Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (H3X)

Overview  2024

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 5 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 5 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Entry requirements

Location

Hobart
Semester 1
Applications open 1st August 2023 and close 11:59 pm 30th September 2023 AEST. Apply directly to UTAS via the online portal (https://www.utas.edu.au/study/apply).

For enquiries contact course.info@utas.edu.au

Application closing dates are strictly applied and late applications will not be accepted.

Please note that the Medicine program (BMedScMD) is not part of the Schools Recommendation Program.

Take a frontline, leadership role in health care.  Be challenged to use your knowledge and skills to help people and make a real difference.  Advocate for health outcomes and improve our health care systems at local, national and global levels.   Medicine is fascinating and rewarding, with lots of variety.  In addition to clinical care, you can make a difference with your involvement in medical research, new technology, public health, education and public policy.

This on-campus full time course takes a minimum of five (5) years to complete. In years 1-3 you will learn foundation knowledge in medical science and clinical skills, with short clinical placements around the State.

Years 4 and 5 are based in workplace learning with a series of clinical placements, including some electives.  Students have the opportunity to learn in a variety of locations in Tasmania.  We have teaching centres at the Medical Science Precinct (Hobart), the Hobart Clinical School (Royal Hobart Hospital), the Launceston Clinical School (Launceston General Hospital) and the Rural Clinical School (North West Regional Hospital, Burnie).

Our medical school and our graduates reflect the values of the University of Tasmania to build healthy sustainable communities in the place in which our medical school is located, including a focus on the health of Tasmanian Aboriginal people and on Tasmanian rural communities.

The five (5) year BMedScMD will provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to undertake supervised practice as interns in Australia or New Zealand and an appropriate foundation for lifelong learning and further training in any branch of medicine. The scientific basis of medicine and its clinical application will be taught in an integrated manner which will provide not only clinical relevance, across the five (5) years, but also highlight the ethical and professional aspects of medical practice.

  • 1 Integrate knowledge of medical sciences to practice evidence-based medicine.
  • 2 Perform skilled, patient-centred medical assessment, treatment, management, and preventative care as part of a multidisciplinary health care team.
  • 3 Work collaboratively with health systems and diverse populations to build healthy sustainable communities.
  • 4 Act in accordance with the ethical and professional responsibilities of a medical practitioner and show leadership to influence positive changes in culture and practice.
  • 5 Advance medical knowledge through professional practice and/or research.
  • All students enrolling in College of Health and Medicine programs which include a professional experience placement component, laboratory and/or field activity are required to establish and maintain their capacity to practice safely via Safety in Practice Requirements compliance documentation.

    Please see the Safety in Practice information on this page for further details.

    Work Place Based Components

    Professional Experience Placement (PEP) is a form of Work Integrated Learning, which enables students to implement new knowledge, skills and attitudes in the workplace environment. The aim of PEP is to immerse students in the professional healthcare culture and to gain a better understanding of the diverse roles of the registered professionals within the health care system in Australia.

    There are smaller elements of experience within workplaces in years 1-2 of the course, with visits to health services and home visits during rural weeks and as part of the community visits and the kids and families’ program.

    Workplace based clinical attachments (rotations/placements) begin in year 3 of the course and form the basis of learning in years 4 and 5 of the program. During year 3 there are short attachments (total 1 week of workplace experience supported by small group teaching over 6 weeks) in general practice, general surgery, and general medicine. These are assessed by reports from supervisors , participation in rotation specific tutorials, participation in rotation specific teaching session (e.g., operating room suite, outpatient clinic, ward rounds) and through rotation knowledge and assessment in written and practical skills examinations.

    In years 4 and 5 of the course there are 35 weeks per year of workplace based clinical attachments. In year 4, there are five clinical attachments of seven weeks each, these include: medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and psychiatry. In year 5, there are six clinical attachments of six weeks each including: general practice, emergency medicine, acute care, medicine, surgery and aged care). These are assessed by reports from supervisors, participation and presentation at tutorials, competency based clinical skills assessments, written examination and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

    Career outcomes

    "With a dedicated clinical staff and excellent integration into hospital environments, the medicine program at the University of Tasmania prepared me well for medical internship and beyond."

    Dr Lewis Johnson
    Medicine Graduate

    Once you've completed the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (BMedScMD), you'll be eligible for provisional registration to work in approved hospitals whilst undertaking training as an intern for one year.

    On successful completion of your internship you can gain full registration to work in Australia and New Zealand and can choose, if you wish, to study in an area of specialisation, whilst continuing to work.

    After internship, graduates can choose to specialise in one of a number of fields such as general practice, anaesthesia, dermatology, obstetrics and gynaecology, geriatric medicine, paediatrics, pathology, psychiatry, radiology or surgery.

    Graduates may also become medical administrators in hospitals or government departments, or medical academics involved with teaching and medical research.

    Course structure

    Students must successfully complete 500 credit points which comprises of:

    • 300 credit points from the Bachelor of Medical Science; and
    • 200 credit points from the Doctor of Medicine

    The Bachelor of Medical Science component of the Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine requires the successful completion of 300 credit points. 

    This foundations unit will give students a framework on which to base their undergraduate medical studies. This includes the structural and functional organisation of the human body, beginning with the study of biomolecules and cells, the classification and types of…

    Credit Points: 50

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This second foundations unit describes the normal structure and function of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, selected pathological processes including neoplasia, common musculoskeletal and rheumatological diseases, antimicrobial and antiviral therapies, and laboratory diagnosis of infectious disease. Clinical cases focus on…

    Credit Points: 50

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    CAM201 has a focus on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and the basic medical sciences are taught in parallel with clinically focussed material which includes issues relating to population health, health systems and ethics and professionalism. The second year will…

    Credit Points: 50

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    CAM202 builds on preceding units by introducing the student to the gastrointestinal, renal, and reproductive systems. Students will explore clinical conditions associated with these systems and develop an understanding of the relevant basic medical sciences in the context of common…

    Credit Points: 50

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    CAM304 rounds out the fundamentals of systems-based clinical science, covering neuroscience, endocrinology and pathology. Concurrently, students undertake clinical rotations in hospital and community settings, integrating their scientific knowledge with clinical practice, developing their skills in history taking, examination and basic…

    Credit Points: 50

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1 (MBBS Years 3-5 only)
    LauncestonSemester 1 (MBBS Years 3-5 only)
    Cradle CoastSemester 1 (MBBS Years 3-5 only)

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    CAM305 strengthens the foundations for clinical practice as students develop and apply their clinico-pathological knowledge and history taking and examination skills in the clinical setting. Concurrently, students undertake further clinical rotations in both hospital and community settings, with an emphasis…

    Credit Points: 50

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2 (MBBS Years 3-5 only)
    LauncestonSemester 2 (MBBS Years 3-5 only)
    Cradle CoastSemester 2 (MBBS Years 3-5 only)

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The Doctor of Medicine component of the Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine requires the successful completion of 200 credit points. 

    This unit, along with Unit 4B, is an integrated Clinical Placement year. Students are placed in a range of clinical attachments. Student learning outcomes are organised to deliver the Australian Medical Council, AMC, medical graduate outcomes. Additionally, during this Unit…

    Credit Points: 50

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    This unit, along with Unit 4A, is an integrated Clinical Placement year. Students are placed in a range of clinical attachments. Student learning outcomes are organised to deliver the Australian Medical Council, AMC, medical graduate outcomes. Additionally, during this Unit…

    Credit Points: 50

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    This unit is an integrated Clinical Placement year. Students are placed in a range of clinical attachments. Student learning outcomes are organised to deliver the Australian Medical Council, AMC, medical student outcomes. This unit is integrated with the programme in…

    Credit Points: 50

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    This unit is an integrated Clinical Placement year. Students are placed in a range of clinical attachments. Student learning outcomes are organised to deliver the Australian Medical Council, AMC, medical student outcomes. This unit is integrated with the programme in…

    Credit Points: 50

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    Entry requirements

    Applications open 1st August 2023 and close 11:59 pm 30th September 2023 AEST. Apply directly to UTAS via the online portal (https://www.utas.edu.au/study/apply).
    For enquiries contact course.info@utas.edu.au

    Application closing dates are strictly applied and late applications will not be accepted.

    Admission to the BMedScMD is highly competitive and achieving the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer of a place for this course. 

    BMedScMD is not part of the Schools Recommendation Program

    Admissions Quota information

    Rural Quota: the University of Tasmania BMedScMD has a quota of 50% domestic rural students. 
    Applicants who have lived in an  Australia Statistical Geography Standard - Remoteness Area  2-5 (ASGS-RA2-5) rural area of Australia for 5 consecutive years or 10 cumulative years may be eligible to have their application considered through the rural application process (RAP) and relevant subquotas. 
    Refer to the Rural Application Process (RAP) webpage for further information https://www.utas.edu.au/health/study/medicine/rural-application-process
     
    Tasmanian Quota: at least 75% of domestic places will be offered to Tasmanians, which is defined as:

    • School leaver applicants who have completed a Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or International Baccalaureate (IB) at a Tasmanian High School or Secondary College within 5 years of the course commencement date. 
    • Applicants with previous tertiary study who: 1.  are currently resident in Tasmania and have lived in Tasmania for five or more consecutive years: OR 2.  have lived in Tasmania for ten or more cumulative years and have lived in Tasmania not more than ten years prior to the date of course commencement.

    Admission Requirements 

    Applicants must be at least 17 years of age at 1st February in the year of course commencement.

    Applicants who have recently completed secondary education 

    • Applications from school leavers are considered on the basis of ATAR or ATAR-equivalent scores and a valid UCAT ANZ score. 
    • The number of offers made is based on the number of places available.
    • This course uses ATAR and ATAR-equivalent scores (within 5 years of the course commencement date) as the primary ranking method for the admission process. The minimum ATAR, including any adjustment for rural status is 95. This is the minimum adjusted ATAR needed for an application to be considered. ATAR adjustment factors are available to rural school leaver applicants via the Rural Application Process (RAP). The maximum RAP adjustment is five ATAR points. Applicants must meet all other eligibility criteria.
    • All applicants require a valid UCAT ANZ score. Groups of applicants with the same ATAR will be ranked by using the UCAT ANZ score as a secondary ranking method. UCAT ANZ results are valid for the current university admission cycle ONLY. Therefore, a UCAT ANZ score can only be used for university admission in the year following the test.  UTAS uses the combined scores of the 4 cognitive sections of the UCAT ANZ test (i.e. the first 4 sections, excluding the situational judgement test). 
    • Satisfactory achievement in Tasmanian Senior Secondary Chemistry (CHM415115) or equivalent within the last five years is a pre-requisite. If this pre-requisite has not been met, applicants are required to successfully complete a UTAS foundation Chemistry unit before admission to the course. 
    • Satisfactory achievement in Year 12 English within the last five years is a pre-requisite. Accepted English courses include: ENG315117 English, ENL315114 English Literature, ENW315114 English Writing, English Inquiry Level 3 (ENT315124), or English Studio Level 3 (ENS315124), or equivalent as approved by the Course Coordinator. English courses that are NOT accepted include: EAL315115/EAL315120 Year 12 EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) or equivalent.
    • The ISAT (International Student Admission Test) and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) are NOT accepted for domestic applicants.

    Domestic applicants must not have previously commenced tertiary study (defined as an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma or above).

    Applicants with previous completed tertiary study

    • Applications are considered on the basis of GPA (calculated on all tertiary study, AQF 7 and higher) and GAMSAT score
    • Completed Bachelor level degree (AQF Level 7) or higher from any Australian higher education provider no more than 10 years prior to course commencement, or
    • Equivalent overseas qualification with current general registration ongoing for the last 5 years with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or Australian Veterinarian State Registration Authority
    • The minimum unweighted GPA needed for an application to be considered is 5.25. GPA for the first complete Bachelor degree is calculated at the completion of that degree. If applicants have undertaken any additional tertiary study, an average GPA is calculated for all tertiary study (at Bachelor degree level or higher) at the closing date for application to the BMedScMD in any year. A completed Masters by Research degree is awarded a 0.2 points bonus to the overall GPA.  A completed PhD is awarded a 0.4 points bonus to the overall GPA.
    • Applicants must have a minimum score of 50 in all three sections of GAMSAT (gamsat.acer.org). The test sittings accepted are the same as those used by GEMSAS. 

    A pathway exists for applicants completing the Bachelor of Medical Research (BMedRes-53E) in the year prior to course commencement. GAMSAT admission test scores are not required for these applicants.

    •  In the year prior to commencement in the Medicine Program, applicants must have completed the BMedRes at the University of Tasmania.
    • The minimum cumulative percentage average score required for an application to be considered is 65% at completion of the BMedRes.
    • Selection rank for this pathway is based on cumulative percentage average score from units contributing to award of the BMedRes.
    •  Rural and Tasmanian quotas do not apply to the BMedRes pathway.

    For entry to the BMedScMD from 2027, the BMedRes pathway will transition to a quota within the general graduate entry pathway for applicants who have completed the Bachelor of Biomedicine (BBiomed) at the University of Tasmania. GAMSAT admission test scores will be required for these applicants.

    Aboriginal Entry Application Pathway

    An Aboriginal Entry Application Pathway exists to facilitate access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to enter the Medicine Program. https://www.utas.edu.au/health/study/medicine/aboriginal-entry-application-process.

    Applicants with previous VET / TAFE study
    This course does not admit students on the basis of VET/TAFE study.

    Applications on the basis of work or life experience
    This course does not accept applications based on work or life experience.

    The University of Tasmania does not conduct interviews during selection for the Medicine Program.

    Applicants who have completed a Medicine degree overseas are NOT ELIGIBLE for entry.

    Applicants who have been excluded from a medical degree at another institution are NOT ELIGIBLE for entry.

    BONDED MEDICAL PROGRAM 
    The Bonded Medical Program provides domestic students with a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in a medical course at an Australian university in return for a commitment to work in eligible regional, rural and remote areas for a specified period after completion of their medical course. This commitment is referred to as a Return of Service Obligation (RoSO). 

    UTAS is required by the Commonwealth Government to enrol approximately 30% of BMedScMD domestic students each year into the Bonded Medical Program. Offers of bonded places are made to domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education, as well as those with previous higher education study. Please note that the Bonded Medical Program does not provide scholarships. 

    Please access further information about the Bonded Medical Program available at https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/bonded-medical-program

    SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
    If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible to apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability. We only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. For example, for the BMedScMD, we cannot waive any of the subject prerequisite requirements.

    COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 
    This course includes compulsory work placements. All students must meet the course Safety in Practice Requirements before their first placement. These include a National Police Record Check, Working with Vulnerable People Registration, and completion of a first aid certificate. The Safety in Practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.

    Application closing dates - for International students ONLY:
    Offer Round 1: 9th May 2023
    Offer Round 2: 18th July 2023
    Offer Round 3: 19th September 2023
    Offer Round 4: 21st November 2023

    Application closing dates for each round are strictly applied and late applications will not be accepted.

    Admission to the BMedScMD is highly competitive and achieving the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer of a place for this course. 

    Applications that are not successful in a round will be held over for consideration in the next offer round. Offers will be made within two (2) weeks of the stated closing dates until all available places are filled.

    Admission Requirements

    Applicants must be at least 17 years of age at 1st February in the year of course commencement.

    Applicants who have recently completed secondary education

    Applications are considered on the basis of ATAR or equivalent rank and ISAT or MCAT or UCAT-ANZ score

    This course uses clinical aptitude test scores as part of the admission process. 

    International student applicants must sit one of the following clinical aptitude tests.

    All test results must be provided by the relevant application closing date to be considered for entry.

    • ISAT Test (isat.acer.org)
      • Applicants must achieve an overall total score of at least 170, with a minimum of 165 in both sections - Critical Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.
    •  MCAT Test (students-residents.aamc.org/taking-mcat-exam/taking-mcat-exam) 
      • A minimum score of 491 is required, from a test taken within the last five years.
    • UCAT-ANZ Test (ucat.edu.au) 
      • Applicants require a valid UCAT ANZ total score in the 50th percentile or above. This is the minimum UCAT ANZ score needed for an application to be considered. UCAT ANZ results are valid for the current university admission cycle ONLY. Therefore, a UCAT ANZ score can only be used for university admission in the year following the test. UTAS uses the combined scores of the 4 cognitive sections of the UCAT ANZ test (i.e. the first 4 sections, excluding the situational judgement test).

    Applicants with previous higher education study

    • International applicants for the BMedScMD may have undertaken previous tertiary study, but will be assessed for eligibility based on ATAR equivalence, admissions test results, and required prerequisites.  
    • An admission pathway exists for applicants completing the Bachelor of Medical Research (53E) in the year prior to course commencement. Admissions test scores are not required for these applicants. 
    • Overseas medical degrees cannot be used for admission to this course.
    • Applicants who have been excluded from a medical degree at another institution are NOT ELIGIBLE for entry.

    Applicants with previous VET / TAFE study

    This course does not admit students on the basis of VET/TAFE study.

    Applications on the basis of work or life experience

    This course does not accept applications based on work or life experience.

    Prerequisites

    CHM415115 Chemistry (or equivalent). Chemistry must have been completed within the last 5 years and equivalence can be one of the following:

    Successful completion of UTAS Introduction to Chemistry Unit(KRA161);

    OR

    Successful completion of Unilearn Chemistry (UNL21); OR a passing grade for Level 100 or higher (i.e. first year university unit) at any Australian or New Zealand University. Alternative chemistry units may be accepted if approved by the Course Coordinator.

    English Language Requirements apply

    • IELTS (Academic) Overall 7.0 (target no band less than 7.0), within the last 24 months; or
    • TOEFL (iBT) 100 (no skill below: Reading 25; Listening 25; Speaking 23; Writing 27) within the last 24 months; or
    • PTE Academic 65 with no score lower than 65 within the last 24 months; or
    • Successful completion* of a minimum of 24 months of full time secondary or degree studies within the previous 48 months at institutions in Australia, New Zealand, UK, US, Canada, or Singapore, or past academic instruction in programs taught and regulated by institutions in Australia, New Zealand, UK, US, Canada, or Singapore, and delivered in countries not considered to be English speaking; or
    • UTAS Access-English Level 7–70% (no individual score less than 70%) OR equivalent.

    *Pass grades must have been achieved in more than 50% of enrolments in all semesters.

    COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 
    This course includes compulsory work placements. All students must meet the course Safety in Practice Requirements before their first placement. These include a National Police Record Check, Working with Vulnerable People Registration, and completion of a first aid certificate. The Safety in Practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.
     

    Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Enquire online about your credit transfer.

    M3O Bachelor of Medical Science is an exit award for students who wish to exit the course after completion of the first three years.

    Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

    You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

    Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    International students

    2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $401,917 AUD*.

    Course cost based on a rate of $74,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

    * Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

    International students

    International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

    Scholarships

    Domestic Students

    Each year the University of Tasmania administers an estimated $7 million in scholarships to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability.

    Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior.

    For more information on scholarships and to view the full range of scholarships available to you, head to the Scholarships website.

    International Students

    There are a huge range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit International Scholarships.

    Additional costs

    In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:

    • Text books and stationery
    • Accommodation
    • Student Services and Amenities Fee

    Additional costs

    Commonwealth supported places (CSP)

    Domestic undergraduate students may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place in this course. If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government, and you will only be required to pay the student contribution amount for each unit.

    You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. This means you can pay your tuition fees later once you start earning above a specific threshold. For more information, please refer to the Study Assist website.

    The student contribution amount for each unit of study is based on its discipline area. Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study, this means that amounts will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    International students

    International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

    How can we help?

    Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

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