The University of Notre Dame Adopts UCAT
1 year ago by Chris
The University of Notre Dame Australia has introduced an exciting new pathway for aspiring medical students: the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Assured Pathway) into the Doctor of Medicine program. This three-year full-time course offers a streamlined transition for students aiming to pursue a career in medicine, with opportunities to enter the 4-year Doctor of Medicine programs in both New South Wales and Western Australia without having to sit the GAMSAT.
Standard Entry vs. Assured Pathway
Standard entry into the University of Notre Dame's Doctor of Medicine (WA) and (Fremantle) postgraduate courses requires the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT). This gruelling 5.5-hour test assesses technical knowledge across various scientific disciplines and includes two essay writing sections. Additionally, applicants must complete the Casper test, a hybrid evaluation combining elements of the Situational Judgement Test from UCAT and traditional medical interviews.
In comparison, the new assured pathway into the Bachelor of Biomedical Science follows the same entry requirements as most current undergraduate medical courses, which include ATAR, UCAT, and an interview. This approach is less intensive than the postgraduate route, as UCAT is a 2-hour test consisting solely of multiple choice questions, making it an attractive option for students seeking a more straightforward path into medicine.
Assured Pathway Entry requirements
To enter this newly constructed course, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 92 or an equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score.
- Successful completion of the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
- Successful interview
Interested students must submit their applications for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science as an assured pathway into Medicine through the appropriate channels:
- Sydney Applicants: Apply via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
- Fremantle Applicants: Apply via the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC).
MedEntry recommends applying to as many medical schools as possible to increase the chances of landing a coveted spot in medicine, and the Universities of Notre Dame’s guaranteed pathway is another addition that students should consider when it comes to university applications.
The rise of UCAT
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is becoming increasingly prominent in medical and dental school admissions. Every year, more universities are choosing to adopt UCAT as their primary admissions test, recognizing its effectiveness in evaluating key skills necessary for success in the fields of medicine and dentistry.
In Australia, several universities have adopted the UCAT in recent years, including:
- Central Queensland University: Implemented UCAT for their Medical Science course (provisional entry pathway to the University of Queensland)
- Griffith University (Bachelor of Dental Health Science)
In the United Kingdom, all universities that previously required the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) have transitioned to UCAT following the BMAT’s cancellation. This includes the prestigious Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. According to the ‘QS World University Rankings 2024’, Cambridge is ranked the 2nd top university in the world, and Oxford the 3rd. This transition demonstrates the growing trust and reliance on UCAT as a more reliable method for selecting future medical professionals.
Final words
The introduction of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Assured Pathway) into the Doctor of Medicine at the University of Notre Dame Australia marks a significant step forward in medical admissions. With more universities opting to adopt UCAT as their preferred admission test, the UCAT has become even more important in securing a place in medicine.
