Program Overview

If you don’t yet meet the entry requirements for the UC course you’re aiming for, UC College’s diplomas –  also known as higher education diplomas – will provide you with an introduction to your chosen study area. They act as an alternative entry pathway for admission to UC undergraduate courses and prepare you for university study.

Diploma of Science
Our Diploma of Science is an inspiring introduction to all areas of science. You will develop knowledge and skills that equip you with confidence in the laboratory and prepare you for further science study. 

Study a Diploma of Science at UC and you will:

• Gain a broad understanding of all areas of science
• Learn the practical skills and knowledge needed for laboratory careers
• Develop independent study skills
• Build your communication skills, and
• Cover biology, chemistry, physical science, mathematics and English communication. 

On successful completion of the Diploma of Science, you’ll gain 12 credit points/four units (half a year) of advanced standing into the second semester of the first year of one of the following Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Canberra.

Bachelor of Medical Science
Bachelor of Medical Science provides you with the foundational understanding of the science that underpins medicine, human health, disease and general well-being. Unlock your career ambitions and gain the comprehensive knowledge and skills that enable you to understand the unique interactions between cellular, chemical and biological sciences.

Engaging with the revitalised curriculum that builds upon science as a core major, study key areas like chemistry and biology at the molecular, cellular, organ and whole organism level while engaging in research projects or work integrated learning.

With a strong emphasis on professional skills and an integrated group work approach, you will examine contemporary issues in health and disease in the latter half of the degree. 
In addition to the core science major, you’ll also complete two specialist majors, the Pathological Basis of Disease and the Genetic Basis of Disease. This will allow you to develop the in-depth skills required to navigate the ever-changing and fast-paced medical science industry.  

Study a Bachelor of Medical Science at UC and you will

• Understand the function and structure of health and the human body, including our anatomy and physiology. 
• Acquire reasoning, technical and communication skills to improve medical science outcomes.
• Develop critical thinking and data analysis skills to solve a range of real-world issues in health and disease from local and global contexts.
• Evaluate current and emerging ethical and cultural issues that arise in medical science.
• Select and apply tools to conduct scientific investigations relevant to medical science, while being transferable to a range of disciplines.
• Demonstrate the ability to collect scientific data individually and collaboratively, within legal, ethical and social frameworks.
• Critically analyse, synthesise and integrate scientific knowledge, literature, data, or arguments for effective communication to a range of audiences.

Work Integrated Learning
Step out of the classroom and into the real-world. Our professional practice units are embedded into this degree and allow you to conduct real life experiments. Work with the latest technologies and clinical practices in a range of laboratories in industry or government settings, or explore our own labs by undertaking research projects with support from UC researchers.