Bachelor of Medical Science (Specialisation)

The Bachelor of Medical Science (Specialisation) provides you with the opportunity to work in an exciting and rewarding career in one of three specialist areas, pathology, clinical investigation or nutrition.  Each of the specialist areas explores relevant health and disease issues.

In order to help you determine your desired and most suited career path, you will gain exposure to foundation knowledge in sciences, study and research skills and health professional practice throughout your first year of study in this degree. You will decide on your specialist interest area at the end of your first year of study.  

Medical laboratory scientists, specialising in pathology, examine bodily samples to assist in making a diagnosis regarding a patient’s medical condition. 

Clinical physiologists (clinical investigation scientists) measure function within the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system to exclude or confirm disease and then monitor progress in response to therapy. 

Nutritionists plan food and nutrition programs, provide advice on healthy eating practices and help people modify eating behaviour when needed.

Each program has been developed in consultation with key industry bodies and professionals and incorporates up to 480 hours of work-integrated learning during each three-year program. This ensures that you graduate with the practical skills required to be career-ready and highly attractive to prospective employers. If you choose  to study the program by distance education, you have the flexibility to fit study with their work and other lifestyle commitments.  There is also an option to exit the degree program after successful completion of the first 16 courses with an Associate Degree of Medical Science (Specialisation).

What am I studying?

Medical scientists play a crucial role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Contrary to popular belief, medical scientists are not confined to a laboratory but work with patients in a range of settings such as hospitals, clinics and private enterprise. Medical science is concerned with distinguishing normal healthy body function from disease states and monitoring improvement with therapy such as drug treatments. Medical scientists are also involved with research and play a major role in exploring the effectiveness of new treatments, developing new medical testing methods and determining genetic changes that result in diseases. A career in medical sciences allows you to be part of cutting-edge research, be part of the healthcare and diagnosis of others and make a real difference to your community. 

At CQUniversity, we offer three specialisations in the medical sciences field including pathology – the study of the cause and effects of disease, clinical investigation – the diagnosis of physiological measurement including the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system to exclude or confirm disease and then monitor progress in response to therapy, and nutrition – provide advice regarding healthy eating practices.

Why Study Health at CQUniversity

CQUniversity’s health and medical sciences programs have been developed to meet the ever increasing needs of our communities both here in Australia and for the wider global audience. They include the flagship areas of nursing and midwifery, health promotion and occupational health and safety with new offerings in medical science specialisations (pathology, clinical investigation and nutrition), medical imaging, paramedic science, medical sonography and exercise and sport science.

CQUniversity programs are constantly being reviewed and updated in consultation with industry and other stakeholders to ensure that they are relevant and up to date. In fact, our suite of new offerings has been built as a direct response to industry needs by people with specialised industry experience.

Another key feature in the large majority of CQUniversity’s health and medical science programs is the integration of workplace-integrated learning or learning on the job. Students are required to complete course undertakings in real-life workplaces, allowing them to put learning directly into practice.  This hands-on, project-based learning is a key reason as to why CQUniversity graduates are highly sought after by employers.  

Quality on-campus facilities ensure learning is delivered 'in context', taught in a similar setting to that of a real-world situation.

Study one of the many exciting health and medical science programs at CQUniversity and help make a real difference to community health and wellbeing.

Career Opportunities

On completion of the Bachelor of Medical Science (Specialisation), you will be qualified to work in a variety of health professional roles within the specialist area selected as a clinical physiologist, medical laboratory scientist or nutritionist for a wide variety of government and private organisations in the healthcare industry.  If you choose to exit at the associate degree level, you are able to seek employment as a health technician.

Work Intergrated Learning

You are required to undertake up to 480 hours of compulsory off-campus clinical placements during the three years of the program within the professional practices and work-integrated learning courses.

Program Structure

You are required to complete a total of 24 courses including eight core courses, followed by 16 courses from one three specialisations, pathology, clinical investigation or nutrition.

There are several compulsory residential schools/workshops attached to the program when studied by distance.

When applying for this degree you are not able to defer commencement of study.

You may be eligible to exit the program early and be awarded the Associate Degree in Medical Science.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Bachelor of Medical Science (Specialisation) program please click here.

As CQUniversity is committed to providing quality, up-to-date and relevant education, please note courses are refreshed regularly and may not be an exact indication of course availability for your study. Please call 13CQUni 13 27 86 if you have specific questions regarding course information regarding your specific application.

Residential School and Study Requirements

There are several compulsory schools/workshops attached to the program when studied by distance education.

Professional Recognition

The Clinical Investigation specialisation plan has been developed in conjunction with the relevant professional Societies (ANZSRS, ANTA, QPICS). The Nutrition specialisation plan has been developed in accordance with guidelines of the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA).