Put your passion for health into action. Medicine is intellectually rewarding, challenging and inspiring. It requires critical problem-solving, teamwork and integrity.
Medical practitioners are passionately interested in wellbeing, working to protect and promote the health of individuals and communities. They are dedicated to optimising health and caring for vulnerable people.
Join a profession where you’ll play a critical role in helping people live full and active lives and be part of a remarkable health culture.
The Bachelor of Medical Studies provides foundational knowledge and skills needed to excel in health care. You’ll learn from outstanding clinicians in state-of-the-art facilities and develop a deep understanding of how our health care system works. You’ll also gain a valuable ‘consumer’ perspective, helping you understand how patients interact with health services and providers.
During your studies you’ll explore scenario-based problems, focussing on individual, community, Indigenous and global health issues. You’ll also gain valuable exposure to real-world clinical practice and develop safe and effective clinical skills in cutting-edge simulation facilities.
This degree is the first part of the broader medicine program at Adelaide University, and upon successful completion you’ll gain direct entry into the Doctor of Medicine. Together, these degrees will qualify you to practise as an intern anywhere in Australia and throughout most of the world.
Study in high-tech facilities with advanced health simulation technology.Learn using real-world scenarios and global perspectives.Develop your professional practice and benefit from patient contact from the first year of your degree.Complete a clinical placement in a hospital and community setting in your third year of study.Benefit from a rich history of world-class health education and research that spans over 135 years.Graduate eligible to enter the Doctor of Medicine and continue the journey to becoming a medical practitioner.The Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine is an integrated program which is aligned with the Australian Medical Council accreditation standards.
The Bachelor of Medical Studies provides the foundations of medical science and practice with an emphasis on integrated learning, building clinical skills and understanding the role of a medical practitioner. A major emphasis is placed on professionalism, communication skills and clinical reasoning, as well as the practice of evidence-based and preventative medicine. Small-group Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) is a key part of learning in the early years. Lectures in medical disciplines such as pathology, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology support learning for clinical cases that are the more commonly encountered.
In your first year, you’ll learn the fundamental knowledge of biomedical science and how the health care system works. You’ll also begin to have patient contact with the opportunity to experience the health care system from the ‘consumer’ perspective. Scenario-based learning will introduce you to underlying mechanisms and concepts from real-world perspectives.
In your second year, you’ll continue to learn about clinical problems through clinically based scenarios that explore the science of medicine. You’ll develop clinical skills in diagnosis and management and learn more about public health and professional aspects of becoming a medical practitioner.
In your third year, you’ll undertake your first clinical placements and learn research skills and methodology by completing a research proposal and critical appraisal. Develop the skills to make evidence-based decisions to guide clinical practice towards treatment modalities and therapies that improve patient outcomes. Alongside this, you’ll have increased clinical exposure with experiences in primary and hospital care settings.
Complete 144 units comprising:
Complete exactly 144 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Foundations of Medicine
|
Course code
MEDI1001
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
Medical Studies 1
|
Course code
MEDI1002
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
Medical Studies 2A
|
Course code
MEDI2001
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
Medical Studies 2B
|
Course code
MEDI2002
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
Medical Studies 3
|
Course code
MEDI3001
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
Transition to Clinical Studies
|
Course code
MEDI3002
|
Units
18
|
|
|
Course name
Development of Health Research Skills
|
Course code
MEDI3003
|
Units
6
|
This degree forms the first part of the broader medicine program; upon successful completion, you’ll gain direct entry into the Doctor of Medicine. Together, these degrees will qualify you to practise as an intern anywhere in Australia and throughout most of the world.
As a medical graduate, you’ll be in demand for positions in a variety of settings including:
Graduates from this degree can also consider roles such as health educator, health officer, laboratory manager, medical scientist and medical technician.
In the 2023 Global Monitoring Report (World Health Organization), the global health workforce shortage is projected to be 10 million in 2030. Adelaide University is well positioned to be at the forefront of education and research in health thanks to a rich history of world-class teaching in health and a flagship facility in the heart of the Adelaide BioMed City precinct.
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours, exchanges, networking events, guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities, including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Connect to your passions – and the people who share them – by joining student clubs or campus sports.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit our accommodation web page to find out more.
Placements
From your first year, you’ll have contact with real patients in different settings – helping you get prepared for your future career as a doctor. By third year, you’ll undertake clinical placements in hospitals or community settings. From years four to six, you’ll engage in supervised clinical placements across a range of settings, becoming an integral member of multiple healthcare teams.
Clinical placements require a significant time commitment, including periods typically considered ‘after hours’. You’ll need physical and mental stamina, as well as flexibility in your attendance hours. Placements will be held across South Australia, including in rural and remote areas.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
