Health and Medical Sciences

Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    3 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

Improve the health of your community

Are you fascinated by the human body? Do you want to help tackle important health issues facing our world today?

Studying health and medical sciences is mentally stimulating and hands-on. It’s about fighting disease through scientific research and actively promoting wellbeing.

Our Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences ranks first in South Australia for teaching quality, and third in Australia for overall education experience*.

What will you do?

Our degree supports you in developing relevant and transferable skills that are highly sought-after in research and health industries. You will:

  • explore human biology and public health in depth
  • gain hands-on research experience in world-class facilities
  • enjoy cutting-edge virtual reality learning
  • work in small groups to solve problems relating to health and disease
  • undertake a year-long research placement or internship
  • increase your understanding of global health issues with opportunities to study overseas.

You’ll also pursue a specialisation in one of a diverse range of areas:

  • Neurosciences
  • Clinical Trials
  • Nutritional Health
  • Public Health
  • Medical Sciences
  • Reproductive and Childhood Health.

Where could it take you?

You could work in a medical laboratory or clinical setting, seeing modern medicine improve vulnerable patients’ health. You might be the first to witness ground-breaking medical research results. Perhaps you’ll help populations make healthy choices, or change the environments in which people live, grow, work, and play, so that everyone can lead healthy lives. Previous graduates have gone on to high-level, influential positions in a range of health organisations and government departments throughout Australia and abroad.



Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte. You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.


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 Code324951
    2022 CSP ATAR66.45
    2022 CSP IB24
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR80
    Guaranteed Entry Score - IB29
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    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. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Applicants who have not achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors) required for selection may be selected based on the grades in selected year 12 subjects. Applicants do not need to apply to be considered for subject-based entry, as this will automatically be done. For more information, please see: https://www.APSB.edu.au/study/undergraduate/entry-pathways/recent-secondary-education/ Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Vocational Education and Training (VET) studyYou must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer55
    Median ATAR to receive an offer85.6
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer99.95
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer66.45
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer90.5
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer99.95
    Minimum eligibility score65
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    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)
    4715.7%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study103.3%
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    72.3%
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    20267.6%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • 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)
    144.7%
    International students196.4%
    All students299100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS090814E
    IntakeFebruary and July
    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 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    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)80
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma29
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma75%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation75%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma82%
    China – Gaokao70%
    Germany – Abitur3.10
    GCE A Levels10
    Hong Kong – HKDSE19
    India – ISC & CBSE75%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations85%
    Indonesia – SMA380%
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationB+
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate77%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi3.00
    Malaysia – UEC15
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma330
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels10
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma72%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education3.6
    USA – SAT1170
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)9
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School8.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program77%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program380
    ANU College Foundation Studies74%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY72%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)75%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.30
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program4.60
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)6.90
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)59%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score77%
    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
    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)
    4715.7%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study103.3%
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    72.3%
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    20267.6%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • 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)
    144.7%
    International students196.4%
    All students299100.0%


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: $9,160

    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: $43,000

    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

This degree has been developed in consultation with industry partners and employers who are seeking graduates with a broad range of skills and an understanding of health. Students will be given the foundation to develop the professional skills required to succeed in a future career in the health industry. Career opportunities for the Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences graduates vary depending on specific interests and the major selected, but may include:

  • Medical/research/clinical/nutrition scientists in research institutes, hospitals, diagnostic and pathology laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and universities.
  • Health information and promotion officers, health policy advisors and planners; community health workers.
  • Further Masters and Postgraduate study to gain qualification in other health professions, eg Medicine, Nursing or Physiotherapy.

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.

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

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of APSB Graduate Attributes.

  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Speech Therapist, Community Services Officer, Pharmacologist, Physiologist, Microbiologist, Forensic Anthropologist, Immunologist, Indigenous Health Officer, Mental Health Worker, Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Technician, Medical Research, Medical Scientist, Medical Technician, Biomedical Scientist, Ministerial Adviser, Biostatistician, Molecular Biology, Neuroscientist, Non Government Organisation Worker, ...


Degree Structure

The Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences is a three-year degree. In the first year students will learn the fundamentals of human anatomy and public health, and there is a focus on the development of communication and learning skills. In the second year students will gain in-depth knowledge in selected subject areas including pathology, physiology, pharmacology, health promotion and epidemiology and students will develop problem solving and group work skills by investigating global health challenges. In the third year students will gain extensive hands-on and workplace experience by completing a major in their chosen field.

The Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences is the only degree in South Australia that draws on all disciplines within health sciences including Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Psychology and Public Health, so students have the flexibility to select one of seven different majors spread across two different streams: Medical Health or Lifespan Health.

The Medical Health stream offers majors in:
  • Clinical Trials
  • Medical Sciences
  • Neurosciences
The Lifespan Health stream offers majors in:
  • Nutritional Health
  • Public Health
  • Reproductive and Childhood Health.

This degree structure facilitates students concentrating on one specialised health-related area, as well as facilitating study in complementary areas through broadening electives, and provides an opportunity for an international study component.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Areas of Specialisation

Students have the flexibility to select one of seven different majors spread across two different streams: Medical Health or Lifespan Health.

Medical Health majors

Clinical Trials
Are you interested in working with patients to advance human health? Clinical research is the process by which new therapies (medications, biological agents, and devices) are tested with patients prior to approval and marketing. The Clinical Trials major will allow you to acquire the expertise needed to design, develop, lead and conduct clinical trials in hospitals, research organisations/institutes and pharmaceutical companies.

Medical Sciences
Are you keen to learn how our bodies work? Our bodies are complex but amazing biological machines. The Medical Sciences major will enable you to understand how the human body functions in health and disease, and how treatments for disease are developed. You will gain an understanding of the fundamental medical science disciplines of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

Neurosciences
Are you fascinated by the inner workings of the brain? Neuroscience is a rapidly growing, interdisciplinary field that explores how our 100 billion plus nerve cells grow, connect and function. The Neurosciences major will equip you with an understanding of how the nervous system regulates the body and behaviour with a view to finding ways to prevent or cure neurological disorders.

Lifespan Health majors

Nutritional Health
Are you passionate about nutrition, diet and healthy eating? Consuming the right food can promote good health and impact on the development of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The Nutritional Health major will explore our body’s mechanical and physiological responses to food including how we use energy and nutrients from the food we eat.

Public Health
Are you keen to promote optimal health through individual and community change? In the Public Health major, you will learn how to measure the health of populations, understand how social, cultural and economic factors influence contemporary health problems in Australia and internationally, and develop practical skills in health promotion and health educational strategies.

Reproductive and Childhood Health
Are you fascinated by the creation of new life? Reproduction is a fundamental process of life, but reproductive success (the birth of a baby that will enjoy a long and healthy life) is a multistep process that begins well before fertilisation. The Reproductive and Childhood Health major will equip you with knowledge about fertility, conception, pregnancy and birth. You will also learn about key health issues that affect children and adolescents.

Example Study Plan

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 72 units, comprising: 
  1. Level I courses to the value of no more than 30 units, of which at least 12 units are Health and Medical Science courses, and which may include the Core courses and Closed electives
  2. Level II Health and Medical Science courses to the value of at least 12 units, which may include the Core courses and Closed electives
  3. Level III Health and Medical Science courses to the value of at least 24 units, which must include Closed electives
  4. Core courses to the value of 6 units
  5. One major from the following:
  • Clinical Trials (27 units)
  • Medical Sciences (27 units)
  • Neurosciences (27 units)
  • Nutritional Health (27 units)
  • Public Health (24 units)
  • Reproductive and Childhood Health (27 units)

  6. Broadening Electives to the value of 9 units

  7. Additional elective courses to complete a total of 72 units for the program, which may include Closed and Open electives.

Example study plans for each of the avaliable majors can be found at https://health.APSB.edu.au/student-support/study-plans#health-and-medical-sciences

Below is an indicative study plan for the Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences before choosing a major and electives
Indicative study plan
Year 1   HLTH SC 1002  Create. Communicate. Connect
with Health Sciences
Electives (7)
Year 2        HLTH SC 2105  Reflect. Research.
Resolve Questions in Health
Major (2)
Electives (5)
Year 3Major Research Project (extends over the year)
Major Courses (4)
Electives (2)


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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