Medical science is the foundation on which the practice of medicine is built. This Bachelor of Medical Science delves into how the human body functions and responds to disease and drug treatments. It incorporates facets of several scientific disciplines to provide you with an extensive understanding of the human body.

The Bachelor of Medical Science explores:

• the structure and chemistry of the cells that make up living organisms (cell & molecular biology and biochemistry)
• the structure and function of the human body (anatomy and physiology)
• the general processes leading to disease (pathology)
• the role of bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms in disease (microbiology)
• drugs which are used to cure human diseases (pharmacology)
• the way in which our form and function is inherited (genetics)
• the processes of development from the fertilised ovum (embryology)
• the natural defences of the body (immunology)
• the structure and function of the brain (neuroscience).

The Bachelor of Medical Science provides the basis for a career in biomedical research and is also an appropriate first degree if you’re planning to progress to graduate medical or paramedical degrees. After completing the course, you’ll be able to delve into further study for deeper specialisations in biotechnology, public health, immunology and molecular biology.

Key features

University is about more than what you learn in the classroom. The Bachelor of Medical Science provides the optimal balance of theoretical and hands-on learning to prepare you for the workforce in any sector from public health to medical research.

• Two UNSW faculties
  This degree is jointly offered by UNSW Science and UNSW Medicine & Health, combining the expertise of two industry-leading faculties.

• Optional majors
  If you want to tailor your study to a particular area of interest, you can choose to complete a major or a double major. 

• Wide range of career opportunities
  This degree can lead to a career in a variety of fields including:

• medical research

• paramedical professions

• health policy

• medical laboratory science

• pathology and forensic science

• patents and intellectual property

• market research and product development

• pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

You can move toward creating real-world impact when you enrol in a Bachelor of Medical Science. Our students can discover how to build on their own ideas and get involved in projects that make a difference to local and global communities.

The structure of this course allows students to get familiar with the knowledge they will be accessing in their future careers. Whether your career path in healthcare is clear or a work-in-progress, a Bachelor of Medical Science gives you the tools, guidance and connections to find success in immunology, neuroscience, biochemistry, biomedical science and many other areas of medicine.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Medical Science is made up of 19 medical science courses and one science elective course. If you choose to study a major or double major, your medical science courses will be tailored to your chosen area. You’ll also study two free electives from any faculty at UNSW and two general education courses (outside of science and medicine) to expand your knowledge base.

Full program structure

The Bachelor of Medical Science is made up of 24 courses taken over three years of full-time study.

Majors

• Human Anatomy
• Human Pathology
• Medical Immunology
• Medical Microbiology
• Medical Pharmacology
• Medical Physiology
• Molecular Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Neurobiology

Turn your career aspirations into reality with tertiary studies that value employability alongside academic success. Through practical training, internships and research, the Bachelor of Medical Science will provide you with strong foundations for a successful and rewarding career. Whether you’re interested in a medical research specialisation or other health sciences proficiencies, UNSW offers flexible pathways into postgraduate medical studies or paramedical studies.

This degree allows you to work in a variety of fields, including:

• medical research
• pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
• market research and product development
• forensic science
• public health policy
• paramedical professions
• medical laboratory science
• pathology and forensic science
• patents and intellectual property.

You’ll be able to work towards creating a rewarding career from day one. According to AFRA, UNSW produces the most employable students. And since healthcare is Australia’s largest and fastest-growing industry, currently employing over 1.7 million people — there are great job prospects.

Due to the ageing population, the public health sector will continue to grow, seeing another 250,000 new jobs added by 2023. Now is the time to enrol in the Bachelor of Medical Science and solidify your place in the future of healthcare and medicine in Australia.

There are several admission pathways to an undergraduate degree at UNSW including high school qualifications, UNSW Foundation Studies, UNSW Diploma, recognised prior study or university trans

IELTS: 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest); TOEFL IBT (Internet Based): 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking); Pearson (PTE - Academic): 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest); C1 Advanced Cambridge: 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest); C2 Proficiency Cambridge: 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest); UNSW Global University English Entry Course (UEEC): C+, Writing C.