Bachelor of Medical Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of New South Wales is designed for students who want to understand how the human body works, how diseases develop, and how modern medical research drives new treatments and healthcare innovations. It suits students aiming for careers in biomedical research, health sciences, or those planning to progress into postgraduate study such as medicine or allied health programs.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in essential biomedical sciences, learning how the human body functions at cellular and molecular levels. Core study areas typically include Human Biology, Chemistry for Medical Sciences, and Introduction to Medical Science, where students explore basic physiology, biochemical processes, and scientific thinking skills that support future clinical understanding.

Year 2

In the second year, learning becomes more focused on disease mechanisms and human health systems. Students study subjects such as Physiology, Biochemistry, and Medical Microbiology, gaining deeper insight into how the body responds to illness and infection while also strengthening laboratory and analytical skills through practical experimental work.

Year 3

In the final year, students move into advanced biomedical topics and specialised medical science applications. Subjects such as Pathology, Molecular Biology, and Medical Research Methods allow students to explore disease diagnosis, genetic science, and experimental research while completing higher-level analytical and research-focused study.

Focus Areas (in a string):

Human biology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pathology, microbiology, medical research, genetics, immunology, biomedical sciences, disease mechanisms

Learning Outcomes (in a string):

Develop a strong understanding of human health and disease processes, apply scientific and analytical thinking to biomedical problems, conduct laboratory-based experiments, interpret biological and clinical data, communicate scientific findings effectively, and prepare for advanced study or research-based careers in health and medical sciences

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Medical Science is a non-clinical foundational degree that aligns with entry pathways into postgraduate medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and biomedical research programs, providing strong academic preparation for competitive health-related professions.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of New South Wales is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities in medicine and life sciences in QS World University Rankings, reflecting strong global research performance, graduate employability, and academic reputation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Medical Science at UNSW is built around hands-on biomedical training where students develop real laboratory and research skills from early in the degree. Learning is strongly connected to UNSW Medicine & Health’s research ecosystem, meaning students are exposed to modern biomedical techniques, clinical environments, and leading research institutes while studying on campus. This practical approach helps students understand how medical science is applied in hospitals, laboratories, and global health research settings:

Biomedical teaching laboratories: Students gain practical experience in dedicated life sciences and medical teaching labs, working with modern equipment used in cellular biology, physiology, and microbiology experiments.
Lowy Cancer Research Centre: Students are connected to one of Australia’s leading biomedical research institutes, supporting exposure to cancer research, molecular science, and translational medicine environments.
Kirby Institute exposure: Learning is linked to infectious disease and global health research through UNSW’s Kirby Institute, providing insight into real-world medical science challenges.
Hospital teaching network: UNSW’s affiliation with major hospitals such as Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney Children’s Hospital gives students exposure to clinical research environments and health system practice.
Advanced research facilities: Students may access high-end analytical and biomedical instrumentation through UNSW research centres, supporting training in modern experimental techniques.
Group-based scientific learning: Many courses include collaborative lab reports, problem-solving tasks, and research discussions that reflect real biomedical research teamwork.
Data analysis tools: Students use scientific software and statistical tools to interpret experimental results and biomedical data, supporting evidence-based scientific reasoning.
Anatomy and medical science learning spaces: Specialist teaching spaces support human biology, anatomy learning, and physiology-based practical sessions.
UNSW Library & digital research resources: Students have access to extensive medical databases, journals, and biomedical research collections supporting advanced study and assignments.
Research-led learning environment: Teaching is closely aligned with active research projects across UNSW Medicine & Health, giving students insight into current scientific discovery.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Medical Science at UNSW are well prepared for careers in biomedical research, healthcare innovation, pharmaceutical sciences, and advanced medical studies. Many students also use this degree as a direct pathway into postgraduate medicine, dentistry, or allied health programs. Common roles include Biomedical Researcher, Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Research Assistant, Pharmaceutical Associate, and roles in biotechnology and public health sectors:

Career development support: UNSW Careers and Employability Services provide personalised career coaching, CV and interview preparation, internship support, and access to industry networking events and employer connections.
Employment outcomes: UNSW graduates in health and biomedical sciences are highly regarded globally, with strong progression into further study or employment in research, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries, supported by UNSW’s consistently high global rankings in life sciences.
Industry partnerships: Students benefit from UNSW Medicine & Health connections with leading research institutes such as the Kirby Institute and UNSW-affiliated hospitals including Prince of Wales Hospital network, supporting clinical and biomedical research pathways.
Long-term academic and professional value: The degree is widely recognised as a strong foundation for postgraduate entry into medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and PhD-level biomedical research, making it a key pathway into competitive health professions.
Graduation outcomes: Students develop strong laboratory, analytical, and research skills that are highly valued in scientific research organisations, biotechnology companies, healthcare systems, and academic institutions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Medical Science, students can progress into postgraduate medical programs such as Doctor of Medicine (MD), dentistry, or allied health degrees, or continue into honours and PhD research pathways in biomedical science and medical research. Many graduates also pursue specialised study in biotechnology, public health, or clinical research to build careers in advanced medical science and healthcare innovation.