Undergraduate
Humanities in Health and Medicine
Contact us
Address
Student Central
The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009
Telephone
131 UWA (131 892)
International
(+61 8) 6488 1000
Hours
Frequently asked questions
Careers and further study
This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.
Career Pathways
As a Humanities in Health and Medicine graduate, possible careers include:
- health education
- public health
- community health
- healthcare administration
Further Study
- Doctor of Medicine
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
- Master of Pharmacy
- Master of Social Work
- Master of Public Health
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Cost of living
Admission requirements
The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying one of these majors, find out the admission details below.
Minimum entry requirements
- 3.3
- 79
- 270
- 330
- 300
- 66
- 1170
- 60
- 80
Admission requirements
English competency
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
How to apply
The application process to this course is different for the assured and graduate entry pathways, and for international and domestic applicants.
Refer to the below regarding application processes for each of the pathways . More information regarding admission requirements and prerequisites for each pathway can be found on the 'Admission Requirements' tab.
Domestic Pathways
- Domestic Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via TISC. Refer to TISC Online for current course codes and application deadlines.
- Domestic Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via GEMSAS, which open and close in accordance with the GEMSAS timeline. All domestic applicants must submit a valid GAMSAT score by the application closing date.
International Pathways
- International Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
- International Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
Course details
The major in Humanities in Health and Medicine is an interdisciplinary, humanistic and cultural study of health, illness, health care and the human body, mind and spirit. You'll be prepared to care for people by bringing together the traditions of humanities, inquiry, compassion and judgement to bear on the management and on the promotion of health and the treatment of illness.
About the course
Quick details
- Available
- Perth (Crawley campus)
- Full-time
- Part-time
- On-campus
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Undergraduate
- MJD-HHMED
- 3 years (BBiomedSc), 4 years (BBiomedSc[Hons])
Jenny Chang
Jenny Chang
The new Humanities in Health and Medicine major is in-depth in its exploration of medical narratives and patient-centred healthcare and includes units in other disciplines such as healthcare law, health economics, English literature, sports science, philosophical bioethics and mental well being in today’s world as well as opportunities to study abroad.
It has been eye-opening to see how clinical knowledge intersects with patient values in anecdotes and autobiographies and would highly recommend this course for anyone seeking to better understand how we as future health professionals can become more empathetic and understanding of a diverse patient population.
UWA offers a rich and vibrant campus culture – with over 150 clubs and societies on campus, there is a community and event for everyone. As an ambassador, committee member and volunteer of the Student Guild it has been a joy to offer my time to a multitude of non-profit organisations.
As a UniMentor it has been rewarding to help link students, their interests and time commitments to their perfect volunteer opportunity. It is incredibly rewarding to see how my mentees have flourished as individuals and leaders. Not only have I met some amazing people through mentoring them, but I’ve also met some exceptional mentors who inspire me to do my best every day.
Course Structure
Why study Humanities in Health and Medicine?
Your degree options
This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Bachelor of Philosophy
Humanities for Health and Medicine course themes
Humanities for Health and Medicine course themes
Health Humanities Wheel
Humanities for Health and Medicine lies at the intersection of healthcare, education, self-care and research. The discipline of health humanities provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the effects of illness and disease on patients, health professionals, and the social worlds in which they live and work. Drawing on approaches that includes history, visual arts, literature, and narrative medicine among others, health humanities helps us to appreciate the art and science of caring for people, and understand how people and societies function.
A professional wishing to work in the broad field of health is assisted by interpretive ability and insight, applies ethical sensitivity, and has an awareness of their own values and attitudes, all of which can be developed through engagement with health humanities.
