Honours program

Have you considered a research career? Our Bachelor of Science (Honours) lets you dive deeper into your field, work closely with expert researchers, and build a strong foundation for postgraduate study or a standout career.

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) is a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) program that enables you to undertake a major research project, supervised and guided by our research academics.

Our Honours program offers you the chance to undertake research across a wide range of disciplines and topics. The program culminates in the creation and presentation of a high-quality research dissertation or journal article pulication.

Completing the Honours program provides a strong foundation for further study, including research higher degrees such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). It also opens doors to future careers in academia, research, and industry.

Eligibility

If you've completed or are nearing completion of your undergraduate degree in any health-related science, medical science, or biomedical science degree, you may be eligible to apply for an honours degree. For example, the following undergraduate courses from the School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences (SDMS), or equivalent qualifications from another tertiary institution, can incorporate this ‘add-on’ honours program.

Entry to the honours course is selective and is subject to academic and language entry requirements.

However, there may be instances where special considerations are given. If you're unsure or would like to discuss your circumstances, contact our SDMS Honours Advisor.

I had been working as a lab assistant and loved being part of science again. I decided I wanted to do more with it so I started a science degree majoring in Analytical Chemistry. I'm loving the subjects I have done so far and the lecturers are great. I especially love the time in the laboratory.

Marijanna Duggan Bachelor of Science
Portrait of Marijanna Duggan

Advantages of an Honours degree

There could be many reasons to consider an honours degree after your undergraduate experience, including:

  • Having the opportunity to work on real-world scientific or medical problems, and to make a positive contribution to the field with leading experts and laboratory groups.
  • Utilise the latest techniques and technologies, learning theoretical and practical research skills.
  • Hone your ability to critically appraise scientific literature and develop your expertise in scientific communication.
  • Allow yourself to focus on one chosen project for a year, obtain specialised knowledge in your chosen discipline, and advance your research and writing skills.

An Honours degree is an important and widely recognised qualification for entry into postgraduate study in Australia. The skills you obtain in this degree will also enhance your employment prospects as it:

  • demonstrates your capacity to do independent research.
  • to think critically and analytically.
  • to write at a reasonably advanced level.

An honours degree appears as a separate qualification on your transcript, and you'll receive a Bachelor Honours Dissertation grade.

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