Bachelor of Medical Science
Degree overview
Do you want to know how the human body works?
The Bachelor of Medical Science brings the disciplines of genetics, immunology, nutrition, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and anatomy into a single degree.
This is a practical degree that gives you the chance to interact with our world-leading biomedical researchers throughout your studies, and the option to work closely with them on a research project in your third year. You will also learn about applications of medical science in the workplace, with opportunities to visit hospitals, research and pathology labs and other workplaces.
The flexibility of the degree allows you to choose additional subjects in complementary disciplines such as neuroscience, psychology, molecular biology and ethics in order to develop your interests further.
Learn directly from some of Australia's leading biomedical scientists and health professionals, who are working to develop new cancer vaccines or ground-breaking treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Combine a Bachelor of Medical Science with a selected Masters by coursework and enter the workforce with an internationally recognised postgraduate qualification. Most Vertical Double Degrees pathways can be completed in 4 years. View the pathway options here.
What you'll learn
This well-regarded program will provide you with a fundamental knowledge of the medical sciences -giving you a platform from which to undertake further study in medicine, pharmacology, physiotherapy, nutrition, dietetics or forensic science.
This flexible degree also lets you choose additional subjects in complementary disciplines such as neuroscience, psychology, molecular biology and ethics in order to develop your interests further.
You will learn about the real applications of medical science by having the opportunity to interact with various health professionals through seminars, work place visits and interviews.
This program is a “named” degree so you do not need to nominate any majors or minors as the focus of your studies is inherent in the name. You will have the option of applying for an Honours year towards the end of your third year of study.
Key facts
- 3 years full-time
- Semester 1 intake only
- Chemistry prerequisite
- #1 in Australia for graduate employability (Times Higher Education)
Testimonials
Sam Kwong
“I did some research and realised that my Diploma qualification meant that I could get one year of credit for the Bachelor of Medical Science at ANU. I’ve found that Canberra is a great place to study. It’s a quiet environment and you’re surrounded by nature. The air quality is excellent, way better than Singapore! Plus, its only three hours from Sydney from bus, so you can easily go there on the weekend.”
Maythem Al-Anpaqi
“Medicine was always the thing that I really wanted to get into, but after arriving at ANU, it changed my perspective. I realised that medicine is not the only thing that can change people’s lives: research into vaccinations, research into new medical developments, this can actually help millions of lives! It was eye-opening for me and now I want to continue with research at ANU.”
Careers
A Bachelor of Medical Science will give you a fundamental knowledge of the medical sciences and skills in modern molecular, cellular and biotechnological techniques required to continue with postgraduate study in medicine or research.
You can also pursue a career in pharmacy, physiotherapy, nutrition, dietetics, forensic science or health administration in the public or private sectors.
The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.
Learning experience
Tour the labs
The Science Teaching Building includes eight teaching wet laboratories for students across the Bioscience and Chemistry disciplines. See the labs and other facilities on this virtual tour.
Go on the tour
See our facilities
Go behind the scenes to discover our world-leading research facilities that also enrich your education.
Meet the unsung heroes of science, health and medicineFees & scholarships
Scholarships
Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.
Key people
Associate Professor Maja Adamska, Program convener
Maja Adamska is Associate Professor and ARC Future Fellow in the Research School of Biology. Her group uses calcareous sponges to gain insight into the evolutionary origin of a variety of key developmental processes, including segregation of germ layers and axial patterning of embryos and adults. Maja is also interested in major transitions in animal evolution, such as emergence of multicellularity and morphological complexity, and their relationship to genomic complexity.
Dr Andras Keszei, First year course convenor
Andras's areas of expertise are Population, Ecological And Evolutionary Genetics, Terrestrial Ecology, Genome Structure And Regulation, Plant Cell And Molecular Biology, Structural Biology (including Macromolecular Modelling), Natural Products Chemistry, Analytical Spectrometry, and Separation Science. He lectures Molecular and Cell Biology.
Andras was awarded the Commendation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning in 2011.
Dr Mark Ellison, First year course convenor
Mark is a senior lecturer and first year Chemistry coordinator in the Research School of Chemistry and the Associate Director (Education).
Mark was awarded the Pearson/RACI Centenary of Federation Educator of the year in 2011. He was also awarded a 2012 citation for outstanding contributions to student learning in the Australian Government awards for University Teaching.
How to apply
Understand the how to apply steps
Visit the domestic undergraduate applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.
Domestic undergraduate applicationsUnderstand the how to apply steps
Visit the international undergraduate applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.
International undergraduate applications