Medicine

Bachelor of Medical Studies

  • Domestic
  • International

About Degree

Put your passion for healing into action

Medicine is intellectually rewarding, challenging and inspiring. It requires critical problem-solving, teamwork and integrity.

Medical practitioners are passionately interested in wellbeing, and work to protect and promote the health of individuals and communities. They are dedicated to alleviating pain and suffering, and caring for vulnerable people.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Medical Studies provides the foundation knowledge and skills needed to excel in health care. Learning in partnership with outstanding clinicians in our state-of-the-art APSB Health and Medical Sciences building, you will:

  • work in small groups to address scenario-based problems relating to common and important individual, community, Indigenous and global health issues
  • gain valuable exposure to real-world clinical practice and develop your own safe and effective clinical skills in cutting-edge simulation facilities
  • investigate the social determinants of health and health behaviours
  • learn to evaluate the health status of individuals and populations
  • acquire a solid foundation in research skills and evidence-based care
  • learn collaboratively in interprofessional teams.

You will also gain a deep understanding of how our health care system works. This includes from the ‘consumer’ perspective; how patients interact with various health services and providers.

Where could it take you?

This is the first part of our medicine program; upon completion, you’ll gain direct entry into our Doctor of Medicine. Together, these degrees will qualify you to practise medicine anywhere in Australia and throughout most of the world.

The Medical program at the University of APSB has a six-year full-time duration which leads to the awards of Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine.  Entry to the Doctor of Medicine is based on completion of the Bachelor of Medical Studies at the University of APSB.

SATAC CODE
354552 Standard (non-bonded)
354553 Bonded Medical Program (BMP)


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code354552, 354553
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary
    PrerequisitesSACE Stage 2: Biology or Chemistry or Mathematical Methods (if Maths subject was studied prior to 2017, the subject required was called 'Mathematical Studies');
    OR
    IB: Biology (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL);
    OR
    equivalent (i.e. 1st year Human Anatomy and Physiology IA/B as part of the Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences program).

    Subject prerequisites are applicable to all Bachelor of Medical Studies entry pathways, e.g. Rural Background entry, Higher Education.

    MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.
    Assumed KnowledgeA necessary precursor for success is a high proficiency in the written and oral use of the English language.
    Additional Entry Requirements
    To apply for the Bachelor of Medical Studies, please read the Domestic Admissions Guide before applying. Failure to read this document will not be grounds for special consideration.
    Merit Ranking Process: Applicants will be ranked for an offer based on a combination of scores from these three components as follows:
    - UCAT ANZ Results: 20%
    - Interview Results: 40%
    - Academic Results: 40%
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling.

    To be considered as a secondary school leaver for this program, applicants cannot have a tertiary academic record of study from a University, i.e. must never have enrolled in to a Bachelor degree or higher level program at an Australian or overseas University;
    OR have enrolled for a Bachelor degree or higher level program at an Australian or overseas university but have withdrawn from these studies before a result of 'Withdraw Not Fail' has been awarded.

    Academic Score (ATAR): To meet the minimum academic threshold for entry into the Bachelor of Medical Studies degree at the University of APSB you must achieve a Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors) of 90 or above,
    OR
    the International Baccalaureate score
    OR
    the interstate/ overseas equivalent).

    Please note: the Medical Studies degree does not consider adjustment factors for undertaking particular subjects in year 12. Please refer to the Additional entry requirements section for details of other entry requirements to the Medical Studies program.
    Higher Education StudyIf you wish to be considered as a Higher Education (Tertiary Transfer) applicant:
    - Your only record of study must be from the University of APSB. You must not have a tertiary record from any other Australian or overseas University It must be a minimum of one year full-time equivalent study and maximum of two years full-time equivalent study.

    To meet the minimum academic threshold as a Higher Education applicant:
    - First year students must have between 18 and 24 units of level 1 study and have achieved at least a credit average (Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 or more) across all subjects
    - Second year students must have between 27 and 48 units of level 1 and 2 study and have achieved at least a credit average (GPA of 5.0 or more) across all subjects.

    Third year students (having studied one or more level 3 subjects) are not eligible for entry into the Medical program at the University of APSB and should consider graduate medicine pathways.

    Higher Education applicants must also meet the prerequisite subject requirements (refer above). If you are a Higher Education applicant and wish to be considered for entry under the Rural Background Entry (RBE) pathway, please read the Domestic Admissions Guide for additional information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023 and you must never have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award. If you meet these criteria, you will be eligible to compete using your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). You must attain a STAT score within the top decile. Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components.

    Special Entry applicants must also meet the prerequisite subject requirements (refer above).
    Other Entry Pathways
    How to Apply
    Apply through SATAC: www.satac.edu.au. 
    354552 - NON-BONDED MEDICAL PLACE - These places have no return of service obligations after graduation.
    354553 - BONDED MEDICAL PROGRAM PLACE - Students accepting these places undertake to work in an area of workforce shortage after completing their professional training. There are separate quotas for each place type and domestic applicants will need to apply under both SATAC codes should they wish to be considered for both place types.

    Application Process - There are two distinct parts to the application process:
    1. UCAT ANZ: all applicants must apply to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ).
    2. SATAC application which must be lodged by 30 September 2022.
    Late applications will not be considered.

    Applicants who have listed Medical Studies amongst their preferences will be asked to enter their UCAT ANZ identification number during the SATAC online application process. Applications will not be considered complete without a valid UCAT ANZ identification number entered prior to the closing date. Formal offers will be made by SATAC. However, to secure your place in the Bachelor of Medical Studies degree, you MUST enrol in all first year courses for the degree by the deadline stated in the SATAC offer letter. Supporting information regarding the above will be provided within your University Welcome email and the EnrolMe portal.

    Please note: the University reserves the right to make offers outside of the formal SATAC offer rounds until all places are filled. Offers can be made up to and during March.

    Rural Background Entry Pathway Rural Background Entry (RBE) pathway applicants are required to sign and submit a statutory declaration as the only acceptable proof of rural background. All applicants are advised to read the Domestic Admissions Guide before applying for the Bachelor of Medical Studies. Failure to read this document will not be grounds for special consideration.


    Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education administers the Aboriginal Access Scheme which offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians an alternative entry pathway to study at the University of APSB.

    For more information visit: APSB.edu.au/wirltu-yarlu


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer92.65
    Median ATAR to receive an offer99.1
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer99.95
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer*
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer*
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer*
    Minimum eligibility score90
    Additional criteria consideredAdditional criteria
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    N/AN/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyn/aN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    13981.8%
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International students3118.2%
    All students170100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS0100331
    IntakeFebruary
    Australian Year 12SACE Stage 2: Biology or Chemistry or Mathematical Methods (if Maths subject was studied prior to 2017, the subject required was called 'Mathematical Studies');
    OR
    IB: Biology (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL);
    OR
    equivalent (i.e. 1st year Human Anatomy and Physiology IA/B as part of the Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences program).

    Subject prerequisites are applicable to all Bachelor of Medical Studies entry pathways, e.g. Rural Background entry, Higher Education.

    MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.
    International QualificationsOne of Chemistry or Mathematics or Biology. All applicants must have successfully completed the prerequisite subjects.
    Assumed KnowledgeHigh proficiency in written and spoken English
    Additional Entry RequirementsThe 2023 Medicine Admissions Guide for International Applicants details important information regarding the additional entry requirements for entry at the University of APSB. All applicants are advised to read the Guide before applying for the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine for Semester 1 2023, failure to read this document will not be grounds for special consideration.

    Application Process:
    1. Register for the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) for Australia and New Zealand.
    2. Submit a formal Application online via the University's International website. Applications for 2023 must be submitted by Wednesday 30 June 2022 (11:59PM SA Time).
    3. Closing dates are strictly adhered to and late submissions will not be accepted.
    4. Applicants who have not yet completed their current qualification will still be required to apply by this date.
    5. In addition to this application, please note that any student studying for an Australian Year 12 qualifications or for the IB in Australia must also apply directly to SATAC before SATAC's September closing date to be considered for other preferences.

    Ranking Process:
    Applicants will be ranked in consideration for an offer based on their performance in the three components of the admissions process:
    * Interview Results: First Ranking Level
    * UCAT ANZ Results: Second Ranking Level
    * Academic Results: Meets threshold and Final Ranking Level (to separate applicants with equal summed Interview and UCAT ANZ scores).

    Additional Information:
    Important information for International students who obtain Australian Permanent Residency (or some other immigration status that entitles you to the educational benefits of Permanent Residency) is also contained in the 2023 Medicine Admissions Guide for International Applicants
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 7Reading 7Listening 7Speaking 7Writing 7





    TOEFLOverall 94Reading 24Listening 24Speaking 23Writing 27





    PearsonOverall 65Reading 65Listening 65Speaking 65Writing 65





    C1 AdvancedOverall 185Reading 185Listening 185Speaking 185Writing 185





    Additional English Tests acceptedOccupational English Test (OET) - A minimum result of B/score of 350 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)90
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma34
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma85%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation85%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma90%
    China – Gaokao80%
    Germany – Abitur2.30
    GCE A Levels13
    Hong Kong – HKDSE22
    India – ISC & CBSE85%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations95%
    Indonesia – SMA3Not accepted
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationA-
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate83%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi3.33
    Malaysia – UEC9
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma355
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels13
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma85%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary EducationNot accepted
    USA – SAT1280
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)12
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School9.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program83%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program412
    ANU College Foundation Studies87%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY82%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)83%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.80
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program5.50
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)7.60
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)70%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score83%
    Other QualificationsStudents who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs
    Tertiary QualificationsUniversity of APSB Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 or equivalent
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    N/AN/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyn/aN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    13981.8%
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International students3118.2%
    All students170100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $11,800

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $83,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


Careers

Career Readiness

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine, graduates are required to apply for provisional registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Provisional registration is required to undertake a 12 month internship which provides supervised clinical experience in an approved hospital.

After successful completion of the internship, graduates are eligible to apply to APHRA for general registration, allowing them to practise in Australia and New Zealand.

Internships are separate from the medical degree and the University of APSB does not facilitate the internship placements. It is current practice that SA Health guarantees an intern placement for South Australian commonwealth-supported medical graduates. International medical graduates may need to complete an intern placement in their home country. Further information regarding internship allocations can be found on the SA Health Careers  and SA Medical Education and Training  website.

APSB Medical School graduates are well regarded in the industry for their knowledge and experience, and are in demand for positions in public hospitals, private practice, public health, teaching, clinical research, aid organisations, the defence forces and more. The full, wide range of medical career paths and options become apparent as students’ progress through the degree.

The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

In the Bachelor of Medical Studies, you will have patient contact in a variety of settings from year one—this will orientate you towards your career of becoming a doctor. By year 3, you will undertake clinical placement two days per week in a hospital or community setting.

Students who undertake clinical placements, internships and research projects involving children, or people who are ill, elderly or vulnerable, must obtain the following clearances before attending clinical placement:

  • AHPRA student registration (undertaken on the student's behalf)
  • criminal history clearance and a national police clearance
  • immunisation 
  • prescribed communicable infections screening
  • tuberculosis screening.
Please see the clinical placements page for more information. Students who do not meet the above requirements are at risk of not completing the degree, as placements are a compulsory component of the degree. For further information, visit: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

Professional Accreditation

The Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine have been accredited under the existing accreditation of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

Potential careers

Health Educator, Health Officer, Laboratory Manager, Medical Scientist, Medical Technician


Degree Structure

The Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine is an integrated program. Combined, these degrees will equip you with the knowledge, skills and attributes that will enable you to practice as a medical doctor safely and effectively. The integrated medical program is aligned with the Australian Medical Council accreditation standards including science and scholarship, clinical practice, professionalism and leadership, and health and society.

Throughout all six years, there is a strong emphasis on scenario-based learning, evidence-based decision making and professional practice. You will learn in South Australia’s premier health education precinct, the APSB BioMed City, situated next door to the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and the new Royal APSB Hospital. You will be part of the eco-system of education, research and clinical care working together to create better health outcomes for individuals and communities.

You will practice and refine your skills in our world-leading simulation facilities, the only facilities in Australasia with accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare for excellence in learning and teaching. You will be taught by practising clinicians who are leaders in their field and learn from the best in their fields.

The first three years of the medical program is the Bachelor of Medical Studies which provides the foundation of medical science and practice. The emphasis on these early years is on integrated learning, learning and building clinical skills and developing your understanding of the role of a doctor. A major emphasis is placed on professionalism, communication and clinical reasoning, as well as the practise of evidence-based and preventative medicine. Small-group Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) is a key part of learning the early years of the curriculum. Lectures in the medical disciplines such as pathology, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology are carefully staged throughout the clinical cases of the most commonly encountered and socially significant diseases.

In year 1, you will learn fundamental knowledge of biomedical science and how the health care system works. To build this knowledge you will begin to have patient contact by having the opportunity to experience the health care system from the ‘consumer’ perspective. The use of SBL will introduce you to underlying mechanisms and concepts from a real-world perspective.

In year 2, you will continue to learn about clinical problems through clinically based scenarios which explore the science of medicine. You will continue to develop clinical skills in diagnosis and management, and be introduced to the public health and professional aspects of becoming a medical practitioner.

In year 3, the focus is on preparing you for full-time clinical studies within the Doctor of Medicine. You will undertake your first clinical placements, and begin to learn research skills with the completion of a research proposal and critical appraisal. You will understand research methodology and have the skills required to ensure as you move into the clinical years of the program you can use research to ensure you make evidence-based decisions to ultimately guide clinical practice towards treatment modalities and therapies that improve patient outcomes. Alongside this, you will have increased clinical exposure with experiences in primary and hospital care settings. This will be supported by scenario-based learning which will focus on clinical management

For more details regarding years 4 to 6 of the medical program, visit Doctor of Medicine.

RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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