University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The MD at UWA is an integrated, graduate-entry medical programme combining biomedical science, clinical medicine, professional skills and a research component. Teaching is organised around organ-system and problem-based themes, with progressive clinical responsibility. Typical study components include:

• Foundations of Medicine: core biomedical and population health sciences covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology and evidence-based medicine.
• Clinical Skills and Communication: history-taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning, ethics, medico-legal issues and interprofessional practice.
• Systems and Integrated Clinical Blocks: structured blocks focused on major systems (cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurosciences, gastrointestinal/metabolic, reproductive and paediatrics) and common clinical presentations.
• Early and Extended Clinical Placements: supervised placements in hospital and community settings across metropolitan and regional Western Australia, increasing in length and responsibility through the programme.
• Population Health and Preventive Medicine: public health, epidemiology, Indigenous health, rural and remote health and health promotion.
• Research Project / Scholarly Activity: a capstone research or quality-improvement project that develops skills in study design, literature synthesis, data analysis and scientific communication. Opportunities exist to undertake projects in collaboration with research institutes affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.
• Assessment: a mix of written examinations, performance-based clinical exams (OSCEs), workplace-based assessments during placements and assessment of the research capstone.

Entry requirements

Entry to the MD is competitive and designed for applicants who already hold a bachelor degree. Typical entry requirements include:

• Completed undergraduate degree: a recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline, from a recognised institution.
• Admission test: a recognised graduate medical admissions test score (such as the GAMSAT) or equivalent accepted by the university for international applicants.
• Academic performance: a competitive undergraduate GPA; applicants are ranked on academic record in combination with admissions test and interview performance.
• Interview: a formal selection interview process (often using multiple-mini interview or panel formats) assessing communication, ethical reasoning, motivation for medicine and suitability for clinical practice.
• Additional requirements: proof of English language proficiency if applicable, immunisation and screening checks, and police or working-with-children checks for clinical placements. Some applicants may also be required to demonstrate prior clinical or community experience.

Prospective applicants should consult UWA’s admissions advice for the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences for the exact documentation and entry pathway applicable to domestic and international applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MD are eligible to apply for provisional registration and to enter internship programs, the first step towards general medical registration. Common career pathways include:

• Hospital-based practice: residency and specialist training in fields such as internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, psychiatry and anaesthesia.
• General practice: vocational training leading to careers as GPs, including opportunities in metropolitan, rural and remote communities.
• Clinical research and academia: pathways into clinical research, translational medicine and university teaching, often via further research degrees or academic clinical fellowships.
• Public health and policy: roles in health administration, population health, Indigenous health services, and health policy at local and state levels.
• Rural and remote medicine: strong pathways and incentives exist for graduates to work in regional and remote Western Australia, with targeted training and support available.

Why study at University of Western Australia

UWA’s medical programme is delivered within a research-intensive faculty with strong clinical partnerships across the state. Key advantages include:

• Clinical training network: access to major teaching hospitals and health services in Perth and regional WA, allowing diverse clinical placements and exposure to a wide case mix.
• Research integration: close links with leading biomedical and clinical research institutes—providing opportunities for supervised research projects and translational collaborations.
• Focus on rural and Indigenous health: curricular emphasis and placement opportunities aimed at preparing graduates to meet the healthcare needs of Indigenous and regional communities.
• Supportive learning environment: structured clinical skills training, mentoring, and student support services, combined with collegiate life on UWA’s campus.

Prospective students should review UWA’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences materials for detailed information on curriculum structure, clinical partners and application pathways.