Key facts

Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.

Entry requirements

Entry is highly competitive. Entry to the Joint Medical Program is based on academic eligibility (high school qualifications or previous university study) and an assessment of personal qualities (assessed via a University Clinical Aptitude Test, and the Personal Qualities and Multiple Skills Assessments).

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 5 years full-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 48 units (288 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place
View more fees information
Start Dates and Campus
JMP Semester 1JMP Semester 2
OnlineNot OfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusOfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student in white lab coat examines medication

The Joint Medical Program (JMP) is a two stage five year program comprising of a Bachelor of Medical Science (stage one) and Doctor of Medicine (stage two), offered jointly in partnership by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

The program consists of three phases across the five years where stage one comprises of Phase 1 and 2. Phase 1 focuses on the biomedical, behavioural and social sciences and is taught through problem based learning. In problem based learning tutorials, students learn about the body systems such as the cardiac and respiratory systems using clinical presentations as a trigger to guide the learning. The tutorials are supported by sessions in the laboratory, lectures from biomedical scientists or clinicians, and practical clinical skills teaching. During Phase 1, students will be introduced to the clinical environment with clinical placements in the hospital, nursing homes and general practice to practice history taking and clinical examinations.

Phase 2 is one year in duration and consists of clinical placements in medicine and surgery in hospital and general practice/community-based care. Case-based learning replaces the problem based learning tutorial from Phase 1 and builds on the foundational knowledge of Phase 1 with clinical cases being the trigger to guide the learning. During Phase 2, students will consolidate their research method skills and develop a research project proposal for a project that will be completed in stage 2 (Phase 3).

Phase 3 is clinically orientated where students rotate through clinical placements, undertake a Student Selected Pathway and complete a Structured Reflective Option. In Year 4, students complete placements in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Medicine and Psychiatry. Year 5 is termed a pre-internship year which is designed to prepare students for internship. The clinical placements are in Surgery, Medicine, Critical Care and Trauma, and General Practice. During Year 4, students will consolidate their research method skills and complete the project proposed in Stage One (Year 3). The Student Selected Pathway is an opportunity for students to explore special interest areas within the broad categories of: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples health; Global Health; Health Professional Education; Laboratory Medicine; and Rural Health. Time is allocated in Year 4 for course and preparatory work in Year 4 for the experience in Year 5. The Structured Reflective Option is an opportunity to explore other areas of interest and/or to consolidate knowledge and skills. This is available in Year 4.

On completion of stage one, students will have completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Medical Science. On completion of Stage Two, students will have completed the requirements for the Doctor of Medicine. To graduate from the Joint Medical Program, students must complete both stage one and two. The Bachelor of Medical Science and the Doctor of Medicine will be awarded on a single testamur on completion of stage two.

This is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes your experience.

You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.

Guaranteed ATAR

Not Applicable

Our Joint Medical Program’s selection process has two components. You must meet the minimum academic eligibility requirements, and you must satisfy an assessment of your personal qualities. Please see Joint Medical Program – Selection Process to learn more about the entry requirements for this course. You must also meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The JMP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and offers students a culturally supportive educational environment. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants have the opportunity to apply for the JMP through the Miroma Bunbilla Pre-Entry Pathway. Please see Applying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student to learn more about the entry requirements for this course.

English Language Requirements
The English Language Requirements for this course are higher than our standard English Language Requirements policy linked below. Please review the JMP minimum English language proficiency requirements.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Recommended Studies

Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.

Our Joint Medical Program’s selection process has two components. You must meet the minimum academic eligibility requirements, and you must satisfy an assessment of your personal qualities. Please see Joint Medical Program – Selection Process to learn more about the entry requirements for this course. You must also meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The JMP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and offers students a culturally supportive educational environment. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants have the opportunity to apply for the JMP through the Miroma Bunbilla Pre-Entry Pathway. Please see Applying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student to learn more about the entry requirements for this course.

English Language Requirements
The English Language Requirements for this course are higher than our standard English Language Requirements policy linked below. Please review the JMP minimum English language proficiency requirements.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Recommended Studies

Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.

Our Joint Medical Program’s selection process has two components. You must meet the minimum academic eligibility requirements, and you must satisfy an assessment of your personal qualities. While VET qualifications do not meet minimum academic eligibility requirements, they can help you on your way to eligibility. Please see Joint Medical Program – Selection Process to learn more about the entry requirements for this course. You must also meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The JMP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and offers students a culturally supportive educational environment. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants have the opportunity to apply for the JMP through the Miroma Bunbilla Pre-Entry Pathway. Please see Applying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student to learn more about the entry requirements for this course.

English Language Requirements
The English Language Requirements for this course are higher than our standard English Language Requirements policy linked below. Please review the JMP minimum English language proficiency requirements.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Recommended Studies

Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.

Our Joint Medical Program’s selection process has two components. You must meet the minimum academic eligibility requirements, and you must satisfy an assessment of your personal qualities. While work and/or life experience do not meet minimum academic eligibility requirements, they can help you on your way to eligibility. Please see Joint Medical Program – Selection Process to learn more about the entry requirements for this course. You must also meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The JMP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and offers students a culturally supportive educational environment. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants have the opportunity to apply for the JMP through the Miroma Bunbilla Pre-Entry Pathway. Please see Applying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student to learn more about the entry requirements for this course.

English Language Requirements
The English Language Requirements for this course are higher than our standard English Language Requirements policy linked below. Please review the JMP minimum English language proficiency requirements.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Recommended Studies

Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Please note: Under the terms of the Joint Medical Program, the UNE policy on Advanced Standing does not apply. Advanced Standing cannot be granted towards this course, except for 48 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing (MEDI4001A, MEDI4001B, MEDI6001A and MEDI6001B) on completion of the Bachelor of Medical Science component towards the Doctor of Medicine.

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 288 credit points.

144 credit points

144 credit points

Complete the following units:

144 credit points

48 credit points

48 credit points specified advanced standing granted to candidates who have completed the Bachelor of Medical Science component.

96 credit points

Complete the following units:

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Commonwealth Supported Place
$12,720*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs. If applicable, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) Student Contribution Fees are indicative from 2023. The 2024 CSP rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the information as soon as we have more details.

What are the course fee payment options?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Your career

Career outcomes

As a graduate of the JMP, you will be highly sought after by employers, with 98% of UNE Medicine students securing full-time employment within four months of graduating. JMP graduates are recognised for their innovative thinking and clinical skills and are prepared for practice in rural, regional and metropolitan Australia.

Following graduation, you can choose to continue your studies and specialise in an area that interests you.

Possible career options include:

  • rural generalist
  • general practitioner
  • emergency medical specialist
  • epidemiologist or medical researcher
  • medical oncologist
  • neurologist
  • obstetrician and gynaecologist
  • paediatrician
  • palliative medicine specialist
  • psychiatrist
  • surgeon
  • university lecturer/academic.
Professional recognition

During your degree, you will be registered as a medical student with the Medical Board of Australia. Following graduation, you are eligible for provisional registration with the Medical Board of Australia and are able to commence internship training in Australia. Applications for internships are managed by each State and Territory, with applications opening around mid-year for the following year.

After successfully completing an accredited one-year internship in a public hospital in Australia, you are eligible for general registration with the Medical Board of Australia.

Full or partial registration is available in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Registration in other countries may be possible upon application. You are advised to check the requirements with the Medical Board of that country.

Course outcomes

The Joint Medical Program has adopted as its program objectives the achievement of graduate attributes identified by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) to ensure that doctors are competent to practise safely and effectively as interns in Australia or New Zealand, and they have an appropriate foundation for lifelong learning and for further training in any branch of medicine. The AMC attributes cover knowledge and understanding, and skills and attitudes as they affect professional behaviour.
  1. BMedSc component: demonstrate an understanding of patient-centred, compassionate and ethical practice;
  2. demonstrate integrated and advanced knowledge and introductory level clinical skills;
  3. demonstrate awareness of the importance of self-awareness, and reflection in medical practice;
  4. demonstrate theoretical knowledge and reasoning skills relevant to patient care;
  5. demonstrate understanding of the value of life-long learning and the sharing of knowledge in the medical profession;
  6. demonstrate that they can critically analyse research findings;
  7. demonstrate knowledge of global and community focus on healthcare delivery;
  8. demonstrate that they are effective communicators;
  9. demonstrate that they can work effectively as team members and accept accountability as team leaders;
  10. demonstrate that they respect and embrace the history, culture and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
  11. demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for culturally competent, holistic, patient-centred care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and
  12. MD component:demonstrate that they are patient-centred, compassionate and ethical;
  13. demonstrate that they have integrated and advanced knowledge and high level of clinical skills;
  14. demonstrate that they are self-aware, reflective and have well developed theoretical knowledge and reasoning skills;
  15. demonstrate that they are committed to life-long learning and the sharing of knowledge;
  16. demonstrate that they can contribute to published research and critically analyse findings;
  17. demonstrate that they have a global and community focus on healthcare delivery;
  18. demonstrate that they are effective communicators and can advocate for their patients and for change in healthcare;
  19. demonstrate that they can work effectively as team members and accept accountability as team leaders;
  20. demonstrate that they respect and embrace the history, culture and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and
  21. demonstrate that they are committed to providing culturally competent, holistic, patient-centred care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Knowledge of a Discipline

BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates from the Bachelor of Medical Science will progressively acquire the significant body of scientific knowledge that underpins an understanding of health as a bio-psychosocial phenomena. As a result of the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, graduates will be able to apply that knowledge to a range of health related areas and identify how the growth of scientific knowledge has impacted and will continue to shape the evolution of health care.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates from the MD will progressively acquire the significant body of scientific knowledge that underpins effective medical practice. As a result of a strong integration of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, graduates will be able to apply that knowledge when beginning professional practice and identify how the growth of scientific knowledge has impacted and will continue to shape the evolution of medicine, medical specialities and subspecialties. Graduates will be able to compare and contrast perspectives of health and healthcare from around the globe. They will be able to establish relationships between the incidence of illness and disease and to the social and environmental determinants of health in particular populations as well as describe the mechanism and impact of communicable disease on populations throughout the world.

Communication Skills

BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will be able to communicate with users of health care and health professionals confidently and appropriately in oral and written form. Their communication will reflect a sound appreciation of communication styles and cultural backgrounds and they will be able to use a range of media and tools to communicate with people of different ages with varied communication abilities.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will be able to communicate with patients, medical and other health professionals confidently and appropriately in oral and written form. Their communication will reflect a sound appreciation of communication styles and cultural backgrounds and they will be able to use a range of media and tools to communicate with people of different ages with varied communication abilities. Graduates will communicate in a scholarly manner to professional audiences, particularly in relation to the research process and evidence based practice.

Problem Solving

BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will use a systematic approach to analysis and synthesis of issues pertinent to health. They will have developed and be able to use frameworks for identification of issues, establishing priorities, proposing solutions, considering of alternatives and justifying their decisions.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will use a systematic approach to the diagnosis of disease and develop patient focused management plans. They will also have the capability to contribute to problem solving through the research process.

Information Literacy

BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will be able to access and retrieve information from a range of authoritative sources and critically appraise information in order to practice evidence based medicine.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will be able to access and retrieve information from a range of authoritative sources and critically appraise information in order to practice evidence based medicine.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will act in accordance with ethical and legal standards for academic and professional practice. They will advocate for social justice and equity and seek to address social disadvantage, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised individuals and populations.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will act in accordance with ethical and legal standards for academic and professional practice. They will advocate for social justice and equity and seek to address social disadvantage, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised individuals and populations.

Lifelong Learning

BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will demonstrate the ability to reflect on their knowledge and experience in order to identify their personal and professional learning goals and propose strategies to meet these. They will have a sound appreciation of the relationship between lifelong learning and professional practice and the need to participate in continuing professional development.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will demonstrate the ability to reflect on their knowledge and experience in order to identify their personal and professional learning goals and propose strategies to meet these. They will have a sound appreciation of the relationship between lifelong learning and professional practice and the need to participate in continuing professional development.

Independence and Collaboration

BMedSc component (Stage 1): Graduates will be able to act independently and as effective members of healthcare teams, research groups and professional and community groups. They will accept responsibility for their own actions, acknowledge and respect the contributions of others and foster collaborative relationships in order to achieve goals.MD component (Stage 2): Graduates will be able to act independently and as effective members of healthcare teams, research groups and professional and community groups. They will accept responsibility for their own actions, acknowledge and respect the contributions of others and foster collaborative relationships in order to achieve goals.

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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

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Why study with us?

UNE medical student Valerie Bockos stands and smiles in the entrance of a study lab

Getting to personally know the clinicians in town who are eager to be involved in your learning make the experience here very enriching.

Valerie Bockos, student, Joint Medical Program

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

UCAT registrations close on 17 May 2023, and JMP and UAC applications close on 29 September 2023. For more information please see the JMP How to apply information for this program.

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.