Key facts
Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.
Entry is highly competitive. Entry to the Joint Medical Program is based on academic eligibility (high school qualifications or previous university study) and an assessment of personal qualities (assessed via a University Clinical Aptitude Test, and the Personal Qualities and Multiple Skills Assessments).
View full entry requirements- 5 years full-time
| Start Dates and Campus | JMP Semester 1 | JMP Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
The Joint Medical Program (JMP) is a two stage five year program comprising of a Bachelor of Medical Science (stage one) and Doctor of Medicine (stage two), offered jointly in partnership by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.
UCAT registrations close on 15 May 2026, and JMP and UAC applications close on 30 September 2026. Find out more about how to apply.
The program consists of three phases across the five years where stage one comprises of Phase 1 and 2. Phase 1 focuses on the biomedical, behavioural and social sciences and is taught through problem based learning. In problem based learning tutorials, students learn about the body systems such as the cardiac and respiratory systems using clinical presentations as a trigger to guide the learning. The tutorials are supported by sessions in the laboratory, lectures from biomedical scientists or clinicians, and practical clinical skills teaching. During Phase 1, students will be introduced to the clinical environment with clinical placements in the hospital, nursing homes and general practice to practice history taking and clinical examinations.
Phase 2 is one year in duration and consists of clinical placements in medicine and surgery in hospital and general practice/community-based care. Case-based learning replaces the problem based learning tutorial from Phase 1 and builds on the foundational knowledge of Phase 1 with clinical cases being the trigger to guide the learning. During Phase 2, students will consolidate their research method skills and develop a research project proposal for a project that will be completed in stage 2 (Phase 3).
Phase 3 is clinically orientated where students rotate through clinical placements, undertake a Student Selected Pathway and complete a Structured Reflective Option. In Year 4, students complete placements in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Medicine and Psychiatry. Year 5 is termed a pre-internship year which is designed to prepare students for internship. The clinical placements are in Surgery, Medicine, Critical Care and Trauma, and General Practice. During Year 4, students will consolidate their research method skills and complete the project proposed in Stage One (Year 3). The Student Selected Pathway is an opportunity for students to explore special interest areas within the broad categories of: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples health; Global Health; Health Professional Education; Laboratory Medicine; Rural Health; and Entrepreneurship. Time is allocated in Year 4 for course and preparatory work in Year 4 for the experience in Year 5. The Structured Reflective Option is an opportunity to explore other areas of interest and/or to consolidate knowledge and skills. This is available in Year 4.
On completion of stage one, students will have completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Medical Science. On completion of Stage Two, students will have completed the requirements for the Doctor of Medicine. To graduate from the Joint Medical Program, students must complete both stage one and two. The Bachelor of Medical Science and the Doctor of Medicine will be awarded on a single testamur on completion of stage two.
This is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
Not Applicable
Our Joint Medical Program’s selection process has two components. You must meet the minimum academic eligibility requirements, and you must satisfy an assessment of your personal qualities. Please see Joint Medical Program – Selection Process to learn more about the entry requirements for this course. You must also meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The JMP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and offers students a culturally supportive educational environment. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants have the opportunity to apply for the JMP through the Miroma Bunbilla Pre-Entry Pathway. Please see Applying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student to learn more about the entry requirements for this course.
English Language Requirements
The English Language Requirements for this course are higher than our standard English Language Requirements policy linked below. Please review the JMP minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Students admitted to the course under the Regional Health Professional Pathway will be required to attend mandatory on campus intensive schools in Armidale. In Year 1 of the program, there will be five 5-day intensive schools - dates are viewable in the UNE Handbook under MEDI1101A and MEDI1101B, and details will be available on Canvas. There will also be further intensive schools in subsequent years of the program for students in the Regional Health Professional Pathway only.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
Our Joint Medical Program’s selection process has two components. You must meet the minimum academic eligibility requirements, and you must satisfy an assessment of your personal qualities. Please see Joint Medical Program – Selection Process to learn more about the entry requirements for this course. You must also meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The JMP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and offers students a culturally supportive educational environment. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants have the opportunity to apply for the JMP through the Miroma Bunbilla Pre-Entry Pathway. Please see Applying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student to learn more about the entry requirements for this course.
English Language Requirements
The English Language Requirements for this course are higher than our standard English Language Requirements policy linked below. Please review the JMP minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Students admitted to the course under the Regional Health Professional Pathway will be required to attend mandatory on campus intensive schools in Armidale. In Year 1 of the program, there will be five 5-day intensive schools - dates are viewable in the UNE Handbook under MEDI1101A and MEDI1101B, and details will be available on Canvas. There will also be further intensive schools in subsequent years of the program for students in the Regional Health Professional Pathway only.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
Our Joint Medical Program’s selection process has two components. You must meet the minimum academic eligibility requirements, and you must satisfy an assessment of your personal qualities. While VET qualifications do not meet minimum academic eligibility requirements, they can help you on your way to eligibility. Please see Joint Medical Program – Selection Process to learn more about the entry requirements for this course. You must also meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The JMP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and offers students a culturally supportive educational environment. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants have the opportunity to apply for the JMP through the Miroma Bunbilla Pre-Entry Pathway. Please see Applying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student to learn more about the entry requirements for this course.
English Language Requirements
The English Language Requirements for this course are higher than our standard English Language Requirements policy linked below. Please review the JMP minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Students admitted to the course under the Regional Health Professional Pathway will be required to attend mandatory on campus intensive schools in Armidale. In Year 1 of the program, there will be five 5-day intensive schools - dates are viewable in the UNE Handbook under MEDI1101A and MEDI1101B, and details will be available on Canvas. There will also be further intensive schools in subsequent years of the program for students in the Regional Health Professional Pathway only.
You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.
Our Joint Medical Program’s selection process has two components. You must meet the minimum academic eligibility requirements, and you must satisfy an assessment of your personal qualities. While work and/or life experience do not meet minimum academic eligibility requirements, they can help you on your way to eligibility. Please see Joint Medical Program – Selection Process to learn more about the entry requirements for this course. You must also meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The JMP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and offers students a culturally supportive educational environment. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants have the opportunity to apply for the JMP through the Miroma Bunbilla Pre-Entry Pathway. Please see Applying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student to learn more about the entry requirements for this course.
English Language Requirements
The English Language Requirements for this course are higher than our standard English Language Requirements policy linked below. Please review the JMP minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
Please refer to the JMP Entry Pathways for additional entry schemes available. Please note that some of the Pathways listed may apply to University of Newcastle only.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Students admitted to the course under the Regional Health Professional Pathway will be required to attend mandatory on campus intensive schools in Armidale. In Year 1 of the program, there will be five 5-day intensive schools - dates are viewable in the UNE Handbook under MEDI1101A and MEDI1101B, and details will be available on Canvas. There will also be further intensive schools in subsequent years of the program for students in the Regional Health Professional Pathway only.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Please note: Under the terms of the Joint Medical Program, the UNE policy on Advanced Standing does not apply. Advanced Standing cannot be granted towards this course, except for 48 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing (MEDI4001A, MEDI4001B, MEDI6001A and MEDI6001B) on completion of the Bachelor of Medical Science component towards the Doctor of Medicine.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 288 credit points.
144 credit points
144 credit points
Complete the following units:- Clinical Sciences, Scholarship and Practice 1A (MEDI1101A) – 24 credit points
- Clinical Sciences, Scholarship and Practice 1B (MEDI1101B) – 24 credit points
- Clinical Sciences, Scholarship and Practice 2A (MEDI2101A) – 24 credit points
- Clinical Sciences, Scholarship and Practice 2B (MEDI2101B) – 24 credit points
- Contexts of Clinical Practice Part A (MEDI4001A) – 21 credit points
- Contexts of Clinical Practice Part B (MEDI4001B) – 21 credit points
- Research for Medical Professionals A (MEDI6001A) – 3 credit points
- Research for Medical Professionals B (MEDI6001B) – 3 credit points
144 credit points
48 credit points
48 credit points specified advanced standing granted to candidates who have completed the Bachelor of Medical Science component.- Contexts of Clinical Practice Part A (MEDI4001A) – 21 credit points
- Contexts of Clinical Practice Part B (MEDI4001B) – 21 credit points
- Research for Medical Professionals A (MEDI6001A) – 3 credit points
- Research for Medical Professionals B (MEDI6001B) – 3 credit points
96 credit points
Complete the following units:- Integrated Medicine A (MEDI6101A) – 15 credit points
- Integrated Medicine B (MEDI6101B) – 15 credit points
- Pathways to Medical Practice A (MEDI6102A) – 3 credit points
- Pathways to Medical Practice B (MEDI6102B) – 3 credit points
- Research Project of Enquiry A (MEDI6103A) – 6 credit points
- Research Project of Enquiry B (MEDI6103B) – 6 credit points
- Transition to Practice A (MEDI6201A) – 21 credit points
- Transition to Practice B (MEDI6201B) – 21 credit points
- Pathways Experience A (MEDI6202A) – 3 credit points
- Pathways Experience B (MEDI6202B) – 3 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place | $14,016* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $384 |
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
Your career
As a graduate of the JMP, you will be highly sought after by employers, with 98% of UNE Medicine students securing full-time employment within four months of graduating. JMP graduates are recognised for their innovative thinking and clinical skills and are prepared for practice in rural, regional and metropolitan Australia.
Following graduation, you can choose to continue your studies and specialise in an area that interests you.
Possible career options include:
- rural generalist
- general practitioner
- emergency medical specialist
- epidemiologist or medical researcher
- medical oncologist
- neurologist
- obstetrician and gynaecologist
- paediatrician
- palliative medicine specialist
- psychiatrist
- surgeon
- university lecturer/academic.
During your degree, you will be registered as a medical student with the Medical Board of Australia. Following graduation, you are eligible for provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia and are able to commence internship training in Australia. Applications for internships are managed by each State and Territory, with applications opening around mid-year for the following year.
After successfully completing an accredited one-year internship in a public hospital in Australia, you are eligible for general registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
Full or partial registration is available in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Registration in other countries may be possible upon application. You are advised to check the requirements with the Medical Board of that country.
Course outcomes
- BMedSc component: develop comprehensive knowledge of the principles and application of biomedical, social and behavioural sciences with the capacity to apply scientific theory and evidence to common and important medical conditions;
- develop and apply literacy, numeracy, technological and oral/written communication skills;
- formulate culturally and contextually appropriate, respectful and holistic, patient-centred care for diverse populations including rural, remote, minority groups and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- create personal skills for life long learning and knowledge sharing including self-reflection, self directed learning and feedback mechanism in professional practice;
- develop and integrate the principles of ethical, professional, and legal dimensions of practice;
- demonstrate capacity to work effectively and prove accountability as a team member by contributing to the professional development of peers and junior colleagues;
- MD component: demonstrate the application of biomedical knowledge in the assessment, evaluation and management of clinical presentations, and apply this with a person-centred focus;
- appraise and implement contextually relevant and appropriate scientific knowledge in clinical decision making;
- evaluate the complexities of health, health care delivery and health systems within diverse communities, including rural and remote communities;
- critically analyse research findings appropriate to professional practice;
- illustrate a focus on community health and employ advocacy skills to attain enhanced healthcare outcomes, especially among underserved populations;
- assimilate and translate acquired knowledge, skills and attitudes to commence internship at any Australian hospital.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates from the Bachelor of Medical Science will progressively acquire the significant body of scientific knowledge that underpins an understanding of health as a bio-psychosocial phenomena. As a result of the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, graduates will be able to apply that knowledge to a range of health related areas and identify how the growth of scientific knowledge has impacted and will continue to shape the evolution of health care.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates from the MD will progressively acquire the significant body of scientific knowledge that underpins effective medical practice. As a result of a strong integration of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, graduates will be able to apply that knowledge when beginning professional practice and identify how the growth of scientific knowledge has impacted and will continue to shape the evolution of medicine, medical specialities and subspecialties. Graduates will be able to compare and contrast perspectives of health and healthcare from around the globe. They will be able to establish relationships between the incidence of illness and disease and to the social and environmental determinants of health in particular populations as well as describe the mechanism and impact of communicable disease on populations throughout the world.
- Communication Skills
BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will be able to communicate with users of health care and health professionals confidently and appropriately in oral and written form. Their communication will reflect a sound appreciation of communication styles and cultural backgrounds and they will be able to use a range of media and tools to communicate with people of different ages with varied communication abilities.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will be able to communicate with patients, medical and other health professionals confidently and appropriately in oral and written form. Their communication will reflect a sound appreciation of communication styles and cultural backgrounds and they will be able to use a range of media and tools to communicate with people of different ages with varied communication abilities. Graduates will communicate in a scholarly manner to professional audiences, particularly in relation to the research process and evidence based practice.
- Problem Solving
BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will use a systematic approach to analysis and synthesis of issues pertinent to health. They will have developed and be able to use frameworks for identification of issues, establishing priorities, proposing solutions, considering of alternatives and justifying their decisions.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will use a systematic approach to the diagnosis of disease and develop patient focused management plans. They will also have the capability to contribute to problem solving through the research process.
- Information Literacy
BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will be able to access and retrieve information from a range of authoritative sources and critically appraise information in order to practice evidence based medicine.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will be able to access and retrieve information from a range of authoritative sources and critically appraise information in order to practice evidence based medicine.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will act in accordance with ethical and legal standards for academic and professional practice. They will advocate for social justice and equity and seek to address social disadvantage, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised individuals and populations.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will act in accordance with ethical and legal standards for academic and professional practice. They will advocate for social justice and equity and seek to address social disadvantage, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised individuals and populations.
- Lifelong Learning
BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will demonstrate the ability to reflect on their knowledge and experience in order to identify their personal and professional learning goals and propose strategies to meet these. They will have a sound appreciation of the relationship between lifelong learning and professional practice and the need to participate in continuing professional development.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will demonstrate the ability to reflect on their knowledge and experience in order to identify their personal and professional learning goals and propose strategies to meet these. They will have a sound appreciation of the relationship between lifelong learning and professional practice and the need to participate in continuing professional development.
- Independence and Collaboration
BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will be able to act independently and as effective members of healthcare teams, research groups and professional and community groups. They will accept responsibility for their own actions, acknowledge and respect the contributions of others and foster collaborative relationships in order to achieve goals.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will be able to act independently and as effective members of healthcare teams, research groups and professional and community groups. They will accept responsibility for their own actions, acknowledge and respect the contributions of others and foster collaborative relationships in order to achieve goals.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
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Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
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Good Universities Guide 2026
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UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
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ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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Why study with us?
Getting to personally know the clinicians in town who are eager to be involved in your learning make the experience here very enriching.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
UCAT registrations close on 16 May 2025, and JMP and UAC applications close on 30 September 2025. For more information please see the JMP How to apply information for this program.
