Seek Wisdom

As high school draws to a close, the pressure to choose the "right" career can feel overwhelming. For many high-achieving students with an interest in the health sciences, medicine often seems like the main option. 

But UWA offers another pathway for a career in cutting-edge scientific discovery, with direct healthcare impact, and exceptional career opportunities. 

The rising stars of healthcare: Biomedical Scientists 
Biomedical scientists are the innovative minds behind medical breakthroughs, developing new treatments, diagnostic tools, and technologies that transform patient care.  

Biomedical Scientists work at the intersection of research and healthcare, solving complex health challenges through scientific investigation. Unlike physicians who treat patients directly, inventing, developing and commercialising a new medical therapy can indirectly treat millions of patients.  

According to Professor Jeff Keelan, Head of the School of Biomedical Science at the University of Western Australia (UWA), "the demand for skilled medical and biomedical scientists in Australia is high".  

With advances in genomics, personalised medicine, biomedical technology and novel therapeutics, we're seeing strong opportunities for graduates who can bridge biomedical innovation and clinical application.”

Professor Keelan

According to recent industry reports*, Australia's medical technology and pharmaceutical sectors are experiencing annual growth rates of over 5%, with biomedical research positions offering starting salaries comparable to many entry-level healthcare roles. 

The Bachelor of Biomedicine extended major in Medical Science 
The UWA Medical Science major offers a specialised pathway to prepare you for a fulfilling career in the clinical and biomedical sciences.  

“This major is the best of both worlds, providing high-achieving students with foundational training in the pre-clinical biomedical sciences plus core research skill development via a specialisation,” says Associate Professor Demelza Ireland, Head of the Medical Science Discipline in the School of Biomedical Sciences. 

It builds a solid platform of knowledge and understanding relating to human health and disease, preparing students for entry into a health or medical profession or higher degrees in health & medical research.” 

Professor Ireland

“Students in this major have an abundance of options that they can choose from: they could, for example, do postgraduate study in clinical pathology or public health, or they might also like to pursue their research interests and look at higher degree research,” Associate Professor Ireland said.  

Alongside advanced laboratory skills essential for a lab career in biomedical research, specialised knowledge is taught relating to human pathology, genetics, therapeutics and disease epidemiology. Current student Caitlyn Traum reflects on the majors wide-ranging content, “One of the things I love most about this degree is the sheer breadth of knowledge it offers, from immunology, biochemistry, and physiology to research methods and data analysis. It provides a robust foundation, not just for clinical pathways like medicine, but also for a future in biomedical research, which is something I'm equally excited by. I've come to really value how interconnected these fields are, and the course has given me a deep appreciation for the role research plays in improving healthcare.” 

In addition, the research methodology training also prepares students for leadership in clinical trials, which requires students to learn how to absorb and collate information, carry out and communicate research. Looking ahead, Ms Traum shares her aspirations, “I'm aiming to pursue postgraduate medicine, ideally combining it with a strong focus on research. This degree is giving me the tools, knowledge, and critical thinking skills I need to take that next step with confidence." 

To advance your expertise and professional standing, UWA also offers a Master of Clinical Pathology which is an accredited qualification** for Medical Scientists providing a structured pathway for deepening your specialisation within the field and may enhance your career opportunities in clinical pathology practice.  

Overall, studying Medicine isn't the only path to making a profound difference in the health and wellbeing of your community. UWA's Bachelor of Biomedicine - with an extended major in Medical Science - offers an exciting alternative, one which nurtures your scientific curiosity, and where your passion for health discovery and innovation can flourish. 

To find out more visit course page Bachelor of Biomedical Science with an extended major in Medical Science.  

*Source: Jobs and skills Australia, 2025