As the world becomes increasingly borderless, it is essential for the education system to be able to provide students with a broad outlook that allows them to thrive anywhere in the world. With this in mind, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), a branch campus of Newcastle University, UK, aspires to provide medical education on a global spectrum to both local and international students.
“Medical education providers need to recognise the increasing international mobility of medical professionals, for it allows wider employment options, opportunities for professional development, and exposure to different health systems,” said Prof Chris Baldwin, the Chief Executive Officer and Provost of NUMed, in addressing NUMed’s advocacy for medical education’s social accountability and local healthcare prioritisation.
Prof Baldwin also shared that the university’s goal is to provide globally acclaimed medical programmes that are responsive to the changing needs of the Malaysian healthcare system.
“NUMed’s curriculum is designed to complement curiosity-driven self-study and help students develop learning habits that are beneficial in lifelong learning. We provide well-designed, innovative programmes delivered to students by highly motivated and well-qualified academics from around the world, complemented by carefully considered student support strategies and a strong scholarship ethic,” said Ms Premila Nair, Chief Operating Officer at NUMed.
As an international branch campus of Newcastle University, UK, NUMed provides students with an added benefit of receiving top-notch British-style medical education that is identical to that offered at the parent campus, yet is conveniently accessible in Malaysia. The university’s reputation and popularity are supported by high-quality teaching and learning experiences, as well as providing students with ample research opportunities in a variety of areas throughout their studies.
NUMed offers a Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences programme alongside its acclaimed undergraduate degrees in medicine and biomedical sciences, as well as opportunities for postgraduate study.
The Foundation programme is a 12-month pre-undergraduate course for students intending to pursue medicine, biological or biomedical sciences, or science at undergraduate level. Subsequently, those who successfully complete this programme as required will be eligible to apply for the university’s Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme or 2+1 BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences programme.
NUMed’s MBBS programme is recognised globally by the General Medical Council, UK (GMC); Malaysian Medical Council (MMC); Medical Council of Thailand; Maldives Medical and Dental Council; Pakistan Medical Commission; and the Mauritius Higher Education Commission. While all five years of the programme are delivered in Malaysia, students will have opportunities to study up to sixteen weeks at Newcastle University in the UK during the second year for a student exchange programme, eight weeks at clinical settings in the UK during their fourth year, or opt for an extra year in the UK for an intercalated research qualification at either Bachelors or Masters level.
The 2+1 BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences programme covers a diverse study of key areas such as biochemistry, genetics, physiology, microbiology, immunology, and pharmacology. The first two years of the programme are conducted at the Malaysia campus and students will complete their third year at the UK campus, during which students will be placed at one of the highly regarded research institutes at Newcastle University for research-led teaching and an intensive research project.
“All programmes offered at NUMed are identical to those offered at Newcastle University, UK, and lead to the award of the same qualifications, but are made available in the comfortable confines of our country,” said Prof Baldwin.
NUMed has a compassionate academic community in which students, regardless of their background, can participate in a supportive, encouraging, and inspiring environment. “Developing positive relationships with the community, such as with health and other employers, ensures that medical students have the knowledge and understanding, skills and competencies, and professional attitudes necessary for future professional practice,” said Ms Nair.
Ms Nair further added that students at NUMed are able to reap the advantages of being taught and guided by a highly accomplished and experienced international faculty as Newcastle University comprises a world-leading collaboration of research scientists, medical doctors, and teaching professionals.
The practice of global health begins wherever one puts their feet. NUMed seeks to develop an inspiring environment which will engage students in an affordable, world-class medical education, irrespective of background. To find out more about NUMed’s programmes, excellent facilities, and student life, visit https://www.ncl.ac.uk/numed/.
