Pathways to medicine

Changes to MD Admissions

In March 2018, changes to the selection process for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program were approved. The changes will be progressively introduced between 2019 and 2022, allowing prospective students ample time to prepare.

Learn more

2018 Applicants

Entry to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program does not require prerequisite bachelor courses or specified prior degrees.

However, it is recognised that science, biomedical science or health sciences degrees are good preparation for medical study and a subsequent medical career.

We strongly recommend that students with these backgrounds also spend time studying social sciences and humanities, as these are also important foundations to medical study and a medical career. Similarly, we strongly recommend that students without a science, biomedical science or health science degree, take some biomedical science courses in their first degree in order to adequately prepare themselves for the medical science that will commence in the MD from year one.

A minimum suggested study plan of appropriate preparation would include year two university level courses in Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry. This implies completion of year one prerequisite courses for these year two level courses.

UQ Medicine will not verify that individual recommended courses have been completed prior to commencing the MD, but in their best interests, prospective students should ensure they are adequately prepared by undertaking the recommended courses.

Non-UQ Graduate Entry Pathway

Prospective MD students from other universities are urged to adhere to the minimum suggested study plan, including year two university level courses in Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry in their undergraduate degree

UQ Provisional and Graduate Entry Pathways

Some Schools across the University provide suggested program study plans that include the recommended courses to prepare for the UQ MD. These study plans should be used in conjunction with advice from the appropriate program's academic advisor. Some UQ programs may already meet the equivalent of these recommended courses via their prescribed or compulsory courses while some programs will require careful management of available elective space and students interested in such pathways should consult with the respective program advisor.

Students who hold a provisional entry for school leavers place in the Doctor of Medicine need to ensure that they complete their first degree in the minimum time required for that degree in order to retain their provisional entry place. Should any exceptional circumstances exist, students may be able to apply to the Associate Dean (Academic) to retain their place as per Clause 3 in the Doctor of Medicine (Provisional Entry for School Leavers) Admission Requirements listed in Table 2 of Schedule 1 of the Undergraduate, Non-Award and CSP Admissions Policy 3.40.06.

Pathway A

UQ programs* that cover minimum recommended courses and provide health professional registration prior to entry to the MD:

Pathway B

UQ programs* with study plans to cover minimum recommended courses prior to entry to the MD:

Pathway C

UQ programs* with limited elective space that can cover minimum recommended courses with careful planning prior to entry to the MD:

* Program lists are not exhaustive. Prospective MD students should discuss alternative programs that are not listed with their respective undergraduate program academic advisors. They will work with you to develop an appropriate study plan.

Note:

This information is provided as a guide and should be utilised in conjunction with appropriate advice from respective program advisors for the program students wish to complete prior to commencing the MD program.
Successful provisional entry applicants must meet all program admission prerequisites of their preferred first degree. Please refer to the UQ Courses and Programs page for the prerequisite subjects of your preferred first degree.

Special entry programs

Some communities in Australia face unique challenges, which is why have a range of special entry pathways and schemes to help students reach their goals. Learn more about our special entry programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as well our programs for students from rural and remote parts of Australia.