Sydney, Aug. 14, 2013 (ANTARA/Medianet International - Asianet) --
• Medicine at UNSW Australia recognised with higher level qualification
• New Doctor of Medicine (MD) to enhance global opportunities for UNSW graduates
• Smooth transition as curriculum and fees remain the same
Medical graduates of UNSW Australia will be rewarded with a higher level qualification, the globally well recognised Doctor of Medicine (MD).
UNSW Medicine has gained approval to offer Australia's first undergraduate-entry Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, replacing the traditional Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). The move will offer students the dual benefits of greater academic recognition and broader global opportunities, with no disruption to their studies.
Applications will be taken from this year for 2014 and currently enrolled students can transfer to the new MD program, with the first group due to graduate in December, 2013. (See: http://med.unsw.edu.au/mbbs-md-benefits-explained#.UgrgBJJHJ2A)
UNSW Medicine Dean, Professor Peter Smith, says a recent review of the current MBBS revealed that UNSW Medicine students were already studying at a level equivalent to a post-graduate degree.
"We believe by introducing the MD we will more appropriately recognise our students’ efforts – without any need for curriculum changes," he says.
UNSW’s move elevates the current double Bachelors degree to a post-graduate level qualification, an acknowledgement of the high level of knowledge, skills, critical thinking, and clinical experience a UNSW Medicine qualification demands. The MD is also widely recognised worldwide and is the standard medical qualification in the United States, a favoured destination for post-graduate training.
The MD is a level 9 qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) scale, compared to level 7 for the MBBS program. The Medical Board of Australia has also recognised the new UNSW MD.
UNSW Medicine offers a competitive undergraduate-entry medical education program over six years, the minimum period of study to qualify for an integrated Bachelor/MD qualification. This includes a substantial Independent Learning Project to develop the skills graduates need to independently research and critically analyse complex issues; essential in a dynamic, constantly profession.
Students who complete a Bachelor degree before enrolling in a graduate-entry medical school complete seven years study.
Under the new MD program the curriculum, application and enrolment processes remain the same. There will also be no change to the way tuition fees for international students are set.
Contact: Louise.Williams@unsw.edu.au +61 407 061 209
SOURCE: UNSW Media Office
Editor: PR Wire
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
