Key facts
Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.
Entry is based on completion of 144 credit points of specified study in the UNE Bachelor of Medicine - Joint Medical Program, or UNE Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (BMSMD) and a leave of absence being granted.
View full entry requirements- 1 year full-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Develop specialised subject knowledge in the rapidly changing world of health and medical science and undertake a research project in your area of interest with UNE’s Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours. Designed for students who have successfully completed years 1-3 of the Bachelor of Medicine, or the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, our honours course refines your abilities in critical thinking, data analysis and problem solving. Thrive in our collaborative research environment and produce an original dissertation with the guidance of experienced academic staff. Research experience can help to future proof your career in medicine and open doors to further postgraduate study.
Why study the Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours with UNE?
Add value to your career in the rapidly evolving field of medicine and develop your research skills with UNE’s Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours. Our honours course provides you with the opportunity to undertake training in the ethical conduct and evaluation of scientific research, and gives you experience in the various ways that research results can be communicated effectively with peers and the community.
What makes our course different?
Work with our world-class academic staff to produce an original research dissertation and equip yourself with the skills to undertake postgraduate research in the future. You will add to UNE’s body of internationally-respected research, which aims to improve the lives of regional and rural Australians. Completing an honours course with UNE allows you to:
- Take advantage of the rich research culture of UNE, with a collaborative approach and excellent support from your supervisors. Our research priorities reflect the key challenges to our region’s health: growing, living and ageing well; healthy minds; and sustainable systems.
- Position yourself at the forefront of change and innovation, with training in contemporary scientific research, guided by experienced staff. UNE’s Medical and Health Science research was rated above world standard in the most recent independent Excellence in Research for Australia report.
- Collaborate with research teams at other sites in Australia. If you are able to attend the compulsory course seminars and have a supervisor from UNE who is willing to oversee your progress, you may be able to conduct your research project at another institution or organisation (your principal supervisor must be a member of staff at the School of Rural Medicine).
UNE’s programs are regionally based but globally connected through the international research collaborations of our academic staff. Our mission is to foster a collaborative, innovative, collegial environment that supports your success. That’s why students consistently award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
To be eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours, you must have successfully completed units to the value of 144 credit points in years 1-3 of the Bachelor of Medicine, or the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine. You must also be granted a 12-month leave of absence from the JMP (from the Dean of the JMP in conjunction with the Head of School) in order to undertake the honours year.
Your honours year must be completed on campus, with the exception of periods off campus for research/data collection (if applicable). Time off campus must be approved by the Head of School-Research in advance.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
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.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
You can apply for this course if you have passed units to the value of 144 credit points in years 1–3 of the Bachelor of Medicine – Joint Medical Program or 144 credit points from the UNE Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine.
A leave of absence from the UNE Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine must be granted to complete this course.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
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.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
Please contact the Course Coordinator for further information on supplying documentation.
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: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for units in this course.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points at 400-level.
48 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Medical Science Honours (MEDI400) – 48 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
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place | $12,720* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
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.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Your career
By completing the Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours, following successful completion of three years of either the Joint Medical Program (JMP)'s Bachelor of Medicine or the JMP's Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, you will be well-equipped to pursue a career in medical research, for example by going on to complete a higher degree such as the Doctor of Philosophy. You will also have an applied understanding of the processes that guide medical research and evidence-based practice.
Research experience provides you with specialist knowledge in your chosen area of study and can lead to future opportunities in:
- academia and research
- health professional education
- research-based practice.
The research and data analysis skills that you will develop as part of the honours course, as well as your experience in effective communication of scientific results, are highly valued in the workplace. This can be of benefit professionally, whether you choose to go on to a career in research or clinical practice, or a combination of both.
Course outcomes
- develop research questions and generate research findings designed to address questions relevant to the health of individuals, communities and populations;
- participate in the pursuit of excellence in research practice;
- be effective problem solvers, capable of applying typical, critical and creative thinking to a range of research problems;
- work both autonomously and collaboratively as researchers; and
- communicate effectively as researchers.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Through the process of identifying and reviewing existing evidence and by undertaking a research project, the graduate will acquire comprehensive understanding and knowledge of research methods and their application in the field of study. Drawing on international literature will enable the graduate to develop a global perspective of the evidence base that informs the practice of medicine, and be able to apply their knowledge in any local, national or international context.
- Communication Skills
Written and oral communication skills will be emphasised through scholarly publications and presentation of work.
- Problem Solving
Problem solving is the core basis for investigation and research.
- Information Literacy
The tasks associated with the research project will require use of analytical and research software.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will develop an understanding and appreciation of their professional responsibilities to examine existing evidence and generate knowledge through research to inform best practice. Also developed will be the understanding and appreciation of their professional commitment to be socially responsible and ethical in the conduct of research and examining evidence.
- Lifelong Learning
The intent of the course is to provide a foundation for further research activity into a future career.
- Independence and Collaboration
The graduate will develop the ability to think and work independently when systematically addressing a research problem but at the same to be able to work effectively as a member of a team recognising the diversity of skills required to problem solve.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
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.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
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
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
