Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of International Studies

Note

Students who commenced a combined degree with the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies prior to 2022 should refer to the Handbook for the year they commenced their degree.

This course is tailored for individuals aspiring to blend a career in medical science with international expertise. Its uniqueness lies in the integration of rigorous scientific training with language proficiency and cultural understanding.

You have the choice of specialising in the Medical and Health-related Science major where you will learn about the body in health and disease, medical devices, how medicines work, as well as public health policies and clinical trials or in the Pathology major to further your knowledge on how diseases trigger biochemical or cellular changes in the body and how to best diagnose and treat them. Your learning will be hands-on, utilising cutting-edge lab technology, and will foster essential skills like effective communication and innovative thinking. Simultaneously, you will achieve fluency in one of six languages, enriching your professional and cultural acumen by choosing one of three pathways.

By combining medical science and international studies, you will graduate with an increased awareness of the international contexts of health and you will be well placed to pursue careers in global health environments, from pharmaceuticals to international health initiatives. Your career prospects will span across sectors, with enhanced opportunities due to your international studies experience.

The combination of medical science and international studies aims to produce graduates with an increased awareness of the international contexts of health and who are well prepared to pursue global health-related professional careers. The course provides the knowledge and skills for students to be excellent medical scientists, but also with an excellent language and international skills set, meaning graduates can make a difference to society in a range of careers with a global and international context.

Multinational pharmaceutical companies look to medical science graduates to work in drug registration, clinical trials coordination, as technical or marketing representatives and as policy analysts. International health initiatives involving governments or non-government organisations also look for the unique skills provided by this dual degree.

Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level.

Admission to the combined degree is on merit according to the admissions selection criteria for the Bachelor of Medical Science (C10184).

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.