Bachelor of Medical Science
at The University of Western Australia, Western Australia.
A biomedical degree covering anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and pathology. A common feeder programme for graduate medicine and other clinical postgraduate pathways.
ATAR cutoff history
Published cutoff data for the The University of Western Australia Bachelor of Medical Science. We never invent figures; entries marked "not published" mean the university or admissions centre has not released a verified cutoff for that intake.
| Intake year | ATAR cutoff | Admissions centre |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ATAR cutoff not published | TISC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | TISC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | TISC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official TISC cutoff release.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
The UWA Bachelor of Medical Science is a three-year biomedical degree focused on the structure and function of the human body and the mechanisms of disease. Year one builds foundations in human biology, chemistry, cell biology, anatomy and physiology, with laboratory practicals running alongside lectures at the Crawley campus and the QEII medical precinct. Year two deepens the core systems-based science: physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology and human anatomy. Practical work involves histology, dissection-based anatomy learning, laboratory experiments and data interpretation, with growing emphasis on reading and critiquing research literature. Year three is specialisation and research. Students choose advanced units across pathology, neuroscience, infection and immunity, reproductive biology or clinical biochemistry and complete a capstone or laboratory research project. The degree is deliberately structured as a broad undergraduate science feeding postgraduate-professional and research pathways, with strong preparation for graduate-entry health programs.
Example first-year subjects
- Human Biology and Anatomy
- Chemistry Fundamentals
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Introductory Physiology
- Biostatistics and Scientific Method
- Foundations of Biochemistry
How you will be assessed
- Final exams of 50 to 60 percent in physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology units
- Laboratory reports and practical skills assessment
- Anatomy and histology spot tests
- Research-literature critiques and scientific writing tasks
- Capstone or laboratory research project in third year
- Oral presentations and scientific posters
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as medical-laboratory scientists, clinical-trial coordinators and research assistants in hospital pathology departments.
- Common destinations include diagnostic-laboratory roles at Australian Clinical Labs and Sonic Healthcare, and research roles at the Garvan, WEHI and QIMR Berghofer.
- Many alumni progress into graduate medicine, dentistry and physiotherapy or into research Honours and PhD study.
Typical first jobs
- Medical laboratory scientist in hospital pathology departments
- Research assistant at WA medical research institutes and universities
- Clinical trials coordinator or data officer
- Diagnostic laboratory technician at Australian Clinical Labs or Sonic Healthcare
- Quality and compliance officer in pharmaceutical or biotech settings
- Science communicator or technical sales in medical and biotech firms
- Graduate-entry student progressing into medicine or dentistry
Graduate starting salary
$58,000 - $68,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
The Bachelor of Medical Science is one of UWA's principal feeder degrees into postgraduate-professional health programs. Many students target the graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine (MD), with some holding UWA assured-pathway places that guarantee progression subject to GPA and GAMSAT or equivalent requirements. Other common destinations include the Doctor of Dental Medicine, Master of Podiatric Medicine, Master of Pharmacy, Master of Public Health and the Doctor of Optometry. Research-oriented students take a fourth-year Honours leading into PhD study at UWA and the WA medical research institutes (Harry Perkins, Telethon Kids). Master of Biomedical Science and Master of Biotechnology are further options.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who enjoyed WACE Biology and Chemistry and want depth in human biology
- Those aiming for graduate medicine, dentistry or allied-health postgraduate study
- People comfortable with heavy memorisation alongside laboratory work
- Students who can sustain a strong GPA for competitive postgraduate entry
- Those interested in biomedical research and Honours
It is probably not for you if
- Students wanting direct clinical patient contact from year one
- Those who dislike laboratory practicals and detailed memorisation
- People seeking a clear job title immediately after a three-year degree
- Anyone uncomfortable with exam-heavy science assessment
Related courses at UWA
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the The University of Western Australia handbook and on TISC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/uwa/bachelor-of-medical-science.