Master of Ophthalmology (MOphth)

Regulations for the Degree of Master of Ophthalmology (MOphth)

1. Admission to the Programme

   1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).
   2. Every applicant must have been awarded the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of a university in New Zealand or have an equivalent medical qualification acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) and be registered for medical practice in their country of practice or residence.
   3. Every applicant must have been awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Basic Sciences or hold an equivalent qualification approved by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).

2. Structure of the Programme

   1. 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.
   2. A candidate may not present a thesis which has previously been accepted for another degree.
   3. The programme of study, the topic of the thesis and the supervisors of the research shall be approved by the Programme Academic Co-ordinator.
   4. 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.

3. Duration of the Programme

   The degree shall normally be completed on a part-time basis and within five years from the date of admission. The candidate shall normally follow a programme of study for the equivalent of not less than one year of full-time study and not more than two years of full-time study. Exceptions shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).

4. Examination

   1. The thesis shall be assessed by at least two examiners, at least one of whom shall be external to the University.
   2. The candidate's supervisor shall not be an examiner but may make a report on the work of the candidate to the Convener of Examiners.
   3. Each examiner shall supply a written report on the thesis and recommend a mark and grade on the basis of the thesis as submitted, and an overall result selected from the options as specified in clause (d) below.
   4. The examiners may recommend that a thesis:
      1. be accepted without requiring amendments;
      2. be accepted subject to minor corrections being made at the discretion, and to the satisfaction, of the Convener of Examiners;
      3. does not meet the criteria for the award of the degree, but may be revised and resubmitted for examination;
      4. does not meet the criteria for the award of the degree, and should be rejected without right of resubmission.
   5. Amendments (regulation 4(d)(ii)) and revisions (regulation 4(d)(iii)) shall be completed by a specified date to be determined by the Convener of Examiners.
   6. A candidate shall be permitted to revise and resubmit a thesis for examination once only.
   7. If a revised and resubmitted thesis is finally accepted, the result shall be either 'Pass' or 'Fail' (i.e. ungraded) and without eligibility for the award of the degree with credit or distinction.
   8. Where examiners cannot agree on a result, the Convener of Examiners should so report to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) or nominee who shall arrive at a decision after consulting a referee who should normally be external to the University.

5. Level of Award of the Degree

   The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

6. Variations

   The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.