Discover general practice and primary health care online at the University of Sydney
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Find out moreWe are ranked 18th in the world for medicine in the QS Subject Rankings 2020.
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This course is available to be studied in several different study modes, including online or face-to-face. Check study modes offered in the 'course details’ section below.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has also reviewed the availability of the face-to-face version of this course, and this will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
About this course
The Master of Science in Medicine (General Practice and Primary Health Care) is designed for allied health professionals, nurses and pharmacists who work in primary health care.
It will provide the necessary skills and knowledge base for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of primary health care as well as those seeking a stepping stone to research.
The course will cover a wide range of relevant study areas, some specific to general practice and primary health care and others aimed at extending knowledge and skills in areas such as dermatology, diabetes and metabolic health, clinical teaching, mental health, public health and ethics.
This course is offered through our interactive online learning environment, giving you the flexibility to tailor your study schedule around your lifestyle.
All stream specific units are online. You may find however; a couple of electives do have a face-to-face component. These can be avoided depending on your individual preferences.
There are no specialisations for this course.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission criteria’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Closing dates
Semester 1 – 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 – 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Not available to student visa holders or to offshore international students. International students in Australia on other visas with study rights may apply.
Closing dates
Semester 1 – 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 – 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
To qualify for the Master of Science in Medicine (General Practice and Primary Health Care) students must complete 48 credit points comprising:
The course can be studied part-time only in 2019 and is largely taught online. Some units of study include an intensive face to face teaching session.
Admission to the Master of Science in Medicine (General Practice and Primary Health Care) requires successful completion of an embedded degree program (graduate certificate or graduate diploma) with a minimum credit average, or:
The academic criteria that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually and may be changed without notice.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
The capstone unit, GPPC5005 Evidence and Ethics in Primary Care, aims to develop the ethical and critical thinking needed to inform best clinical practice. It is divided into two parts: an introduction to key ethical concepts and methods of ethical analysis relevant to health care practice and research and an overview of evidence.
Students will critically appraise the evidence base related to an area of practice in their workplace or a clinical guideline. This will require the development of a clinical question, a literature review, then an appraisal of the literature and application of the evidence to individual patient care. It will further refine clinical epidemiology and critical appraisal skills developed in CEPI5100 Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology.
Study general practice and primary health care at a range of levels to suit your professional and personal needs. The programs are embedded, allowing you to step through at your own pace.
If you have a medical degree, you can undertake the program as a Master of Medicine at the same levels.
Some general practice units of study are available as non-award courses. If you are interested in completing a non-award unit please contact the program director.
