Postgraduate resources

Program Delivery

O&M program delivery mode is full time, largely through distance online education with face-to-face practical components as detailed below. Half load options are available for students who wish to complete the theory part of the program in year 1 (mostly online), and practical part in year 2 (face to face). Acceptance into the program and placement numbers are limited by the number of available WIL placements.

Attributes giving the best chance for student success in this program: As a guideline, relevant undergraduate degrees in health sciences or education are preferable, however other degrees are also considered. Orientation and mobility specialist attributes also generally include physical dexterity and fitness (to train under blindfold, walk backwards on stairs, and be able to walk at least 5km); educational and emotional intelligence (accepting the duty of care for the physical safety of individuals with multi-disability) and flexibility for extensive travel to clients, both as a student and a graduate.

For further information please refer to our FAQ’s, opens in a new window or visit the degree page, opens in a new window.

Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility Digital Flyer

Practical Components

1. Techniques Training (TT) (VISN5521): 

   Prior to engaging in WIL, students will complete the practical components of the O&M Techniques course (VISN5521) to prepare for the work integrated learning (WIL) placement. Techniques Training (TT) equips the student to be ‘WIL ready’ and involves over five weeks of face-to-face techniques training at UNSW in Sydney. This training will involve students both being under blindfold for significant periods of time and learning to teach O&M techniques to other blindfolded students. 

   Students are required to purchase mobility cane sets for the techniques training.

   
   
2. Work integrated learning (WIL) (VISN5523 Part A&B): The aim of WIL is to expose students to contemporary O&M practice and facilitate some equivalence of experience for the student, while gaining competencies. The duration of the UNSW WIL placement is dependent on meeting the required number of instructional hours and UNSW competencies.  Whilst the achievement of the required hours will be different for each student due to placement variables, we estimate this will be approximately 20 weeks of full-time work integrated learning (WIL) placement. If appropriate WIL supervision (with a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist) cannot be arranged in your state or region, students might need to undertake WIL placement away from their area or interstate. The cost associated with attending practical components (in particularly travel, accommodation and meeting away-from-home costs) will be met by the student. 

Pathway to Accreditation

Students will graduate with the specialised knowledge and skills required to work in Australia as an O&M Specialist.  Accreditation is required by some employers through the US based ACVREP (Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals). The UNSW Graduate Diploma of Orientation and Mobility meets the core domain requirements for graduates to apply for certification through ACVREP however after graduation students will need to accumulate further supervised practice hours to apply for and sit the Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) exam.

Course Outlines

Term 1

• VISN5511 The Visual System, Impairments & Implications (6 UoC), opens in a new window
• VISN5512 Sensory Processes and Movement (6 UoC), opens in a new window
• VISN5513 Orientation and Mobility Foundations: Disability, Diversity and Inclusion (6 UoC), opens in a new window

Term 2

• VISN5521 Orientation and Mobility Techniques 6UoC, opens in a new window
• VISN5522 Vision Rehabilitation (6 UoC), opens in a new window
• VISN5523 Orientation and Mobility in Practice A (6 UoC), opens in a new window

Term 3

• VISN5523 Orientation and Mobility in Practice B (6 UoC), opens in a new window
• VISN5531 Development and Ageing: Implications for Orientation and Mobility (6UoC), opens in a new window

Scholarships

Please visit the scholarships page, opens in a new window to view available scholarship opportunities once they become available in the latter part of the year. 

Program Information session 

Hear from our panel of expert staff to guide you through the details of the Graduate Diploma of Orientation and Mobility as well as have a taster lecture to experience first-hand how this program can expand your professional horizons or inspire a career change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9C4bxZC2dk, opens in a new window

The program acknowledges the extensive collaboration and support from industry stakeholders in supporting students through the program.

OPTM7117 Ocular Therapy 2 (12 UoC), opens in a new window (T3, 2024)

Overview

This postgraduate program is open to prospective students from any educational background who want to upskill and diversify their knowledge and expertise in vision impairment. The program will enable graduates to work effectively with people who have low-vision or who are blind and the people who support them.

Eligibility

Eligibility for enrolment into this program is open to domestic and international students who hold an AQF Level 7 bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Apply online via the link below:

https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/postgraduate/graduate-certificate-in-vision-impairment

Program Delivery

The program can be taken either fulltime or part-time and completed entirely online through distance education. All core courses are offered online. Prescribed electives generally have multimodal study options (either online or face-to-face; please see further information and notes below).

Core courses (3 mandatory 18UOC)

VISN5511: The Visual System, Impairments and Implications (Term 1)

VISN5513: Disability and Inclusion in Vision Rehabilitation (Term 1)

VISN5522: Vision Rehabilitation (Term 2)

Prescribed electives (1 choice 6UOC)

BIOM9551: Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology (Term 2)*

OPTM7208: Research Skills in Optometry (Term 2 / Term 3)

VISN5531: Development and Ageing: Implications for Orientation and Mobility (Term 3)

PHCM9012: Health Promotion and Social Perspectives of Health (Term 3)**

PHCM9331: Ethics & Law in Public Health (Term 3)**

Note

*Only available in face-to-face study mode

**Requires prior completion of core courses with WAM >= 65