Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine) / Doctor of Medicine (MD) (4758)
- Approved Abbreviation: MD
- Western Sydney University Program Code: 4758
- AQF Level: 9
CRICOS Code: 097592B
This program applies to students who commenced in 2022 or later.
Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.
For commencement Year 2019 - please refer to 4758.1 - Doctor of Medicine
For Commencement Year 2018 - please refer to 4641.7 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
The Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine prepares you to be a doctor who can work safely, competently and effectively across the continuum of medical practice and to enter training in any medical specialty. You will learn through experience and immersion in a broad range of hospital and community-based services throughout the five-year program. From the first weeks, you will learn from real patients, supported by small group collaborative learning at the bedside and on campus. In the first two years, you will learn to apply the biomedical sciences to clinical problems, acquire and practice clinical and research skills. With guidance, you will build your personal learning journey by creating a portfolio of evidence of your learning. After second year, students with a passion for research may choose to do an additional year to gain the Bachelor of Medical Research.
Third year is the first major clinical year of the Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine. Students will apply and extend the knowledge and skills gained in previous subjects undertaking clinical and community placement rotations throughout the Campbelltown, Blacktown/Mt Druitt, Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool hospitals, and a variety of community organisations throughout the Greater Western Sydney region and rural NSW.
In fourth and fifth year, students continue to extend on clinical knowledge and skills through placements in specialty and subspecialty medicine, within a range of settings across metropolitan hospitals, general practice and Aboriginal medical services in rural and remote areas. These placements may be held in hospitals and community-based service organisations in the Greater Western Sydney area, or as rural placements across NSW.
Students will have the opportunity to undertake a minimum of 12 months of study at one of our rural clinical schools, based at Bathurst and Lismore, where subsidised accommodation is available. In the event of there being a shortfall of students volunteering to undertake such rural placements, students will be allocated until the rural placements are filled.
During this final phase, you will complete your project and portfolio to graduate with Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine.
Early Exit
Students may exit this program on completion of 240 credit points with a 4759 Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine) (exit only)
Study Mode
Five years full-time.
Program Advice
Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.
Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |
Location
| Campus | Attendance | Mode | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campbelltown Campus | Full Time | Internal | See above |
Accreditation
The Western Sydney University medical program is fully accredited by the Australian Medical Council. Graduates will be eligible for registration as a medical practitioner by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this program that you must meet in order to complete your program and graduate. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for this program online.
Work Integrated Learning
Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This program includes mandatory placements and other community-based unpaid practical experience in a number of locations throughout Greater Western Sydney and rural New South Wales.
International students should also refer to the link below for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students
AMC accreditation standards require that medical programs provide minimum of clinical placement hours to ensure graduate readiness for supervised medical practice. The current Western Sydney MD meets and exceeds these requirements as well as offering community engaged experiences in GWS, rural community services and in Aboriginal Medical Services across NSW. The MD will provide the same number of weeks and hours in clinical and community placements, and in addition, scaffold and integrate this learning through the use of a longitudinal Professional Portfolio.
Quality of supervision, including workplace-based teaching, supervision of informal learning and assessment are also mandated by AMC accreditation standards. The MD procedures and policies are regularly reviewed, and improved where necessary. Some of these arrangements include:
(1) Clinical School staff in each major clinical school site to make direct contact with and liaise with health service management and clinical supervisors on the ground
(2) Targeted recruitment and selection of clinical placements and supervisors, ongoing support and training through strategies such as face to face workshops and forums, and recognition through conjoint appointments and teaching awards
(3) Regular distribution of information about curriculum requirements and use of common assessment tools, assessor calibration and training resources
(4) Collection and analysis of evaluation data from students and teachers, implementation of improvements where necessary
(5) Collection and comparison of assessment data across teaching sites and student cohorts
(6) Regular meetings and communication between the School leadership and curriculum coordinators, health and community service leadership and managers, formal contractual arrangements
Admission
There are multiple entry pathways to the MD program.
Prospective applicants are directed to the School of Medicine webpage to determine appropriate entry category and pathway. https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/medicine/som/programs/undergraduate/applying_to_medicine#Categories
Requirements for local (domestic) applicants are below:
MD Admission Criteria
To be eligible for a place in MD, applicants must meet three criteria:.
Criteria 1 – Academic Rank
Non-Greater Western Sydney applicants - ATAR (or equivalent) of 95.5
Equivalency: IB 39 or higher; OP1 to 3; GCE of A, A, A* or higher (3 or less A2 subjects)
1 semester or more but less than 1 year undergraduate (4-7 units) GPA = 6.4
1 year or more but uncompleted undergraduate (8-23 units) GPA = 6.2
3 years or more but uncompleted undergraduate (24 units or more) GPA = 5.5
Completed undergraduate degree GPA = 5.5
Completed undergraduate with Honours degree (Class 1, 2A, 2B and 2d) = no minimum GPA required
Completed Graduate Certificate = 6.5
Completed Graduate Diploma = 6.2
Completed Programwork Masters = 5.4
Completed Research Masters = no minimum GPA required
Greater Western Sydney applicants - ATAR (or equivalent) of 93.5
Equivalency: IB 37 or higher; OP 1 to 4, GCE of A, A, A* or higher (3 or less A2 subjects)
1 semester or more but less than 1 year undergraduate (4-7 units) GPA = 6.1
1 year or more but uncompleted undergraduate (8-23 units) GPA = 5.9
3 years or more but uncompleted undergraduate (24 units or more) GPA = 5.2
Completed undergraduate degree GPA = 5.2
Completed undergraduate with Honours degree (Class 1, 2A, 2B and 2d) = no minimum GPA required
Completed Graduate Certificate = 6.0
Completed Graduate Diploma = 5.7
Completed Programwork Masters = 4.9
Completed Research Masters = no minimum GPA required
Rural Entry Admission Scheme - ATAR or equivalent of 91.5
Equivalency: IB 35 or higher; OP 1 to 4, GCE of A, A, A* or higher (3 or less A2 subjects)
1 semester or more but less than 1 year undergraduate (4-7 units) GPA = 5.8
1 year or more but uncompleted undergraduate (8-23 units) GPA = 5.6
3 years or more but uncompleted undergraduate (24 units or more) GPA = 4.9
Completed undergraduate degree GPA = 4.9
Completed undergraduate with Honours degree (Class 1, 2A, 2B and 2d) = no minimum GPA required
Completed Graduate Certificate = 5.7
Completed Graduate Diploma = 5.4
Completed Programwork Masters = 4.6
Completed Research Masters = no minimum GPA required
Applicants with current or previous university study
Applicants who have attempted a Bachelor (AQF 7) or higher qualification can be assessed on either their GPA (minimum of 4 subjects or one semester equivalent full-time) or ATAR , whichever is higher. Applicants who have attempted more than one tertiary qualification, will be assessed based on the qualification with the highest GPA. Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (AQF 7), or higher, will not be considered based on their ATAR or equivalent secondary qualification.
Criteria 2 – Aptitude Test
Applicants must sit the allocated aptitude test. The level of achievement the University requires will vary each year, determined by the performance of all applicants competing for a place in the MD program and will not be disclosed.
Criteria 3 - Interview
The interview will take the format of a Multi-station Mini Interview (MMI). Applicants invited to interview are asked a series of questions; each question is asked by a separate interviewer in a separate interview station. Interview places are reserved for Western Sydney and Rural background applicants.
Requirements for international applicants:
Criteria 1 – English Language
Applicants must meet the minimum English Language Entry Requirements https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/international/home/apply/admissions/entry_requirements
Criteria 2 – Academic Rank
Applicant must meet minimum Academic Threshold Requirements:
International Applicant – Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (or equivalent) of 93.5.
International Academic Requirements
Equivalency: IB 37 or higher; OP 1 to 4, GCE of A A A* or higher (3 or less A2 subjects)
1 semester or more but less than 1 year undergraduate (4-7 subjects) GPA = 6.1
1 year or more but uncompleted undergraduate (8-23 subjects) GPA = 5.9
3 years or more but uncompleted undergraduate (24 subjects or more) GPA = 5.2
Completed undergraduate degree GPA = 5.2
Completed undergraduate Honours degree = no minimum GPA required
Completed Graduate Certificate = 6.0
Completed Graduate Diploma = 5.7
Completed Coursework Masters = 4.9
Completed Research Masters = no minimum GPA required
The Grade Point Averages (GPA) indicated are on a 7 scale. If your GPA is calculated on a 4 scale, simply multiply your GPA by 1.75. This is a guide for domestic applicants only and the University reserves the right to ascertain your equivalent score. These criteria are reviewed annually, and the criteria published on 1 October each year will apply to your application.
Criteria 3 – Aptitude test
Applicant must submit an ISAT score of 160* with a minimum score of 50% in each section. The International Student Admission Test (ISAT) is a general aptitude test which measures critical reasoning and quantitative reasoning. It is a 3-hour test which is delivered at test centres around the world. Testing is available in pre-determined test cycles.
For further information about ISAT, to locate a test centre and to register for the test, visit the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Opens in new window website.
No deferrals will be accepted for this program.
Criteria 4 - Interview
Panel Interview:
International Admissions will schedule interviews for applicants who meet the eligibility criteria above, based on agreed timings with the School.
Interview format:
- International UAC applicants will be interviewed after ATAR results are released in December, to be eligible to receive offer letters in the first January offer round.
- The interview panel will consist of staff members from the School of Medicine.
- On completion of interviews, panel members will review each applicant and decide if an offer is to be made or declined.
- Borderline (non-International UAC) applicants will be placed on a waitlist and will be reviewed in October if quota places are not filled for that intake.
Additional Information
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
International students currently completing an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia, an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 must apply via UAC International.
All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Special Requirements Prerequisites
Students are required to obtain and provide all necessary documentation to be verified by NSW ClinConnect. This verification is a requirement of the NSW Health Department for all students enrolled in medical programs. If a student fails to produce this documentation to ClinConnect they will not be able to attend hospital and health service teaching sessions, and placements. Attendance is a mandatory requirement of the program to ensure that professional competencies are met. Failure to attend will result in a ‘CF’ (Compulsory Fail) of the subject. Documents that must be provided to ClinConnect are:
- National Police Certificate;
- Adult Health Immunisation Schedule;
- Code of Conduct Agreement.
Students must also meet the inherent requirements of the program as outlined in the University of Western Sydney Inherent Requirements for Medicine:
(https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ir/inherent_requirements/inherent_requirements_for_medicine_courses).
Inherent requirements are personal capabilities which are essential for achieving the learning outcomes of the Program or Subject in a way that will preserve the integrity of the University’s teaching, learning and assessment standards and the accreditation requirements for the program.
The Disability Education Standard, Section 3.4 (3) states: “In assessing whether an adjustment to the course, subject of the course or program in which the student is enrolled, or proposes to be enrolled, is reasonable, the provider is entitled to maintain the academic requirements of the course or program, and other requirements or components that are inherent in or essential to its nature. Note: In providing for students with disabilities, a provider may continue to ensure the integrity of its courses or programs and assessment requirements and processes, so that those on whom it confers an award can present themselves as having the appropriate knowledge, experience and expertise implicit in the holding of that particular award.”
Essential Equipment:
- Stethoscope;
- Pencil torch;
- White laboratory coat;
- Watch (with a second hand or display).
Admission
There are multiple entry pathways to the MD program.
Prospective applicants are directed to the School of Medicine webpage to determine appropriate entry category and pathway.
School of Medicine
Requirements for local (domestic) applicants are below.
MD Admission Criteria
To be eligible for a place in MD, applicants must meet three criteria:
Criteria 1 – Academic Rank
Non-Greater Western Sydney applicants - ATAR (or equivalent) of 95.5
Equivalency: IB 38 or higher; OP1 to 3; GCE of A, A, A* or higher (3 or less A2 subjects)
1 semester or more but less than 1 year undergraduate (4-7 subjects) GPA = 6.4
1 year or more but uncompleted undergraduate (8-23 subjects) GPA = 6.2
3 years or more but uncompleted undergraduate (24 subjects or more) GPA = 5.5
Completed undergraduate degree GPA = 5.5
Completed undergraduate degree with Honours (Class 1, 2A, 2B and 3) = no minimum GPA required
Completed Graduate Certificate = 6.5
Completed Graduate Diploma = 6.2
Completed Coursework Masters = 5.4
Completed Research Masters = no minimum GPA required
Greater Western Sydney applicants - ATAR (or equivalent) of 93.5
Equivalency: IB 36 or higher; OP 1 to 4, GCE of A A A* or higher (3 or less A2 subjects)
1 semester or more but less than 1 year undergraduate (4-7 subjects) GPA = 6.1
1 year or more but uncompleted undergraduate (8-23 subjects) GPA = 5.9
3 years or more but uncompleted undergraduate (24 subjects or more) GPA = 5.2
Completed undergraduate degree GPA = 5.2
Completed undergraduate degree with Honours (Class 1, 2A, 2B and 3) = no minimum GPA required
Completed Graduate Certificate = 6.0
Completed Graduate Diploma = 5.7
Completed Coursework Masters = 4.9
Completed Research Masters = no minimum GPA required
Rural Entry Admission Scheme - ATAR or equivalent of 91.5
Equivalency: IB 35 or higher; OP 1 to 4, GCE of A, A, A* or higher (3 or less A2 subjects)
1 semester or more but less than 1 year undergraduate (4-7 units) GPA = 5.8
1 year or more but uncompleted undergraduate (8-23 units) GPA = 5.6
3 years or more but uncompleted undergraduate (24 units or more) GPA = 4.9
Completed undergraduate degree GPA = 4.9
Completed undergraduate with Honours degree (Class 1, 2A, 2B and 3) = no minimum GPA required
Completed Graduate Certificate = 5.7
Completed Graduate Diploma = 5.4
Completed Coursework Masters = 4.6
Completed Research Masters = no minimum GPA required
Criteria 2 – Aptitude Test
Applicants must sit the allocated aptitude test. The level of achievement the University requires will vary each year, determined by the performance of all applicants competing for a place in the MD program and will not be disclosed.
Criteria 3 - Interview
The interview will take the format of a Multi-station Mini Interview (MMI). Applicants invited to interview are asked a series of questions; each question is asked by a separate interviewer in a separate interview station. Interview places are reserved for Western Sydney and Rural background applicants.
Applicants with current or previous university study
Applicants with current or previous university study will be assessed on their GPA. Applicants who have attempted or completed more than one tertiary qualification will be assessed based on the qualification with the highest GPA (minimum of 4 subjects or one semester equivalent full-time).
No deferrals will be accepted for this course.
Additional Information
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
International students currently completing an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia, an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 must apply via UAC International.
All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Special Requirements Prerequisites
Students are required to obtain and provide all necessary documentation to be verified by NSW ClinConnect. This verification is a requirement of the NSW Health Department for all students enrolled in medical programs. If a student fails to produce this documentation to ClinConnect they will not be able to attend hospital and health service teaching sessions, and placements. Attendance is a mandatory requirement of the program to ensure that professional competencies are met. Failure to attend will result in a ‘CF’ (Compulsory Fail) of the subject. Documents that must be provided to ClinConnect are:
- National Police Certificate;
- Adult Health Immunisation Schedule;
- Code of Conduct Agreement.
Students must also meet the inherent requirements of the program as outlined in the University of Western Sydney Inherent Requirements for Medicine:
(https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ir/inherent_requirements/inherent_requirements_for_medicine_courses).
Inherent requirements are personal capabilities which are essential for achieving the learning outcomes of the Program or Subject in a way that will preserve the integrity of the University’s teaching, learning and assessment standards and the accreditation requirements for the program.
The Disability Education Standard, Section 3.4 (3) states: “In assessing whether an adjustment to the course, subject of the course or program in which the student is enrolled, or proposes to be enrolled, is reasonable, the provider is entitled to maintain the academic requirements of the course or program, and other requirements or components that are inherent in or essential to its nature. Note: In providing for students with disabilities, a provider may continue to ensure the integrity of its courses or programs and assessment requirements and processes, so that those on whom it confers an award can present themselves as having the appropriate knowledge, experience and expertise implicit in the holding of that particular award.”
Essential Equipment:
- Stethoscope;
- Pencil torch;
- White laboratory coat;
- Watch (with a second hand or display).
Program Structure
Qualification for the award requires the successful completion of 400 credit points including the subjects listed in the sequence below.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1H session | Credit Points | |
| MEDI 1004 | Clinical Sciences 1 | 40 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 2H session | ||
| MEDI 1004 | Clinical Sciences 1 | 40 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| 1H session | ||
| MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2 | 40 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 2H session | ||
| MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2 | 40 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| 1H session | ||
| MEDI 3006 | Applied Clinical Sciences 1 | 40 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 2H session | ||
| MEDI 3006 | Applied Clinical Sciences 1 | 40 |
| Note: Students are able to exit at this point with a Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine). 1 | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| 1H session | ||
| MEDI 7063 | Applied Clinical Sciences 2 | 40 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 2H session | ||
| MEDI 7063 | Applied Clinical Sciences 2 | 40 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 5 | ||
| 1H session | ||
| MEDI 7064 | Applied Clinical Sciences 3 | 40 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 2H session | ||
| MEDI 7065 | Medicine in Practice | 40 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 400 | |