Doctor of Medical Science

Doctorate (PhD)

The Doctor of Medical Science (DMedSc) is a graduate research doctorate offered by the Melbourne Medical School only open to senior medical graduates of the University of Melbourne and other recognised universities.

Key details

Degree Type

Doctorate (PhD)

Duration

4 years full-time, 8 years part-time

Course Code

066156A

Study Mode

In person

About this course

The Doctor of Medical Science (DMedSc) is a graduate research doctorate offered by the Melbourne Medical School only open to senior medical graduates of the University of Melbourne and other recognised universities. The DMedSc is designed for medical graduates to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research at the doctoral research level.

Under the supervision of academic staff and an Advisory Panel appointed by the enrolling department, DMedSc students complete a thesis of approximately 50,000 - 80,000 words over a maximum period of up to four years full-time. The degree may be completed in less time if the student's academic progress as judged by the advisory panel, supports earlier submission.

Undertaking the DMedSc can broaden the medical graduate's career pathway, developing you as a researcher and enhancing leadership opportunities in your specialty practice area.

Research projects are available in the areas of:

Adolescents
Cancer
Cardio metabolic disease
Cardiovascular disease
Child health
Chronic disease
Diabetes
General practice
Gynaecology
Imaging
Integrated clinical medicine
Medical education
Mental health
Musculoskeletal
Neuroscience
Obstetrics
Ophthalmology
Otolaryngology
Paediatrics
Primary care
Psychiatry
Radiology
Rural health
Stroke
Surgery
Women's health

Study locations

Parkville

What you will learn

The DMedSc is classified as a research doctorate with thesis requirements and examination comparable to the Doctor of Philosophy.
You will be enrolled into a thesis subject for the duration of the degree.
The normal period of candidature is 3 years for full-time candidates (part-time equivalent) with the possibility of up to 12 months extension.
All candidates will be required to complete a minimum of 12 months full-time research at the University to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up of their research within a University community and environment.
Normally the entire degree is undertaken at the University.
You will have appropriately experienced academics available to arrange a course of supervised research designed to suit your individual requirements and interests.
You may be required to supplement your research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s).
You will be expected to attend departmental seminars over the period of your candidature.
Academic progress will be reviewed regularly throughout the degree.
Your thesis will be examined externally. The thesis should normally be between 50,000 and 80,000 words (and may not exceed 100,000 words) in length excluding tables, illustrations and bibliography.
You should refer to the University policy library and the Graduate Research Hub for further information regarding candidature, academic progress, ethics, thesis preparation and examination.
To be eligible to submit a thesis for examination, you must be enrolled in your course for the minimum period of 6 months full-time equivalent.
The DMedSc may normally be undertaken in any department of the Melbourne Medical School and in some Faculty-based academic units such as the Centre for Youth, Mental Health or Department of Medical Biology (WEHI). Please note that entry is subject to the availability of a suitable supervisor and research project and the approval of the Head of Department.

Career pathways

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course you should be able to:

Demonstrate advanced learning in research skills and mastery of appropriate techniques, such as the use of archival or primary evidence, analysis of data, judgment of conflicting evidence etc;
Demonstrate specialist knowledge in the area of your research;
Present the results of your research in publishable form or work towards incorporating your findings in further research;
Proceed to a research doctorate if the Doctor of Medical Science thesis has demonstrated appropriate research potential;
Gain admission to certain types of employment through this specialist qualification;
Apply the research skills acquired to other projects;
Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics or code of practice.

How to apply

Step 1 - Am I eligible?

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Engineering courses at University of Melbourne.

72.5%

Overall satisfaction

85.4%

Skill scale

54.7%

Teaching scale

78.8%

Employed full-time

$66k

Average salary

Data source