Doctor of Medical Science

School of Medicine

The Doctor of Medical Science at The University of Notre Dame Australia is awarded based on a body of work completed over your career. You must hold a degree qualifying you to practise medicine and submit a thesis comprised of an original exegesis and a collection of publications completed over your research career. Get in contact today to find out more.

• About this program

  The Professional Doctorate is a research degree designed to meet the needs of professionals who aspire to achieve academic excellence and lead the development of knowledge within their profession. The program seeks to examine crucial topics and integrate professional experience with scholarly inquiry.

  In particular, it aims to generate a research-based approach, providing answers to questions relevant to the professions or industry and encouraging a systematic way of collecting, analysing and interpreting data. For this reason, we recommend you seek the support of a relevant professional body, employer or industry group in defining your research area.

• Program summary

  • RSCH7021 Supervised Research - Medicine

  The Doctor of Medical Science degree is based on the examination of a portfolio comprised of selected key published works by the candidate, bound with an original unifying paper synthesising the results contained in the individual papers.

  The portfolio should be submitted at the time of enrolment in the program.

  The student will be enrolled in one part-time course of supervised research for administrative purposes, and be charged such fees as from time to time are deemed appropriate.

  Full details of the program are contained in the Program Requirements.

• Supervision

  As a doctoral candidate, you are required to have a minimum of two supervisors who will provide support and academic guidance throughout your degree. Your academic supervisors will be complemented by a professional mentor, who has expertise in the industry or profession relevant to your research area.

  Your supervisors and professional mentors will assist you with the preparation of your research proposal, continuing to mentor and direct you throughout the research phase and through the process of examination.

• Mode of study and assessment

  The assessment of the coursework component consists of written assignments while the research component is assessed by examination of the thesis by three external reviewers.

• Entry requirements

  The Pro Vice Chancellor-Research, on the advice of the Dean of the School, determines admission to the Doctor of Medical Science Award.

  Applicants to the Doctor of Medical Science Award are expected to satisfy the following criteria:

  • Possession of the degree of Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Notre Dame Australia; or
  • an equivalent degree qualifying them as a medical practitioner.

  In addition to the academic criteria listed above, applicants are normally expected to satisfy the following:

  • have been a graduate of the University of Notre Dame Australia (or an equivalent institution) of at least five years standing before the degree of Doctor of Medical Science can be awarded;
  • to have published a body of work that:
    1. represents a significant advance in knowledge in the given field; or
    2. has given rise to significant debate amongst recognised scholars in the given field; or
    3. has directly changed the direction of research or practice in a newer generation of scholars in the given field.

  You may be required to demonstrate an ability to understand and communicate in both written and spoken English at a level adequate for the purpose of pursuing the program of study.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Medical Science, graduates will be able to:

  1. Interpret a body of literature and employ relevant research methodologies to develop a theoretical understanding of recent advances, concepts, and questions in a substantial area of knowledge
  2. Show an awareness of the ethical dimensions of the environment in which research occurs
  3. Summarise, document, report and reflect on progress
  4. Construct coherent arguments and disseminate new knowledge to peers and the community
  5. Generate new knowledge comprising a substantial and original contribution to a body of knowledge or area of professional practice; and
  6. Work independently and be self-reliant, exercising advanced project planning skills, authoritative judgement, flexibility, and open-mindedness.

• Practical component

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Career opportunities

  A doctorate in Medical Science will allow you to achieve academic excellence through exploration and research while preparing you for a leadership role in your chosen field.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  
  

  Domestic Fee-Paying
  A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

  Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  
  

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?

  Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.

  
  

  For more information, please call our Prospective Students Office on +61 2 8204 4404 or email sydney@nd.edu.au.

  
  

  All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.