Study Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Start date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IBMS

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2021: AUD$ 36,900 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
IELTS listening [6.5]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
068948G

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND

Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma or above

OR
Work and life experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
IELTS listening [6.5]

See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

India (best 4)	70
Kenya KCSE (average)	B+
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	9
Malaysia UEC	26
Norway GPA	4
Pakistan HSSC	85
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	9
Sweden GPA	15
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	9
Vietnam	8.5
Australia	80
IB (best 6)	29
USA SAT (1600)	1270
HKDSE	18
Nepal NEB	2.81
Bangladesh HSC	4
Canada High School (OSSD)	75
Eynesbury FSP	370
German Abitur	2.3

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

This flexible degree prepares you with the skills and knowledge to work in the fields of health and medical research, biotechnology and other industries that require medical science knowledge.
Study at the No.1 University in South Australia for graduate careers in Science and Mathematics.¹
Gain practical experience in on-campus, purpose-built laboratories.
Benefit from choosing to participate in research projects with one of our internationally-renowned research groups, UniSA Cancer Research Institute or Centre for Cancer Biology.
Align your studies with your career ambitions through a range of elective subjects.
Study at a university with above world-class research in health and medical sciences.²

¹ComparED (QILT): Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-19 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
²2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Snapshot

Medical Science.jpg

With a range of elective courses, you can align your studies with your career aspirations. For example, you may choose electives to make up these areas of focus:

pharmacology
cancer biology
reproductive and developmental physiology
advanced molecular methods used in laboratory focused research
infection and immunity.

You will also gain extensive practical experience in our on-campus laboratories, where you can undertake a research project during your final year.

This program provides pathway opportunities for students to be eligible for further study in areas like Biomedical Research, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Medical Sonography and Education (subject to meeting entry requirements).

What you'll learn

During the first year you will develop an understanding of biological systems, how the human body functions and will begin to explore research methodologies.

During the second and third years you will complete some core courses but will also be able to choose from a range of elective courses, depending on your area of interest. You can choose from areas such as:

molecular biology
microbiology
immunology
human disease
human nutrition
genetics and reproductive physiology
pharmacology
infection and immunity
cancer biology.

Students may also choose a course that enables them to join one of the University's research groups and undertake a short research project providing students with experience in a research environment. Some of the research projects our students are currently undertaking include the relationship between nut consumption and biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in children, the role of inflammation in the link between traumatic brain injury and dementia, and antimicrobial resistance in residential aged care facilities.

Throughout the program, you will develop important transferable skills including writing scientific literature reviews and presenting work to an audience.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Chemistry 100	CHEM 1006	4.5
Biology A	BIOL 1007	4.5
Health and Society	HLTH 1025	4.5
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5, 6 or 7)
Chemistry 101	CHEM 1007	4.5
Biology B	BIOL 1012	4.5
Quantitative Methods in Health	MATH 1065	4.5
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,3
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Biochemistry	BIOL 2014	4.5
Physiology	BIOL 2035	4.5
Microbiology	BIOL 2051	4.5
Medical Science Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5, 6 or 7)
Immunology	BIOL 2037	4.5
Genes to Proteins	BIOL 2057	4.5
Genetics	BIOL 2016	4.5
Medical Science Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 3
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Infection and Immunity	MEDI 3015	4.5
Medical Science Elective 3		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 3
Medical Science Elective 4		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 3
AND
Medical Science Elective 5		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 3
OR
Advanced Methods in Molecular Biology	BIOL 3032	4.5		Rule(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5, 6 or 7)
Reproduction and Development	BIOL 3034	4.5
Cancer Biology	BIOL 3033	4.5
Medical Science Elective 6		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 3
AND
Epidemiological Principles and Methods	HLTH 3046	4.5		Rule(s): 2
OR
Medical Science Elective 5		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 3

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Only to be chosen for Elective 1 and 2 (refer to Rule 1)
Human Body 1	BIOL 1047	4.5
Human Body 2	BIOL 1048	4.5
FIRST YEAR Study Period 2 Medical Science Electives
Applied Psychology	BEHL 1005	4.5
Applied Physics 1	PHYS 1007	4.5
Human Anatomy 100	HLTH 1020	4.5
FIRST YEAR Study Period 5 Medical Science Electives
Human Anatomy 100	HLTH 1020	4.5
Applied Physics 2	PHYS 1008	4.5
Human Anatomy 101	HLTH 1030	4.5
FIRST YEAR Study Period 6 Medical Science Elective
Introduction to Public Health Practice and Research	HLTH 1038	4.5
SECOND YEAR Study Period 1 Medical Science Electives
Fetal and Maternal Pathophysiology	BIOL 2056	4.5
SECOND YEAR Study Period 2 Medical Science Electives
Structure Determination and Analysis	CHEM 2026	4.5
Life on Earth A	BIOL 2045	4.5
Synthetic Chemistry	CHEM 2028	4.5
Dosage Form Design 1	PHAR 2014	4.5
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics	PHAR 2006	4.5
Human Nutrition	HLTH 2001	4.5
Exercise Physiology 1	HLTH 2006	4.5
Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice	BIOL 2058	4.5
Human Anatomy 200	HLTH 2022	4.5
Fundamentals of Pharmacology	PHAR 2019	4.5
Pharmacology 2	PHAR 2020	4.5
SECOND YEAR Study Period 5 Medical Science Electives
Evolution	BIOL 2059	4.5
Exercise Physiology 2	HLTH 2005	4.5
Pharmacology C	PHAR 2022	4.5
Pharmacology B	PHAR 2021	4.5
Human Neuroscience	BIOL 2040	4.5
Lifespan Physiology	BIOL 2052	4.5
Bioethics 301	HLTH 2004	4.5
Dosage Form Design 2	PHAR 2016	4.5
Advanced Synthetic Chemistry	CHEM 2029	4.5
Life on Earth B	BIOL 2046	4.5
Advanced Structure Determination and Analysis	CHEM 2027	4.5
SECOND YEAR Study Period 7 Medical Science Electives
Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice	BIOL 2058	4.5
THIRD YEAR Study Period 2 Medical Science Electives
Advanced Methods in Molecular Biology	BIOL 3032	4.5
Current Topics in Medical Research	MEDI 3014	4.5
Human Ecology and Global Change	BIOL 3026	4.5
Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Management	HLTH 3001	4.5
THIRD YEAR Study Period 5 Medical Science Electives
Sports Nutrition	HLTH 3002	4.5
Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Medicines	FOSC 3013	4.5
Global Change and Human Health	BIOL 3027	4.5
Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology	HLTH 3014	4.5
Molecules-to-Materials: Foundations for Nanochemistry	CHEM 3020	4.5
Research Elective Project	BIOL 3031	4.5
Medical Biochemistry	BIOL 3035	4.5
THIRD YEAR Study Period 7 Medical Science Electives
Epidemiological Principles and Methods	HLTH 3046	4.5
Anthropometry and Body Image	HLTH 3016	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Human Body 1 and 2 (BIOL 1047 & 1048) must only be chosen as a first year elective (i.e. Elective 1 & 2) and not as a Medical Science elective 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

2. Students must have at least one of these courses in their program.

3. To qualify for the degree, students must undertake a minimum of six 3rd year level courses.

Notes

1. Electives 1 and 2 are free electives to be selected by the student from any University wide undergraduate elective, provided the pre-requisites have been met. Only first year courses from the list of Medical Science electives may be chosen. If a student is considering using Medical Science as a pathway to another degree, they are advised to speak to the Program Director before selecting their free electives.

2. Medical Science electives 1-6 must be chosen from the list above. Not all Medical Science elective courses may be offered every year and may also be subject to minimum class numbers. Other Medical Science electives may be negotiated in consultation with the Program Director. If a student is considering using Medical Science as a pathway to another degree, they are advised to speak to the Program Director before selecting their Medical Science electives.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

practicals
quizzes
portfolios
group projects
practical reports.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Medical Science

Medical science student using campus laboratory facilities

Understand how the human body works and the consequences when it malfunctions, such as the onset of diseases. Contribute to the work undertaken to find cures, new therapies and making a difference through clinical trials. Educate the community to demystify complex scientific information and medical research accurately.

As a medical science student you will benefit from our industry connections, experienced staff and strong links with several internationally-renowned research groups, UniSA Cancer Research Institute, and Centre for Cancer Biology (an alliance between UniSA and SA Pathology).

Health research at UniSA brings together internationally recognised researchers in the areas of cancer, pharmaceuticals, clinical neuroscience and mental health, healthy lifestyles, population health, and Aboriginal health. You will have the opportunity to be involved in these areas of research, work closely with industry professionals and gain valuable practical experience.

Real-world connections

Our strong links with several internationally-renowned research groups, UniSA Cancer Research Institute and Centre for Cancer Biology means you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced industry professionals, award-winning researchers and acclaimed academics. This is a great opportunity for you to build important relationships and networks, which may be vital to your career progression after graduation.

You will also hear from industry guest speakers in a range of medical science areas including cancer biology and reproduction.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

The Bachelor of Medical Science is a flexible degree that exposes you to the disciplines central to understanding human health and disease.

You will have an interest in science and how the human body works at all levels, including how different body systems interact with each other and the environment. You will need to be a problem solver, critical thinker, as well as analytical.

There is a wide range of opportunities available for graduates, both in Australia and overseas. Employment opportunities are diverse, and you will be qualified to work in:

medical or biomedical research: devise and conduct experiments to increase scientific knowledge
biotechnology: modify or manipulate living organisms to develop new products, such as pharmaceuticals or biofuels
forensic science: compare, analyse and interpret physical evidence using molecular biology techniques
medical informatics: develop, maintain and facilitate medical health records for healthcare organisations
medical sales representative: promote and sell a company’s products; must establish and maintain relationships with customers and stay informed of new medical developments.

If you finish your degree with a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) you could also be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Biomedical Research (Honours) degree and depending on your results, may be eligible to continue postgraduate research with a Masters by Research or a PhD.

The degree also provides you with the ability to choose appropriate pre-requisite courses in order to study Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Education.

Where can my interest in science take me?

View our guide on Science Careers for more information.

Industry facts

Employment for medical laboratory scientists in Australia is projected to increase by 14.2 per cent by May 2024.¹

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

To May 2024, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 252,600 jobs.¹

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.¹

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gainaccess to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets should you need, from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages or explore our student accommodation by urbanest on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Medical science students using campus laboratory facilities

As a medical science student you will have access to on-campus purpose-built laboratories including:

Biology
Chemistry
Microbiology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Physiology

Your program director

I head up the Molecular and Evolutionary Physiology of the Lung Laboratory at UniSA - here we use a range of animal models to understand the evolution, development and regulation of molecular systems.

Dr Emma Parkinson-Lawrence

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Emma Parkinson-Lawrence

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

A curiosity for human health and science led me to explore the field of medical science. I'm interested in the relationship between human health and impact, and environmental sustainability and plan to pursue a career in research.

Hamish Morelli

Bachelor of Medical Science

Hamish Morelli

Bachelor of Medical Science

I chose UniSA because it has one of the best allied health programs in Australia, and great honours and PhD projects that I can pursue in my prospective field. I’m also a recipient of the International Undergraduate Scholarship offered by the University, which is a great privilege.

Kay Khine Myo Min

Bachelor of Medical Science

Kay Khine Myo Min

Bachelor of Medical Science

Biology and chemistry were my favourite subjects. I was always fascinated with how the human body works, so when I was deciding what to study at university, Medical Science was the perfect fit.

Courtney Moore

Bachelor of Medical Science

Courtney Moore

Bachelor of Medical Science

I have always had a passion for science and medicine and this degree covered those areas. I also had the opportunity to put the molecular laboratory skills I had learnt into practice through placement, and undertook a research project at the Centre for Cancer Biology.

Chelsea Thomas

Bachelor of Medical Science
Employment: Research Assistant, UniSA