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JMP - Joint Medical Program Schedule

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(1) The JMP Schedule supports the implementation of The Joint Medical Program. In the event of any conflicts between the provisions of this Schedule and other University policies and procedures, the provisions of this Schedule will apply.

Section 1 - Application of Schedule

(2) This Schedule shall apply to the award of “Bachelor of Medicine” and the award “Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine” offered jointly by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

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Section 2 - Context

(3) The Joint Medical Program, between The University of Newcastle and the University of New England, delivers a single accredited medical program using the same learning outcomes and assessment standards in a shared delivery model that result in the same award for students enrolled in the program at either the University of Newcastle or the University of New England.

(4) In 2017 the Bachelor of Medicine was placed in teach-out and the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine program was introduced at both universities. Management of the Joint Medical Program is the responsibility of the JMP Governance Committee as approved by each university.

(5) The Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) is responsible to the JMP Governance Committee and the universities, for academic management of the Joint Medical Program.

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Section 3 - Definitions

(6) In this Schedule, unless the context or subject matter otherwise indicates or requires:

Defined Term Meaning
Assessment or Assessment Item Any form of work used to measure student learning outcomes, and to determine the final result for a student in a Course/Unit.
Assumed Knowledge The knowledge based upon which a course/unit builds and which is deemed necessary at the commencement of that course/unit to succeed in that course/unit.
Award Means the Bachelor of Medicine or the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine.
Census date As prescribed by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England for the term of enrolment.
Compulsory program component A unit within the Bachelor of Medicine – JMP or Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine – JMP which must be successfully completed to progress in the program.
Course (the University of Newcastle) (University of New England = unit) Any part of a program (University of Newcastle) for which a result may be recorded (see unit (University of New England) below).
Course Co-ordinator (the University of Newcastle) The academic staff member responsible for the management of a particular course as approved by the JMP Teaching and Learning Committee (see Unit Coordinator (University of New England) below).
Credit points (cps) (University of New England)
The proportional amount of academic credit allotted to a unit (University of New England) and is used to:
i. define the requirements for an award of the university;
ii. indicate a student's enrolment load (see ‘unit ( the University of Newcastle)’ below).
CSP Commonwealth Supported Place.
Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) Has authority under the JMP Collaboration Agreement between The University of Newcastle and University of New England to oversee the supervision of the academic aspects of the JMP and provide leadership for the efficient and effective operation of the Joint Medical Program and its delivery.
Dean Refers to a Dean of an Australian medical school other than the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) or Head of Faculty at University of New England.
Degree Means a program of courses/units approved by the Academic Senate (University of Newcastle)/Academic Board (University of New England) leading to the award of Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine. 
Exclusion The condition of being precluded from re-enrolling in a program or College or Faculty for a stated period. At the end of the exclusion period the student may apply for re-admission. There is no guarantee that an application for re-admission will be successful.
Final result The grade based on all the assessment items in a MEDI course/unit as approved by the Head of School responsible for the course/unit.
Head of School Head of School of Medicine and Public Health (the University of Newcastle) and/or School of Rural Medicine (University of New England).
JMP Joint Medical Program.
Joint Medical Program The Bachelor of Medicine and the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine as delivered in partnership by the University of Newcastle and University of New England.
JMP Assessment Committee The joint University of Newcastle / University of New England committee responsible for overseeing the development, implementation and quality assurance of JMP assessment.
JMP Executive Committee The joint University of Newcastle / University of New England committee has final approval for decisions relating to the planning, implementation and management of the JMP. The Committee is chaired by the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP).
JMP Governance Committee Is the peak coordinating committee of the JMP with representation from both the University of Newcastle and University of New England.
JMP Progress and Appeals Committee The joint University of Newcastle / University of New England Committee established to jointly consider and make determinations regarding the progress of JMP students enrolled at The University of Newcastle (University of Newcastle) and the University of New England.
JMP Teaching and Learning Committee The joint University of Newcastle / University of New England committee responsible for the planning, implementation and management of the JMP curriculum, assessment and standards.
JMP Year Assessment Committee The committees (one for each year of the JMP) responsible for recommending final grades to the Heads of School and for reviewing the assessment of courses/units in accordance with the universities’ quality assurance principles.
Prescribed date Means the day set by the JMP Teaching and Learning Committee in each term for each course/unit as the last date for withdrawal from that course/unit without academic penalty.
School The School of Medicine and Public Health (the University of Newcastle) and/or the School of Rural Medicine (University of New England).
Suspension The condition of being precluded from enrolment for a period of up to one academic year, with an automatic right to re-enrol in the JMP after the period of suspension.
Teaching period Term of teaching in which a complete course/unit is delivered. Where courses/units are structured as multi-term sequence the teaching period will be two consecutive semesters in a single calendar year with the final grade being awarded at the completion of part B in the second semester.
The University of Newcastle The University of Newcastle, a body corporate established under sections 4 and 5 of the University of Newcastle Act 1989.
Unit (University of Newcastle)
The proportional amount of academic credit allotted to a course and is used to:
i. define the requirements for an award of the University;
ii. indicate a student's enrolment load (see ‘credit points (cps) (University of New England)’ above).
Unit Coordinator (University of New England) The academic staff member responsible for the management of a particular unit, as approved by the JMP Teaching and Learning Committee (see Course Coordinator (University of Newcastle) above).
University Universities University of Newcastle and/or University of New England
University of Enrolment University of Newcastle or University of New England
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Section 4 - Program Structure

Award:  Bachelor of Medicine

AQF Level Bachelor Level 7
Total Units 400 Units (University of Newcastle) / 240 credit point (University of New England)
Volume of Learning (Duration) 5 years minimum
Structure (including minimum requirements and restrictions)
The program will contain:
a. a total of 400 units / 240 credit points;
b. including 10 units / 6 credit points of electives.
Admission An applicant will have met the admission and selection criteria for the relevant program as set by the JMP Executive Committee and JMP Teaching and Learning Committee and approved by Academic Senate (the University of Newcastle) and Academic Board (University of New England), at the time of application. Including special admission procedures and selection criteria. Note: final admission to the Bachelor of Medicine was in 2016.
Additional Requirements Any approved compulsory program components (CPC) or pre-requisites.
Credit With the exception of credit transfer arrangements as provided in Section 9, credit will not be granted in the program.
Grading of the Award
The degree will be awarded as an ordinary degree, or will be awarded ‘with Distinction’ according to the approved academic criteria.
A separate 80 unit / 48 credit point Honours equivalent program is available – Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours). Details are available in The University of Newcastle program Handbook or The University of New England Course Catalogue. 
Additional Information The testamur shall acknowledge the universities that comprise the Joint Medical Program, namely, The University of Newcastle and the University of New England.


Award:  Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine

Bachelor of Medical Science

AQF Level Bachelor Level 7
Total Units 240 units (University of Newcastle) / 144 credit points (University of New England)
Volume of Learning (Duration) 3 years minimum
Structure (including minimum requirements and restrictions)
The program will contain a sequence of core courses, with a maximum of a total of 240 units / 144 credit points:
a. 80 units / 48 credit points at 1000 level;
b. 80 units / 48 credit points at 2000 level;
c. 70 units / 42 credit points at 4000 level; and
d. 10 units / 6 credit points at 6000 level.
Admission An applicant will have met the admission and selection criteria as set by the JMP Teaching and Learning Committee, and JMP Executive Committee’s, and approved by the Academic Senate (University of Newcastle) and Academic Board (University of New England), at the time of application, including special admission procedures and selection criteria. Note:  Bachelor of Medical Science commenced 2017.
Additional Requirements Any approved compulsory program components (CPC) or pre-requisites.
Credit With the exception of credit transfer arrangements as provided in Section 9, credit will not be granted in the program. 
Grading of the Award The degree wil be awarded as an ordinary degree only. A separate 80 unit / 48 credit point Honours program is available – Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours). Details are available in the University of Newcastle program Handbook or the University of New England Course Catalogue.

Doctor of Medicine

AQF Level Masters Level 9 E
Total Units 240 units (The University of Newcastle) / 144 credit points (University of New England)
Volume of Learning (Duration) 3 years minimum
Structure (including minimum requirements and restrictions)
The program will contain:
a. a total of 240 units / 144 credit points;
b. a sequence of core courses:
    i. 160 units / 96 credit points at 6000 level;
    ii.  80 units / 48 credit points of credit granted on the basis of completion of Year 3 of the Bachelor of Medical Science at The University of Newcastle or the University of New England.
Admission
As approved by the Academic Senate (the University of Newcastle) and Academic Board (University of New England), students who have satisfactorily completed the requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Medical Science will be admitted to the Doctor of Medicine. 
Excluding periods of approved leave of absence students must move to the Doctor of Medicine in the year immediately following completion of the Bachelor of Medical Science.
Additional Requirements Any approved compulsory program components (CPC) or pre-requisites.
Credit All students will be granted a maximum of 80 units / 48 credit points of credit in the Doctor of Medicine based on the completion of Year 3 of the Bachelor of Medical Science at either The University of Newcastle or the University of New England. No other credit will be granted.
Grading of the Award The degree will be awarded as an ordinary degree only. A separate 80 unit / 48 credit point Honours program is available – Doctor of Medical Science (Honours). Details are available in The University of Newcastle Program Handbook or the University of New England Course Catalogue. 
Additional Information The Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine will be awarded at the completion of both programs. Students will receive a single testamur including both programs. The testamur shall acknowledge the universities that comprise the Joint Medical Program, namely, the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.
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Section 5 - Qualification for the Award

Bachelor of Medicine

(7) The degree of Bachelor of Medicine may be awarded as an ordinary degree or With Distinction as provided in the Bachelor of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) Award of Bachelor of Medicine with Distinction Guideline.

(8) Students enrolled at each university must satisfy the same academic requirements for graduation by successfully completing the approved program of study which:

  1. at the University of Newcastle totals 400 units as approved by the University of Newcastle Academic Senate;
  2. at the University of New England totals 240 credit points as approved by the University of New England Academic Board.

(9) Students enrolled at the University of Newcastle will graduate from Newcastle as approved by The University of Newcastle Council;

(10) Students enrolled at the University of New England will graduate from New England as approved by the University of New England Council.

Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine

(11) The Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine are undertaken sequentially. The Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine are awarded as ordinary degrees.

(12) Students enrolled at each university must satisfy the same academic requirements for graduation by successfully completing the approved program of study for both the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine which:

  1. at the University of Newcastle totals 480 units (including 80 units of credit) as approved by the University of Newcastle Academic Senate;
  2. at the University of New England totals 288 credit points (including 48 credit points of credit) as approved by the University of New England Academic Board.

(13) Students enrolled at the University of Newcastle will graduate from Newcastle as approved by the University of Newcastle Council;

(14) Students enrolled at the University of New England will graduate from Armidale as approved by the University of New England Council.

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Section 6 - Deferment

(15) Deferment of admission will be for one academic year only. The JMP Admission Committee shall consider deferment of admission requests and make recommendations to the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) (or nominee) for approval. The Dean's decision shall be final. Deferment may be granted:

  1. to allow an applicant who has just left school an opportunity to gain broader experience through travel or work before commencing university studies;
  2. to afford an applicant sufficient time to make necessary arrangements concerning financial, domestic or employment commitments; or
  3. to allow an applicant enrolled as a candidate for a postgraduate degree in a university time to complete the requirements for the award of that degree. An applicant granted deferment for one year who has enrolled as a candidate for a postgraduate degree in a university who, at the end of the period of deferment, has not met the requirements for the award of the degree, but who is considered by the JMP Admission Committee and Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) to be making satisfactory progress towards meeting the requirements, may be granted deferment in the program for an additional period of one year.

(16) All applicants who wish to defer admission at either enrolment location must apply in writing to the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) before the expiry date of the offer of admission stating the reasons for the deferment request. Applications are assessed on the basis of the circumstances documented. Deferment is not guaranteed. Enrolment into the Joint Medical Program must be in accordance with enrolment policies and procedures of the university of enrolment (either the University of Newcastle – Enrolment Manual; or the University of New England – General Rules).

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Section 7 - Enrolment

University of Newcastle and University of New England

(17) A student must enrol only in courses (the University of Newcastle) / units (University of New England) that conform to the requirements of the award as approved by the Academic Senate (University of Newcastle) / Academic Board (University of New England).

(18) Except with the permission of the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP), a student will be required to enrol full-time on-campus in each year of candidature.

(19) A standard full-time load for semester based courses is 40 units (the University of Newcastle) or 24 credit points (University of New England) and for a full year a standard full-time load is 80 units (University of Newcastle) or 48 credit points (University of New England). A student who wishes to undertake more than the standard full-time load must obtain permission from the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) (or nominee) and any other University of Newcastle or University of New England process as required at each university.

(20)  Enrolment in the JMP and attendance at clinical placements are subject to:

  1. enrolment in the approved courses in the correct sequence;
  2. satisfactory completion of statutory checks as determined by relevant authorities.  All students are required to meet the NSW Health Verification Requirements in order to undertake clinical placements.  Details - University of Newcastle - NSW Health Verification Requirements; and
  3. any other terms and conditions as set out by the university of enrolment.

(21) A student's university of enrolment does not change when on clinical placement. For example, a University of New England student who completes Years 3, 4 and/or 5 in Newcastle and/or Gosford/Wyong remains enrolled at the University of New England; a University of Newcastle student who completes Years 4 and/or 5 in Armidale remains enrolled at the University of Newcastle.

(22) University of Newcastle students are subject to the provisions of the Awards and Graduation Policy.

(23) Univerity of New England students are subject to the provisions of the UNE General Rules.

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Section 8 - Credit (UON) / Advanced Standing (UNE)

Bachelor of Medicine

(24) With the exception of credit transfer arrangements as provided in Section 9, credit will not be granted in the Bachelor of Medicine program.

Bachelor of Medical Science

(25) With the exception of credit transfer arrangements as provided in Section 9, credit will not be granted in the Bachelor of Medical Science program.

Doctor of Medicine

(26) With the exception of the 80 units / 48 credit points of credit granted on the basis of the completion of Year 3 of the Bachelor of Medical Science, credit will not be granted in the Doctor of Medicine program.

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Section 9 - Credit Transfer Arrangements

International Medical University Students

(27) The University of Newcastle is a Partner Medical School (PMS) of the International Medical University (IMU), Malaysia. Under this agreement a specified number of IMU students are admitted each year to Year 3 of the Bachelor of Medicine – JMP or Year 3 of the Bachelor of Medical Science – JMP at the University of Newcastle only.  The students receive 160 units of unspecified credit (80 units at 1000 level and 80 units at 2000 level) based on medical studies completed at IMU. Students to be transferred to the University of Newcastle are identified by IMU based on their standard PMS matching process.

Compassionate Transfers

(28) Compassionate transfer applications, from universities other than the University of Newcastle and the University of New England, will be considered by the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) in consultation with the Head of School of Rural Medicine (University of New England). Requests will only be considered under compassionate circumstances that have arisen after acceptance of admission and commencement of study at the initial medical school. The student requesting a compassionate transfer:

  1. should contact the Dean of the medical school they are currently attending to discuss their intention to request a compassionate transfer;
  2. must provide the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) with a written request for transfer, comprehensive documentation supporting their “compassionate” circumstances (including medical certificates), full course / unit descriptions / outlines for the courses / units completed, an official academic transcript and, where possible, a letter from their current Dean supporting the request for transfer.

(29) Successful incoming students will be transferred into the most appropriate academic year of the JMP based on studies completed. Decisions regarding the appropriate credit to be granted are made by the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) in consultation with the JMP Program Convenor and the Head of School of Rural Medicine (University of New England).

(30) Transfer of JMP students between the University of Newcastle and the University of New England will be considered only on the basis of provisions outlined in clause 28. Applications to transfer must be supported by the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) and a Head of School. Transfers are only possible between the same programs, for example, Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at the University of New England to Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Newcastle. Transferees will receive full credit for courses/units already satisfactorily completed in the JMP.

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Section 10 - Graduate Outcomes

(31) JMP Graduate Attributes inform curricula, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and guide the development of our students. A thematic framework is used to organise the Australian Medical Council’s Graduate Outcome Statements to which all Australian accredited medical programs must adhere. These domains collectively provide the requirements that students must demonstrate at graduation. The outcomes contained in each domain are necessarily interlinked when students enter clinical practice.

(32) The program learning outcomes and Graduate Attributes are available in the BMed Sc MD Program handbooks at each university.

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Section 11 - Course (University of Newcastle) / Unit (University of New England) Outlines

(33) Course Co-ordinators (the University of Newcastle) / Unit Coordinators (the University of New England) are required to provide students with a Course / Unit Outline by the first day of term and no changes may be made to this after the end of the second week of term. The outline details key aspects of the course / unit requirements and structure, including assumed knowledge, content, teaching methods, contact hours, and a range of information regarding assessment items.

(34) Provisions regarding Course / Unit Outlines are contained in the Joint Medical Program Manual.

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Section 12 - Assumed Knowledge

(35) For progression purposes, the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP), on advice from the JMP Teaching and Learning Committee, may recommend to a College Board (University of Newcastle) and Curriculum Committee (University of New England) prescribed assumed knowledge and barriers to progression, for any course (University of Newcastle) / unit (University of New England) within the programs offered by the JMP.

(36) Ignorance of the assumed knowledge requirements for a course / unit cannot be the basis of an application to address adverse circumstances affecting an assessment item or of an appeal against a final result in a course / unit.

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Section 13 - Examinations

(37) Consistent policies concerning the conduct of assessments and the respective responsibilities of students and the universities apply within the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

(38) Students are subject to the assessment policy as provided in the Joint Medical Program Manual.

(39) Examination grades for courses / units within the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine are ungraded. 

(40) The final grades awarded for JMP courses / units are:

  1. Fail (FF)
  2. Ungraded Pass (UP)

(41) A fail grade may be awarded following disciplinary action.

(42) There are no marks associated with the UP result. Students who are awarded a UP result are deemed to have met the pass standard requirement for the course / unit.

(43) For multi-term sequence courses / units an N/A grade at the University of Newcastle or a RY Grade at the University of New England will be awarded on the completion of Part A of the sequence. A final grade will be awarded for Part B.

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Section 14 - Clinical Placements

(44) Most courses/units within the programs offered by the JMP involve clinical placements of varying duration.

(45) Students in Years 4 and 5 will be required to undertake placements in one or more of the JMP Clinical Schools which are based in centres including Newcastle, Maitland, Gosford/Wyong, Taree, Tamworth and Armidale.

(46) Due to limitations on placements at JMP Clinical Schools when under or over-subscription by preference of places to any Clinical School occurs, students will be allocated by ballot.

(47) Students are required to spend a minimum of two semesters away from their university of enrolment while undertaking clinical placements. Students may elect to undertake placements of up to two years in an approved location away from their university of enrolment. 

(48) Students will be responsible for all costs associated with travel and accommodation for ‘away’ placements.

(49) Students on placements are subject to the provisions of the Joint Medical Program Manual.

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Section 15 - Academic Progress

(50) A consistent procedure for reviewing student academic progress is conducted between the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

(51) Students are subject to the academic progress rules as provided in the Joint Medical Program Manual.

(52) Breaches of professional conduct requirements or unethical conduct during any practical experience component shall be deemed to constitute unsatisfactory progress.

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Section 16 - Adverse and Special Circumstances

(53) A consistent procedure for considering adverse and special circumstances that may affect student performance in assessment is conducted between the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

(54) JMP Students are subject to the adverse and special circumstances procedures as provided in the Joint Medical Program Manual.

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Section 17 - Appeal Against a Final Result

(55) Consistent procedures for requesting re-marks, moderations and/or appealing against a final result, are conducted between the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

(56) Provisions for appealing against a final result are contained in the Joint Medical Program Manual.

(57) Provisions for the conduct of re-marks and moderations are contained in Joint Medical Program Manual.

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Section 18 - Academic Misconduct

(58) Plagiarism and the falsification of information or data are dishonest practices that contravene the academic values of respect for knowledge, scholarship and scholars. Dishonesty in the preparation or presentation of any assessable work is regarded as misconduct, and the universities impose serious measures on students who are found to have acted in this way.

(59) The Bachelor of Medicine Student Academic Misconduct Rule sets out what constitutes student misconduct for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine and establishes the procedural framework in which the University of Newcastle and the University of New England will deal with matters relating to allegations of academic misconduct against students within the JMP, inclusive of research misconduct. 

(60) For students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, please refer to the Joint Medical Program Manual.

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Section 19 - Exclusion

(61) An applicant for admission to a JMP program, who has been excluded or suspended from any university, shall not be admitted to the JMP during the course of the exclusion or suspension period unless the applicant has the approval of the University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) following consultation with Univerity of New England Deputy Vice-Chancellor and the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP).

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Section 20 - Withdrawal from Courses (University of Newcastle) / Units (University of New England)

(62) A student may withdraw from a course / unit on or before the census date. The withdrawal shall take effect from the date of receipt by the relevant university of such notice.

(63) A student who withdraws from a course / unit after the census date for the term will incur financial liability for the course/unit.

(64) The permission of the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) is required for a student to apply to withdraw without penalty from a course / unit containing a clinical placement after the census date.

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Section 21 - Addition of Course(s) (University of Newcastle) /Unit(s) (University of New England)

(65) A student may not add a course / unit after the approved date as published in the relevant course / unit outline.

(66) In exceptional circumstances, a student may apply in writing to the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) for permission to add a course / unit after the prescribed date.

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Section 22 - Leave of Absence

(67) Upon a candidate’s successful completion of a minimum of one academic year of study, the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) may grant leave of absence from the program. 

(68) Periods of leave of absence granted to any one candidate would not normally exceed a combined period of more than one academic year.

(69) Failure to re-enrol as directed following leave of absence will result in enrolment in the program being cancelled and the student being required to apply for re-admission.

(70) A student who is approved to enrol in the one-year full-time Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) program at either the University of Newcastle or the University of New England shall be given one year’s leave of absence from the JMP to complete the Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) program.

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Section 23 - Re-admission

(71) A JMP student who is absent for an extended period of time without approved leave of absence from the program will be required to re-apply for admission through the Universities Admissions Centre. Standard application and selection processes and requirements will apply unless approved otherwise by the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP). Requests for re-admission will only be considered if there are Commonwealth Supported Positions available. Re-admission is not guaranteed.

(72) If successful, the applicant will be re-admitted to the program under such terms and conditions as the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) determines, and with due regard to the maximum time allowed for obtaining the units / credit points required to qualify for the award, as set out in Section 24.

(73) A student who enrols in the Honours program, Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours), shall not be deemed to be absent from the JMP program and shall be permitted to re-enrol in the JMP at their university of enrolment, in the year immediately following completion of the Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) program.

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Section 24 - Maximum Time for Obtaining an Award

(74) Except with the permission of the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP), the maximum time for obtaining the units / credit points required to qualify for the Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine shall be eight (8) years, excluding enrolment in the Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours).

(75) The period refers to elapsed calendar years from admission, and is inclusive of periods of leave of absence, exclusion or suspension from either the program or the university.

(76) On application from a student, the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) may grant an extension of time to complete the program, provided that the period of extension is specified in each case, and the student has an expectation of completing the requirement for the award within a reasonable period.

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Section 25 - Conferral of Award

Bachelor of Medicine

(77) The Bachelor of Medicine shall be conferred as an ordinary degree except where a candidate’s performance has reached a meritorious standard of achievement such that the degree may be conferred with distinction according to approved criteria.

(78) The testamur for the program shall acknowledge the universities that comprise the Joint Medical Program, namely, the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine

(79) The individual awards, Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, shall be conferred as ordinary degrees.  

(80) The two degrees will appear on a single testamur conferred following the completion of both degrees. The testamur shall acknowledge the universities that comprise the Joint Medical Program, namely, the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.

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Section 26 - Students with a Disability

(81) Students with disabilities are expected to meet standard requirements for the JMP courses / units in which they are enrolled. Alternative arrangements to accommodate special needs will be considered where appropriate documentation is supplied.

(82) Details concerning the nature of support available and terms and conditions that apply in relation to receiving support are provided:

  1. at the University of Newcastle in the Supporting Students with Disability Policy;
  2. at the University of New England through the Student Accessibility and Wellbeing.
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Section 27 - Prizes and Scholarships

(83) The terms and conditions for prizes and scholarships pertaining to JMP students may either be specific to the university of enrolment or available to the combined JMP student cohort. Prize and scholarship conditions and criteria provided by each university will specify which is applicable.

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Section 28 - Exit Award

Bachelor of Medicine

(84) Candidates for the Bachelor of Medicine who wish to discontinue their studies and have satisfied the requirements for the exit degree must apply in writing to the Dean, for approval. The Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) will take advice from the relevant Head of School. The exit award for the Bachelor of Medicine at both universities is the Bachelor of Health.

Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine

(85) Candidates for the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine who wish to discontinue their studies and have satisfied the requirements for the award Bachelor of Medical Science must apply in writing to the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP), for approval to exit with this award. The Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP) will take advice from the relevant Head of School.

(86) Students exiting the JMP with either the Bachelor of Health exit degree or Bachelor of Medical Science are not eligible to apply for re-admission (Section 23 – Re-admission).

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Section 29 - Application of Provisions

(87) In instances where provisions are not specified in this Schedule, the matter will be referred to the JMP Teaching and Learning Committee. Recommendations concerning resolution of the matter will be forwarded to the Academic Senate/Board for consideration and approval.

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Section 30 - Relaxing Provision

(88) To provide for exceptional circumstances arising in any particular student matter, the Academic Senate (University of Newcastle) / Academic Board (University of New England), on the recommendation of the Dean of Medicine - Joint Medical Program (JMP), may relax any provision of this Schedule. Such relaxations will be reported back to the Academic Senate/Board at the partner university at the next available meeting.