Overview

The Bachelor of Health Science (Professional) leads to a range of rewarding jobs in the fast-growing health industry.

You’ll prepare for a real career with cutting-edge, industry-relevant tech in our campus labs, or lay the foundation for specialised postgraduate study.

Select a major that aligns with your interests and aspirations and study for a career that champions good health for all.

Plus, all Professional degrees feature a built-in 12-month paid work placement opportunity.

Swinburne Open Day 2026

Stop by our Hawthorn campus on Sunday 26 July for Open Day – the stop where everything starts. Got everything you need? Apply for midyear now and get on your way in Semester 2.

Your industry experience

All our bachelor degrees include a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity. This Professional Degree features a 12-month paid professional work placement opportunity. You'll benefit from Swinburne’s unique industry partnerships, gain invaluable full-time work experience and earn credit towards your degree.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Application of health sciences
  • Health science communication
  • Applications of technology
  • Health science research skills
  • Professional and ethical behaviours
  • Personal and professional development

Your career opportunities

  • Biomedical technician
  • Cardiac technologist
  • Hospital scientist
  • Public health worker
  • Medical researcher
  • Policy developer

Key codes

CRICOS course code
095885E
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400210813
VTAC Code (CSP)
3400210811
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Why Swinburne?

Ranked Top 500 in Public Health

ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022

The only uni in Australia to have both MRI and MEG at a single site

86% of graduates found employment within 4 months of completing their course

#1 in Melbourne for graduate salary 5 years out - $85.3K (national average $66.3K)

  • "Swinburne provides valuable and unique opportunities to apply what you have learnt in the classroom to real-world situations. This can be through lab experiments, internships, placements or volunteering programs."

    Sabina , Bachelor of Health Science (Professional)

Related courses

  • Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Science

    Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Science

  • Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)

    Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)

  • Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Applied Innovation

    Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Applied Innovation

Qualifications

Successful completion of:

  • the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate qualification or International Baccalaureate. 

Non-Year 12 qualifications, Foundation Year and qualifications undertaken overseas will not be accepted.

Guaranteed Entry ATAR

75.0

Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2025 [after adjustment factors]

76.2

You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.

If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject adjustments, equity schemes or other factors. 

Subject adjustments: 

  • A study score of 25 in Health and Human Development, any Mathematics, Physical Education, any Science or Sociology equals 2 aggregate points per study.
  • A study score of 30 in Health and Human Development, any Mathematics, Physical Education, any Science or Sociology equals 3 aggregate points per study.

Overall maximum of 15 points. Subject adjustment points are applied to the aggregate, not the ATAR.

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.

*Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Successful completion of:

  • the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate qualification or International Baccalaureate. 

Non-Year 12 qualifications, Foundation Year and qualifications undertaken overseas will not be accepted.


This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.

Course prerequisites

  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.
  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.
Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Informed Choices

Informed Choices is how Swinburne supports you through course selection, navigating university experiences and accessing the right support services at the right times, along with ensuring you can successfully complete your course, and are equipped with the information you need to make the right career decision for you. 

Informed Choices covers five areas of course requirements and capability: 

  • Sensory 

  • Mobility and movement  

  • Legal, duty of care and professional 

  • Learning and knowledge creation; and 

  • Interpersonal.

Required components

Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.

The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course. 

Sight 

Students in the Bachelor of Health Science (Professional) will use and interpret visual information, including colour and/or facial cues, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:

  • Operating equipment safely 

  • Interpreting visual learning content, digital health information, imaging, anatomical structures, graphs, and laboratory results or health data.
     

Adaptable components

The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.

Component Definition
Sound Hear and respond to vocal cues and differentiate sounds and tone, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.
Touch Feel tactile differences and changes in objects, assess physical conditions, and respond to discomfort or danger, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.
Smell Distinguish the differences and changes in smell for identifying odours, detecting hazards (like smoke or gas), and enhancing taste, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments
Adaptable components

The following mobility and movement components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.

Component Definition
Endurance Sustain physical effort and concentration over extended periods without experiencing excessive fatigue.
Stamina Perform short-term, high intensity physical tasks while maintaining control and energy.
Strength Lift, move, or hold objects safely using physical effort.
Dexterity Use fine and coordinated movements of the hands and limbs to complete tasks that require precision and control.
Steadiness Maintain balance, control, and stable movement while standing, walking, or performing physical tasks.
Fine motor skills Execute small, precise movements efficiently, such as manipulating tools, equipment, or controls.
Gross motor skills Coordinate whole body movements such as lifting, walking, standing, or maintaining posture or balance.
Adaptable components

The following learning and knowledge creation components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.

Component Definition
Cognition Apply thinking skills such as attention, memory, language, and perception to focus, learn, and complete tasks over a continued period of time.
Understand and apply information Interpret and use information by following instructions, making decisions, solving problems and applying knowledge. 
Critical thinking and analysis Analyse and evaluate information objectively to form well-reasoned conclusions.
Digital literacy Use digital tools and technologies effectively to access, create, and apply knowledge.
Adaptable components

The following interpersonal components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.

ComponentDefinition
Verbal communication Express ideas clearly through spoken language, supported by tone and body language, to support understanding and feedback.
Social cuesNotice and respond to unspoken communication such as body language, facial expression, gestures and pace of conversations.
Written communication Express information through written formats including via software, print or handwriting.
NumeracyUse numbers and data to make decisions in everyday and professional situations. 
Collaboration and teamworkWork with others to build trust, contribute to shared goals, and maintain positive team dynamics.
Conflict resolutionAddress disagreements calmly and respectfully to reach beneficial outcomes.
Emotional regulationTake part in interactions with others in a way that supports respectful and productive communication. 
AdaptabilityRespond to changes by adjusting plans and managing different tasks as situations change. 

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Apply for a pathway course

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.

Add your major

Add your major for a more personalised experience.

How credit points work

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Science (Professional) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 350 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

8
Core units
+
8
Major units
+
6
Elective units
+
4
Work placement units
=
4-year bachelor degree

What your course could look like

This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2026 only. You are advised to use the study plan template available via your student portal in conjunction with your course planner to plan your studies. Sequence may also vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions. The unit offering information is correct at the time of publication, however changes may occur.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Anatomy and Physiology
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
BIO10004
Introduction to Health Sciences
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
HEA10001
Digital Health Foundations
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
HEA10004
Foundations of Statistics
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
STA10003
Brain and Behaviour
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
PSY10007
Health and Disease Across the Life Course
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
BIO20004
Research Methods for Health Science
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
HEA20007
Health Sciences Project
Core unit , 12.5 credit points , Non-psychology majors only
HEA30001
Units of study Unit code
Professional placement - 12 months
Work Experience in Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points
WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A - Health
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points
HEA20003
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points
WEI20002
Integrated Professional Placement B - Health
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points
HEA20004
Want to see the full range of electives?

Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.

2026 tuition fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$9,537.00

Total fee* ($AUD)

$35,763.00

2026 tuition fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$40,520.00

Fees are estimates only

Published student tuition fees for 2026 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

How do I pay my fees?

HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front. 

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Finances
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for HECS-HELP

You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:

  • are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
  • hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
  • hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

The fee shown in the capped amount for 2026.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$373.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$373.00

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
BA-HSCPROF
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Course code
BA-HSCPROF
Apply directly
Course code
BA-HSCPROF
CRICOS code
095885E
Apply directly

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

VTAC Code (CSP)
3400210811
Apply through VTAC
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400210813
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Start dates
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-August-2026
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-August-2026
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
01-March-2027
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
29-July-2026
Start dates
03-August-2026
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
29-July-2026
Start dates
03-August-2026
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
24-February-2027
Start dates
01-March-2027
Upcoming events
Open Day
26-July-2026