Bachelor of Science (Honours)

VU course code: HHSC | CRICOS: 115012G | Level of study: Undergraduate

ATAR

Not required

Duration

1 year full time

Delivery mode

In person

Fees

Commonwealth supported place

Location

Footscray Park

Next start date

29 July 2024

Application closes

21 July 2024

Stella Rose Lay in a VU lab coat in a lab

Overview

Enhance your scientific knowledge and career prospects with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at Victoria University.

An honours degree in science builds on your bachelor degree with a fourth year focused on a specialist research thesis. It presents the chance to pursue a topic of personal interest and career aspiration, in biomedicine, environmental sciences, food sciences, nursing, midwifery, sport science, exercise science, and other related areas.

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) gives you an edge in the competitive job market, and prepares you for postgraduate research by developing your skills in:

independent research
critical analysis
problem-solving
devising, designing and conducting experimental work
written and spoken communication
research conduct, including ethics.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Exemplify skills in critically analysing a problem, identifying research questions, designing and planning a research project to address a topical issue;

Critique and synthesise theoretical knowledge and demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of an area of scientific research;

Execute and communicate a research project with some degree of independence and demonstrate critical thinking and judgement in analysing and explaining research findings;

Contextualise research findings and defend research process and outcomes to a professional audience using advanced communication skills; and

Exhibit independence and responsibility to meet academic and professional goals.
: You’ll conduct your research in modern laboratories with the latest equipment. Our researchers have access to a wide range of specialist laboratories and research facilities that are ranked among the best in Australia and the world.

These include:

world class sport science facilities

health and biomedicine labs

a high altitude hotel

biomechanics and biochemistry labs

simulation facilities

clinic trial facilities at hospitals in Sunshine and Footscray.

Find out more about our laboratories and research facilities.
: We have partnerships with a range of organisations that inform our research, share resources and give you opportunities to network and collaborate.

Your research will be enhanced by our partnerships, which include:

Western Bulldogs

Orygen and Headspace

VicHealth and Sport & Recreation Victoria

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

We also collaborate with numerous universities and on several projects with Western Health, especially the wait list project and in collaboration with AIMSS(external link).

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your educational achievements and work experience, as well as your skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

ATAR requirements

No minimum ATAR required

This course does not have a minimum ATAR requirement for entry. Read the entry criteria for this course below.

Why ATAR is not applicable

You do not need an ATAR score to apply for this course. Instead, you need to have successfully completed secondary school and to meet any requirements outlined below. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their ATAR, age, education or socioeconomic background.

Entry criteria

Minimum entry criteria include:

English-language requirements
academic requirements.

Your work and life experience will also be considered.

To find specific entry requirements for this course, please select the section below that is most relevant to you.

Meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee entry into this course.

: This information is relevant if, in the 2 years prior to studying with us, you have completed (or will complete) one of the following:

Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE)

an Australian or overseas equivalent to VCE

an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Admission criteria

N/A
: This information is relevant if you have completed an accredited award (such as a certificate or diploma) at an Australian Registered Training Organisation (usually a TAFE, polytechnic or other registered VET institute).

Admission criteria

N/A
: This information is relevant if you’ve previously completed all or part of a university or other higher-education course.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with major studies in a relevant discipline. These disciplines include Biomedical Sciences, Built Environment, Dermal Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences, Nursing, Midwifery, Nutrition, Osteopathy, Paramedicine, Physiotherapy, Science, Sport and Exercise Sciences.
PLUS
Have achieved an average mark of at least 65 (Credit) or equivalent in their final year of undergraduate degree study. An applicant will ideally have attained a Distinction (D) or High Distinction (HD) in units of study related to the intended discipline of Honours study.
: This information is relevant if you left secondary school more than two years ago and haven’t studied since.

Admission criteria

N/A

Special entry programs

Special admission programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special admission programs

VU Guaranteed

If you’re currently in Year 11 or 12, our exclusive VU Guaranteed program offers a guaranteed place in a university or TAFE course, before your final Year 12 exams.

Learn more about VU Guaranteed

Additional information

Admission into the Honours course will normally occur not more than two years after the completion of the Bachelor degree.

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course Structure

To attain the Bachelor of Science (Honours) students are required to complete 96 credit points consisting of two 48cp units, RBM4003 Science Honours 1and RBM4002 Science Honours 2.
Science Honours 1 is weighted 35% and Science Honours 2 is weighted 65% of the overall GPA grade for the Science Honours course. A single, final mark and grade is awarded at the completion of the course, with the grade allocated to the RBM4004 Science Honours 2 unit. The weighting aligns with the requirement for application and entry to many doctoral programs which require the thesis to form more than 50% of the Honours grade.

Units

Fees & Scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is subsidised by the government, reducing it to the amount listed here. Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens will qualify for a CSP place. If your course is not Commonwealth supported, or you don't qualify, you'll pay full fees.

Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places