Prerequisites

Prerequisite subjects for the Doctor of Dental Surgery,
Doctor of Physiotherapy and Doctor of Optometry

What is a prerequisite subject?

At the University of Melbourne, the term "subject" is used to refer to a unit of study and this terminology is used when referring to prerequisites. Other terms in use are: course, module, class, unit, and paper.

A prerequisite subject is a subject or sequence of subjects which must be completed before entering a program of study. Many programs at the University of Melbourne have prerequisites that must be completed to be eligible to apply. The selection requirements for the program you are interested in will normally specify these requirements and can be found using the University's course search.

The Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Physiotherapy and Doctor of Optometry have very specific entry requirements and prerequisites. For all three programs, the prerequisites must have been completed within 10 years prior to commencing. More information can be found at:

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery

    The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) requires prerequisite subjects in Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology (one subject of each) taught at the second-year level (or equivalent) with prerequisite subjects to have completed within 10 years of commencing the DDS. For example, if applying for the 2024 intake then prerequisite subjects must have been completed from 2014 onwards.

    The second-year level University of Melbourne subjects that meet the prerequisites and that we use to assess subjects from other universities and check for equivalent content are:

  • Doctor of Physiotherapy

    The Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) requires prerequisite subjects in Human Anatomy and in Human Physiology (one subject of each), with prerequisite subjects to have completed within 10 years of commencing the DPT. For example, if applying for the 2024 intake then prerequisite subjects must have been completed from 2014 onwards.

    Prerequisite subjects should provide the student with an overview of human structure and function and cover the terminology of:

    • topographic anatomy;
    • the principles related to key anatomical structures skin, fascia and skeletal muscles, bones and joints, vessels, nerves and viscera;
    • the organisation of the body into regions and the anatomy of the major organ systems.

    Prerequisite subjects should cover the basic principles of human physiology and may include:

    • basic cellular function;
    • homeostasis;
    • systems physiology including respiratory and cardiovascular, as well as responses to stress and exercise.
  • Doctor of Optometry

    The Doctor of Optometry (OD) requires three subjects at the second-level or third-level (or equivalent) from one or more relevant biological science disciplines with subjects to have been completed within 10 years of commencing the OD. For example, if applying for the 2024 intake then prerequisite subjects must have been completed from 2014 onwards.

List of assessed subjects

A large number of subjects from institutions in Australia and around the world have already been assessed by our academic staff at the University of Melbourne to determine whether they are suitable to meet the prerequisites for the Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Physiotherapy and Doctor of Optometry. You can view these lists of pre-assessed subjects below:

If you cannot find a subject in one of the relevant lists above and you believe it has the required content, at the required level, to be considered as a prerequisite subject, you can apply to have the subject pre-assessed by a member of our academic staff.

We strongly encourage you to submit your subjects for assessment well in advance of course applications opening (at least one month before) for the Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Optometry and Doctor of Physiotherapy.

How to apply

1. Download the relevant Prerequisite Assessment Application form for your intended course

2. Submit the completed application form along with the required subject syllabus or other supporting evidence

Please ensure  your submissions are complete and accurate.

FAQ

  • "I didn't complete an approved subject as part of my degree."

    You must complete an approved subject to be eligible to apply for admission – no exemptions will be granted.

    If you have not completed the subjects at the time you apply, you may still submit a course application if you are able to provide evidence of enrolment in approved subjects in the second half of the year. Please note, the approved subject does not have to be part of a degree. If you receive an offer subsequently, you will need to provide evidence of successful completion and a pass grade for these subjects. Subjects do not count towards your GPA calculation if they are taken outside of your degree to meet the requirement.

    Most universities have a program enabling you to take subjects through single enrolment, non-degree or unclassified study. At the University of Melbourne, this is called the Community Access Program (CAP).

    The three recommended University of Melbourne prerequisite subjects for the Doctor of Dental Surgery (which are also relevant for the Doctor of Physiotherapy and Doctor of Optometry) are available via the CAP.

    *A quota applies to ANAT20006 Principles of Human Structure.

    Please remember that other universities may offer single subject enrolments and it is not mandatory you complete CAP subjects at the University of Melbourne.

    Prospective applicants must show evidence that they have completed or are enrolled in the approved prerequisites at the time of application.

    International students should note that the ability to enrol in a CAP subject may be conditional on meeting visa requirements. Please refer to CAP applications for more information.

  • "I have a question about prerequisites. How do I get in touch?"

    Please make a submission to our dedicated enquiry form.