James Cook University JCU Medical School

Overview

James Cook University in Queensland offers an excellent full medicine course with a 6-year undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.

Their medicine programme will expose you to treating and addressing health issues faced by rural, remote, urban, tropical, and Aboriginal communities. James Cook University currently has 6 campuses – medical students will be based in Townsville for the first 3 years. The course allows you to live across Australia spending the last 3 years in Cairns, Mackay and Darwin.

JCU graduates become part of a community of doctors that can access, understand, and benefit healthcare in rural areas. Graduates have an understanding of tropical science. A degree from JCU medical school not only prepares you to meet the medical needs of northern Australia’s population but graduates go on to fulfil their dream careers all over Australia and beyond.

The degree is intended primarily or school leavers who are categorised as students who have completed Year 12 or equivalent in the last 2 years. However, a limited number of places are available for non-school leavers. When selecting student for their degree JCU does NOT use the UCAT. Interviews are offered to students based on the quality of their written application and academic history.

Why JCU’s Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery

• The only six- year undergraduate medical course in Northern Australia.

• Early clinical exposure – Develop your clinical skills from your first year at JCU. Placements are extremely diverse, taking place in a variety of settings with a variety of communities from the outback to the Torres Strait. If you are passionate about reducing health inequities and addressing the health issues of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, then JCU is for you.

• Great campus and facilities – You will be studying from the campus in Townsville. The JCU Medical Precinct, has secured investment from the expertise and research capability of the University and the close by Townsville Hospital.

• Opportunities – Once you have graduated from your 6-year degree you can register for a one year internship in Australian or New Zealand specific to a specialisation of interest. You may be eligible to join the honours programme for the final 2 years of the MBBS course – this provides training in research skills and independent research.

Clinical Teaching

Clinical teachers are informed by concern for social justice, innovation and excellence in medical education, research, and services.

Statistics

According to the Good University Guide 2021, UG study area JCU is ranked first for:

• Skills development

• Median Graduate Salary – $73,000

• Five stars for quality of educational experience.