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Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Science
Join one of Australia's top science faculties
Study at one of Australia's leading Science faculties with eight subjects in the global top 50. There are 29 specialisations available covering a wide range of disciplines, from biology, chemistry and physics to aviation, geology and statistics. Deepen your knowledge by conducting an independent research project with support from a world-class educator.
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration
1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
Program code 4500
CRICOS code 080283K
Entry Requirements
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$9,000*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$9,000*
three students garden happily in the UNSW Science BEES Glasshouse

Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree allows high-performing students to deepen their knowledge of approaches, perspectives and traditions in their chosen scientific discipline and undertake a significant research project.

There are 29 specialisations available covering a wide and diverse range of disciplines, from biology, chemistry and physics to aviation, geology and statistics. As a result of the variety of options that can be chosen across the Faculty, the proportion of research-based work and coursework will differ by School.

In addition to conducting research and coursework, you will generally also be expected to attend and present seminars, write a literature review write a thesis and undertake Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) training. This degree also provides an academic foundation for you to continue on to a masters by research or a PhD.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Learn with the best
UNSW Science is at the forefront of many new scientific developments, teaching and innovation. We’re responsive to the needs of industry, adaptive to change and take an innovative approach to teaching and learning. Our world-class laboratories, clinics and simulators give you the tools to explore new frontiers and make meaningful scientific discoveries to benefit society.

  • We’re one of the top 50 universities in the world for Environmental Sciences (#31), Psychology (#25), Mathematics (#48), Geology (#38), Geophysics (#39), Materials Science (#38), Earth & Marine Science (#36) and Anatomy & Physiology (#49).*
  • We’re ranked 1st in Australia for research output in Chemistry and Physical Sciences and 2nd in Australia for research output in Earth & Environmental Sciences.**

Leverage our industry connections
Reach your career goals with industry relevant skills and training. Tap into our network of 400+ industry and research partners to start building your own professional connections.

Learn from world-class educators
Study with passionate and pioneering educators, including quantum physicist and 2018 Australian of the Year Professor Michelle Simmons AO, Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart, leading marine ecologist and Dean of Science Professor Emma Johnston AO and ground-breaking recycling scientist Professor Veena Sahajwalla.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
**Nature Index Institution Outputs 1 Dec 2019 – 30 Nov 2020

Program Code
4500
CRICOS Code
080283K
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
48
Indicative Enrolments
143

Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements for this program in the UNSW Handbook.

Assumed knowledge

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

HSC Plus 
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways


Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW. 

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study. 

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements for this program in the UNSW Handbook.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

Deepen your knowledge of approaches, perspectives and traditions in your chosen scientific discipline and undertake a significant research project over a year.

In addition to conducting research and coursework, you'll also be expected to undertake Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) training, attend and present seminars, write a literature review, and write a thesis.

You'll get to immerse yourself in study in one of the following disciplines:

  • Palaeoscience
  • Aviation
  • Bioinformatics
  • Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Climate Science
  • Environmental Management
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Quantitative Data Science
  •  Physical Oceanography
  • Pure Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Materials Science
  • Microbiology
  • Marine Science
  • Neuroscience 
  • Physics
  • Medical Science
  • Physiology 
  • Pharmacology
  • Pathology
  • Anatomy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Vision Science

How to apply

Visit the UNSW Science website for information on how to apply for Honours programs.

Visit the UNSW Science website for information on how to apply for Honours programs.

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$9,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$9,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$55,000*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$56,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.


  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
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