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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
2024 Applications for this course have closed. Candidates interested in this course for 2025 should ensure you register for the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) by the deadlines provided.
The Bachelor of Clinical Sciences course is a direct pathway for CDU students to study medicine, on campus in Darwin. This course is part of a double degree with the Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP) offered by Flinders University. Australian citizen or permanent resident school leavers with year 12 qualifications, or higher education students who have studied for no more than one year are eligible for consideration for entry.
The Bachelor of Clinical Sciences is the first award of this double degree. Completion of the first two years of the course to a specific grade point average standard and within the specified time frame, guarantees entry into the NTMP, which you will begin in your third year of study.
In your studies at CDU you will develop a strong foundation in fundamental health and medical-related sciences, building your knowledge, skills and confidence to move on to the NTMP. This course is accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) as an entry pathway into medical studies.
You are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Clinical Science if you:
- hold year 12 qualifications and have studied no more than one year of higher education; and
- have completed the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ).
In order to be competitive, you will need to achieve an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 90 or above, 85 or above for First Nations applicants (after the addition of any applicable ATAR related adjustment factors).
Priority is given to First Nations and NT residents. Only Australian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.
Course transfer into the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences is not permitted. Students who wish to transfer into this course must follow the application process.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course completes the first part of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine (CDU/Flinders University) double degree and may lead to career opportunities in medicine or medical research.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
In the first two years of the BCSC you will receive a strong foundation in the health and medical sciences. This will prepare you for entry into the four-year Flinders University NTMP. The BCSC course must be undertaken full time at the CDU Casuarina Campus. You are required to pass all units and gain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.00 (Credit Average) to progress to the final (third) year of the Bachelor of Clinical Science course. Students who do not pass all units or fail to achieve the minimum GPA within the first two years will have opportunities to transfer to other courses. Students who are accepted into the course may apply to study part time, if they have applied successfully for credit transfer. This will only apply to students who have studied for one year or less in other higher education courses. Anyone who has more studied for more than one year in higher education is not eligible to enter the course.The third year of the BCSC and the first year of the NTMP are completed simultaneously, in the same year. Entry into this program is associated with a bond to work for four years in the Northern Territory after graduation (including your Intern year). In consequence there is a requirement that BCSC students sign a contract with the Northern Territory Government. This would normally be at the commencement of year 1 of the NTMP (year 3 of the BCSC).
Course structure
In the first two years of the BCSC you will receive a strong foundation in the health and medical sciences. This will prepare you for entry into the four-year Flinders University NTMP. The BCSC course must be undertaken full time at the CDU Casuarina Campus. You are required to pass all units and gain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.00 (Credit Average) to progress to the final (third) year of the Bachelor of Clinical Science course. Students who do not pass all units or fail to achieve the minimum GPA within the first two years will have opportunities to transfer to other courses.
Students who are accepted into the course may apply to study part time, if they have applied successfully for credit transfer. This will only apply to students who have studied for one year or less in other higher education courses. Anyone who has more studied for more than one year in higher education is not eligible to enter the course.
The third year of the BCSC and the first year of the NTMP are completed simultaneously, in the same year. Entry into this program is associated with a bond to work for four years in the Northern Territory after graduation (including your Intern year). In consequence there is a requirement that BCSC students sign a contract with the Northern Territory Government. This would normally be at the commencement of year 1 of the NTMP (year 3 of the BCSC).
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (16 CDU units plus 2 Flinders units) | 240cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 240 credit points consisting of 16 CDU units (160cp) and 2 Flinders University units equivalent to 80cp (CDU) as detailed below. HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology (replaces SBI209 from 2024) MLS101 Haematology 1 PSY116 Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological Communication (replaces MLS110 from 2024 which replaced MLS100 from 2020) SBI150 Cellular Biology SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 SBI182 Microbiology and Immunology (replaces SBI173 from 2021) SCH101 Chemical Concepts SCH102 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice (replaces PHA210 from 2021) MLS245 Medical Biochemistry MLS283 Clinical Immunology (replaces SBI283 from 2021) PHA214 Biotechnology and Genomics SCL200 Communication for Improved Patient Care SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare (replaces PHA312 from 2021) Flinders University Units MMED9150 Medicine 1A (40 cp) MMED9151 Medicine 1B (40 cp) |
| 240 | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
Course Changes and Transition Arrangements - 2024
PSY116 has replaced MLS110. Students who have already completed MLS110 should not complete PSY116.
HSC112 has replaced SBI209. Students who have already completed SBI209 should not complete HSC112.
Course Changes and Transition Arrangements - 2021
HSC220 has replaced HSC230. Students who have already completed HSC230 should not complete HSC220.
SBI242 has replaced PHA210. Students who have already completed PHA210 should not complete SBI242.
SBI241 has replaced PHA312. Students who have already completed PHA312 should not complete SBI241.
Study plan
Students Commencing Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| PSY116 Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological Communication (replaces MLS110 from 2024) | CO | SBI182 Microbiology and Immunology (replaces SBI173 from 2021) | CO |
| SCH101 Chemical Concepts | CO | SCH102 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry | CO |
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology (replaces SBI209 from 2024) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MLS101 Haematology 1 | CO | SCL200 Communication for Improved Patient Care | CO |
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice (replaces PHA210) | CO |
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare (replaces PHA312) | CO | MLS283 Clinical Immunology (replaces SBI283 from 2021) | CO |
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | PHA214 Biotechnology and Genomics | CO |
| Year 3 (Flinders University units) | |||
| MMED9150 Medicine 1A (40 cp) | CO | MMED9151 Medicine 1B (40 cp) | CO |
Entry requirements
Quota
The Bachelor of Clinical Sciences is a highly competitive course with 12 places available each year. Offers to this course are made in the January offer round with sub-quotas available for NT residents and First Nations applicants.
NT Resident sub-quota
Five (5) places are available in this sub-quota. Applicants must meet the NT Residency requirement1.
NT First Nations sub-quota
Five (5) places are available in this sub-quota. Applicants must meet the NT Residence requirement1 and must be Indigenous2.
National First Nations sub-quota
Two (2) places are available in this sub-quota. Applicants must be Indigenous2.
1 NT residents must have resided in the NT for two years out of the last six years or for a total of five years since commencing primary school. NT resident applicants will need to complete and submit the CDU NT Residency Statutory Declaration.
2 First Nations applicants will need to complete and submit the SATAC Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Statutory Declaration.
Admission criteria
2024 Applications for this course have closed. Candidates interested in this course for 2025 should ensure you register for the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) by the deadlines provided.
You are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Clinical Science if you:
- hold year 12 qualifications and have studied no more than one year of higher education; and
- have completed the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ).
Priority is given to First Nations and NT residents. An alternative admission pathway is available for First Nations students, for more information contact foh@cdu.edu.au. Please note, UCAT is not required for applications under the First Nations Entry Application Process. When asked for your UCAT number (if you have not sat the UCAT) please enter ANZ00000000 while applying through SATAC.
The UCAT comprises of five sections; verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning and situational judgement. Each section of the UCAT will contribute equally to produce the UCAT ANZ derived score. Your UCAT derived score (10%) will be combined with your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) (90%) to determine your ranking for a place on this course.
In order to be competitive, you will need to achieve an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 90 or above, 85 or above for First Nations applicants (after the addition of any applicable ATAR related adjustment factors).
Only Australian citizens and Permanent residents are eligible to apply.
Additional admission requirements
This course has a two-step application process:
1. Registration to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). Registration to sit UCAT opens in March and closes in May each year. Only UCAT scores from 2024 will be used for 2025 applications. Please note, UCAT is not required for applications under the First Nations Entry Application Process.
2. An application to SATAC where you will be asked to enter your UCAT identification number and provide a residency and indigeneity statutory declaration.
A work placement is a requirement in the MD component of the course in the third year of the Bachelor of Clinical Science.
Prerequisites and requirements for medical placements
Medical students have an important responsibility to protect their own health and the health of their patients by observing the requirements described in the Prerequisites and requirements for medical placements.
Essential requirements
Ranking for offers of positions requires an entry score combining ATAR (90%), and University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) - derived score (10%).
The UCAT ANZ derived score will be based on results from five sections of the UCAT ANZ test (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Situational Judgement).
The Bachelor of Clinical Sciences is a highly competitive course with 12 places available each year. Offers to this course are made in the following sub-quotas:
NT Residency sub-quota (5 places): All applicants must provide a Statutory Declaration within 10 working days of submitting a SATAC application confirming you have lived in the Northern Territory with a permanent address for two years out of the last six years, or for a total of at least five years since commencing primary schooling. A Statutory Declaration form can be downloaded at www.satac.edu.au/documents/rural_remote_nt_statdec.pdf and must be submitted as part of the application to SATAC.
NT First Nations sub-quota (5 places): All applicants must provide a Statutory Declaration within 10 working days of submitting a SATAC application confirming you have lived in the Northern Territory with a permanent address for two years out of the last six years, or for a total of at least five years since commencing primary schooling. A Statutory Declaration form can be downloaded at www.satac.edu.au/documents/rural_remote_nt_statdec.pdf and must be submitted as part of the application to SATAC. Applicants must also provide a Statutory Declaration within 10 working days confirming you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent. Applicants who receive an offer through the First Nations sub-quota will need to provide a certified copy of a community seal confirming their eligibility at enrolment.
National First Nations sub-quota (2 places): All applicants must provide a Statutory Declaration within 10 working days of submitting a SATAC application confirming you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent. A Statutory Declaration form can be downloaded at www.satac.edu.au/documents/rural_remote_nt_statdec.pdf. Applicants who receive an offer through the First Nations sub-quota will need to provide a certified copy of a community seal confirming their eligibility at enrolment.
Criminal history check:
Students entering this course will not be required to undergo National Police Checks. However, as it articulates with Flinders University MD, all medical students will be required to complete a National Police Check prior to undertaking any placement. This requirement will apply to students when they commence the MD component of the course in the third year of the Bachelor of Clinical Science.
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2023
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.
Katie
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.
Katie
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2023.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2023) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | <5 | N/P |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | N/P |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | <5 | N/P |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | 15 | .0 |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | 15 | .0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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