Double Degrees in Medicine

Bachelor of Commerce/Doctor of Medicine (BCom/MD)

Bachelor of Economics/Doctor of Medicine (BEc/MD)

Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine (BMedSc/MD)

Bachelor of Music Studies/Doctor of Medicine (BMusStudies/MD)

Bachelor of Science (Advanced)/Doctor of Medicine (BSc(Adv)/MD)

Double degree Medicine courses

Duration: approved undergraduate degree duration plus four years full-time postgraduate Sydney Medical Program (Sydney Medical School)

Sydney Medical School Double Degrees in Medicine Admissions

Sydney Medical School offers a series of alternate pathways into the Sydney Medical Program. Students are able to combine an approved undergraduate degree with the four-year postgraduate medical program.

Admission criteria

Applications for admission must be made at the first available opportunity after completing secondary education. The basic admissions criteria for applicants are:

• an outstanding Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) obtained the year the applicant applies for admission (see Double degree medicine - undergraduate entry for more information)
• selection by an inter-faculty panel
• an audition (for Music Studies-Medicine applicants only).

Places available

Up to 30 domestic places will be offered each year for the double degrees in medicine program.

There are up to 10 places available for international applicants who meet the requirements.

Up to 5 additional places will be offered each year to applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people in the following double degrees in medicine:

• Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine
• Bachelor of Science (Advanced) / Doctor of Medicine

The combination of an undergraduate degree with medicine offers the opportunity to study subjects from other faculties (including the Business School, Engineering and Information Technologies, the Conservatorium of Music and Sydney College of the Arts).

Combined with the emphasis on practical, problem-based learning in the Sydney Medical Program, the double degree pathways enable students to develop a strong background in a broad range of areas.
Once the approved undergraduate degree is completed, students enter the Sydney Medical Program and are subject to the normal Sydney Medical School progression requirements.

Areas of Study and progression

In the first three years of study students will undertake studies in their first chosen area (Commerce, Economics, Music Studies, Medical Science or Science).

Students in Commerce, Economics and Music Studies are required to complete 3 subjects in the Faculty of Science (6 credit points each of approved Biology, Physics and Chemistry units of study).

Students are also required to complete a zero-credit point subject [SMTP3007: Double Degrees in Medicine Elective] during their first degree. This subject involves (i) a one week observational elective placement selected in consultation with the course director; and (ii) a meeting with the course director each year of enrolment to reflect on personal and professional development. Students are required to write and submit pre- and post-placement reports, which are discussed at the yearly meetings coinciding with its completion.

Prior to commencing their placement students are required to comply with Sydney Medical School student requirements for entering NSW Health facilities.

Students must complete the initial Bachelor degree in minimum time ie within three years (or four years with honours), excluding any authorised periods of suspension, and maintain, a credit average in each year of that degree, this being the minimum level of academic performance required for admission to candidature for the Doctor of Medicine.

To remain in the double degree medicine program students must:

• Complete units of study having a total value of at least 144 credit points
• Maintain a credit average or above in the undergraduate Bachelor degree
• Satisfactorily complete SMTP3007 during the undergraduate Bachelor Degree
• Satisfactorily complete three approved subjects in the Faculty of Science (Biology Physics and Chemistry)

Further information

Further information about the combined degree program is available
on the web at:
sydney.edu.au/medicine/future-students/medical-program/combined/index.php.