Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) on the advice of the Academic Board of the Otago Medical School, which must be satisfied that the applicant has the ability and experience to proceed to the programme.
• Every applicant shall: have been awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Basic Sciences, or hold an equivalent qualification approved by the Academic Board of the Otago Medical School, and have been admitted to the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of a university in New Zealand or hold an equivalent medical qualification approved by the Academic Board of the Otago Medical School.
• Every applicant shall be registered for medical practice in the country in which the programme is taught or have an exemption from this requirement from the Dean of the Otago Medical School.

English Language Requirements: IELTS - Score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); Internet-based TOEFL Score of 95 with a minimum writing score of 22.; Paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 587 (TWE 4.5); Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) – Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) – Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination - Grade 4 or higher; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 64 with no communicative skills score below 57; University of Otago Foundation Studies Ltd: Completion of 'English for Postgraduate Academic Purposes' with a grade of C or higher.