Elective term

The elective term in Stage 4 offers students an opportunity to undertake supervised experience in clinical or community work or research, anywhere in the world. It may be seen as an opportunity to prepare for a particular career direction or to explore different experiences or to enhance skills in areas in particular areas.

At least 8 weeks (usually between mid-December and the end of February) should be allocated to the Elective program, with the remainder being vacation time. The prime objective of the Elective is to provide students with experience in specific areas of medicine of their own choice (see Flexible study arrangements for international students).

Advice and information about Electives are available from the records of previous years at the Medical Program Administration Unit (MPAU), Faculty of Medicine. Students usually organise their own Elective terms but if advice or assistance is needed students can contact the Associate Deans of their Clinical Schools or the MPAU.

Applications for Electives must be approved by the Clinical School Elective Committee Members, who have the role of advising, counselling and directing students in their applications and approving Electives. Applications are assessed on:

1. clearly outlined and appropriate learning objectives;
2. achievable learning objectives, i.e.: that research can be concluded within the short period of time available to students;
3. safety (particularly for overseas trips);
4. the work being appropriate for the level of training and experience.

On completion of an Elective, students submit an electronic Elective Term Report and complete a confidential electronic evaluation of the Elective Term.

While publication of the work carried out during an Elective Term is a good indication of the quality of work performed, it is most unlikely that any work would be published prior to graduation or even presented at local, national or international meetings within the assessment period. Publication and presentation of work done during the elective term is encouraged but is not a part of the formal assessment.

Students who are thinking of undertaking an international Elective Term should consider the political stability of any candidate country. If there is doubt, look for alternative Elective term where your health and wellbeing will not be compromised.

The University's Risk Management Department takes out an insurance policy covering enrolled medical students who are on work experience/placements. As the Elective Term is a course requirement of the Medical degree, medical students are covered for Public Liability Insurance, Professional Indemnity and Personal Accident Insurance.