The Bachelor of Medical Science is part of the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program). For further information about this program and how to apply, please refer to the Joint Medical Program website.

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Program handbook

Description

The Joint Medical Program is a two stage five year program comprising of a Bachelor of Medical Science (stage one) and Doctor of Medicine (stage two), offered jointly in partnership by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

The program consists of three phases across the five years where stage one comprises of Phase 1 and 2. Phase 1 focuses on the biomedical, behavioural and social sciences and is taught through problem based learning. In problem based learning tutorials, students learn about the body systems such as the cardiac and respiratory systems using clinical presentations as a trigger to guide the learning. The tutorials are supported by sessions in the laboratory, lectures from biomedical scientists or clinicians, and practical clinical skills teaching. During Phase 1, students will be introduced to the clinical environment with clinical placements in the hospital, nursing homes and general practice to practice history taking and clinical examinations.

Phase 2 is one year in duration and consists of clinical placements in medicine and surgery in hospital and general practice/community-based care. Case-based learning replaces the problem based learning tutorial from Phase 1 and builds on the foundational knowledge of Phase 1 with clinical cases being the trigger to guide the learning.

During Phase 2, students will consolidate their research method skills and develop a research project proposal for a project that will be completed in stage 2 (Phase 3).

On completion of stage one, students will have completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Medical Science.

To graduate from the Joint Medical Program students must complete both stage one and two. The Bachelor of Medical Science and the Doctor of Medicine will be awarded on a single testamur on completion of stage two.


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • Demonstrated an understanding of patient-centred, compassionate and ethical practice
  • Demonstrated integrated and advanced knowledge and introductory-level clinical skills
  • Demonstrated awareness of the importance of self-awareness and reflection in medical practice
  • Demonstrated theoretical knowledge and reasoning skills relevant to patient care
  • Demonstrated understanding of the value of life-long learning and the sharing of knowledge in the medical profession
  • Demonstrated that they can critically analyse research findings
  • Demonstrated knowledge of global and community focus on healthcare delivery
  • Demonstrated that they are effective communicators
  • Demonstrated that they can work effectively as team members and accept accountability as team leaders
  • Demonstrated that they respect and embrace the history, culture and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Demonstrated an understanding of the requirements for culturally competent, holistic, patient-centred care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Details

Information correct as atApr 30, 2024 5:53 pm
Program code40046
AQF level

Level 7 Bachelor Degree

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 3 years full-time.
  • International students - 3 years full-time.
Selection Rank
LocationSelection Rank
Callaghan CampusNATBC
Rural Medicine_UNENANA

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Recommended studiesHSC English or equivalent
Term typeSemesters
Fees
  • International students - AUD72,705 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
    Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
Relevant University rules and policies
CRICOS Code082394J

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Apply for entry through UAC, register and sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ), apply directly to the University of Newcastle/University of New England (either rural or standard) and for those invited, attend a Multiple Skills Assessment (MSA) and psychometric test (known as Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA)).

Entry is based on Selection Rank or equivalent previous Year 12 studies or Higher education qualifications or overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications; and results of UCAT ANZ, MSA and PQA.

Non school leavers and previous Australian Year 12 students:

Apply for entry through UAC, register and sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ), apply directly to the University of Newcastle/University of New England (either rural or standard) and attend if invited, a Multiple Skills Assessment (MSA) and psychometric test (known as Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA)). Entry is based on:

  • previous Year 12 studies or Higher education qualifications or overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications.
  • Results of UCAT ANZ, MSA and PQA.

Note: Multiple Skills Assessment (MSA) requires applicants to progress through a sequence of separate interview stations each supervised by a trained interviewer/assessor and devoted to assessing discrete qualities. Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA) is a non-cognitive admissions test.

Alternative selection procedures apply for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, as follows:

  • Applicants are required to lodge an application to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) by the relevant UAC closing date. Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander applicants must also complete the Multiple Skills Assessment process and the Personal Qualities Assessment.
  • Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander applicants are required to attend a week long pre-entry program. For more information see: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/joint-medical-program/medical-entry-program

English Language Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
  • IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 7

Additional selection criteria

  • Examinations - University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ)Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA) - a non-cognitive admissions test
  • Interviews - Multiple Skills Assessment (MSA) - requires applicants to progress through a sequence of separate interview stations each supervised by a trained interviewer/assessor and devoted to assessing discrete qualities.

Credit transfer

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.

There are no credit transfer/articulation arrangements for entry to the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine -  Joint Medical Program at The University of Newcastle. Credit applications will be assessed on an individual basis.


Compulsory program requirements

Students will complete placements starting in Year 1 and increasing through to Year 3 of the Bachelor of Medical Science with further clinical placement to occur in Stage 2 (Doctor of Medicine).

Post-admission requirements

  • Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 Student Undertaking

    Signed Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 Student Undertaking

  • NSW Health Verification Requirements

    Mandatory NSW Health Verification Requirements must be met. More information is available here.

Compulsory program requirements - Review of progress

In addition to meeting the University's overall requirements for academic progression, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses to progress in their program.

MEDI6001B - Research for Medical Professionals Part B

MEDI1101B - Clinical Sciences, Scholarship and Practice 1 Part B

MEDI2101B - Clinical Sciences, Scholarship and Practice 2 Part B

MEDI6001A - Research for Medical Professionals Part A


Professional recognition

Australian Medical Council

Graduates are able to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).  After completing a one year internship, graduates can apply for registration in Australia and New Zealand. Registration in other countries may be possible upon application.


Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

240 units

Program duration

3 years full-time.

International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au

Program requirements

The Joint Medical Program requires five years of full time study with a maximum time allowed to complete stages one and two combined of eight years.

Students are required to enrol in both the A and B courses at the beginning of the academic year but will only be charged for a maximum of 40 units per semester unless approved to complete above the normal student load.

Courses titled with an A and B must be taken in order starting with A and the result for the A and B courses is assigned to the B course. A fail result will require the student to repeat both A and B.

Most courses/units within the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine - Joint Medical Program involve clinical placements and these placements vary in length. Applicants should be aware that students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medical Science will be required to undertake placement at Clinical School locations away from their university of enrolment.

Stage two of the program is predominantly clinical placements. There are two streams: a Rural Stream and an Urban Stream. Students must indicate preferences for which stream they wish to follow during Year 3 of the Bachelor of Medical Science, and a ballot will be used if there are any unfilled clinical placements. Students who select, or are balloted to, the Rural Stream will be required to spend one year in a rural school and one year in an urban school. Students who select, or are balloted to, the Urban Stream will spend all or most of Phase 3 in urban schools and some may have individual rotations in rural schools.

Students are responsible for the costs associated with travel and accommodation for clinical placements.

The six JMP Clinical Schools are:

Urban

  • Hunter Clinical School including John Hunter, Calvary Mater, Belmont and Hunter Valley hospitals
  • Central Coast Clinical School based around Gosford and Wyong Hospitals
  • Maitland Clinical School based around Maitland Hospital and Hunter Valley hospitals

Rural

  • Manning Clinical School based around Taree Rural Referral Hospital
  • Peel Clinical School based around Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital
  • Tablelands Clinical School based around Armidale Rural Referral Hospital

Program planner

Current students program planner

Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.

Program Planner

Prospective student degree planner

If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.

Additional documents


Program structure

Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.

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Core

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
MEDI1101AClinical Sciences, Scholarship and Practice 1 Part A
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast Clinical School)
40 units
MEDI1101BClinical Sciences, Scholarship and Practice 1 Part B
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast Clinical School)
40 units
MEDI2101AClinical Sciences, Scholarship and Practice 2 Part A
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast Clinical School)
40 units
MEDI2101BClinical Sciences, Scholarship and Practice 2 Part B
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast Clinical School)
40 units
MEDI4001AContexts of Clinical Practice Part A
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast Clinical School)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Hunter Clinical School)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Manning Base Hospital)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Tablelands Clinical School)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Tamworth Base Hospital)
35 units
MEDI4001BContexts of Clinical Practice Part B
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast Clinical School)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Hunter Clinical School)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Manning Base Hospital)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Tablelands Clinical School)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Tamworth Base Hospital)
35 units
MEDI6001AResearch for Medical Professionals Part A
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast Clinical School)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Hunter Clinical School)
5 units
MEDI6001BResearch for Medical Professionals Part B
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast Clinical School)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Hunter Clinical School)
5 units

Honours

Students wishing to undertake an Honours year should consider the Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) program.


Additional information

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

The Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine – Joint Medical Program (MD-JMP) is offered jointly by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England and has a common curriculum at both institutions. Applicants successful in gaining entry to the Bachelor of Medical Science will be offered a place at either the University of Newcastle or University of New England based on their stated enrolment location preferences listed on their JMP direct online university application.

During clinical placement students will be required to wear properly fitted respirators. Fit testing is the process to ensure the respirator fits the wearers face snugly, creating a seal to minimise airbourne particles travelling through gaps between the wearer's skin and the respirator. Students will need to arrange and pay for their own fit testing before attending their first placement and every subsequent 12 months.  


International students

All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Places for International students within the program are filled via contractual agreements with specific overseas institutions. In addition, limited places are reserved for International students entering via the University of Newcastle College of International Education Foundation Program for Medicine.


Additional support

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.

The Faculty accepts that it is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations for students with special needs, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, which offers practical assistance and advice to students with a disability or chronic illness. The Faculty will seek advice from the Student Support Unit as to what constitutes 'reasonable accommodations' under Anti-Discrimination legislation.

Bachelor of Medical Science

UAC Code , Program Code 40046

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 40046

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
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Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 40046

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 40046

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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