Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)
Overview
The Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) is designed to equip you with the theory, skills, and research training that’s necessary for employment within the sector.
You’ll gain skills in project management, writing and oral presentations, and the ability to work as part of a team.
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.
Skills you’ll learn
- Application of health science
- Application of technology
- Health Science research skills
- Professional and ethical behaviours
- Personal and professional development
Your career opportunities
- Health Science researcher
- Health Science administrator
- Community health development officer
- Health promotion officer
- Clinical trials coordinator
- Hospital scientist
Key codes
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
Ranked Top 250 in Psychology
Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 2023ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022
Qualifications
Successful completion of a 3 year Bachelor Degree from an Australian higher education institution with a minimum 65% average.
Requests for academic credit will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants are also required to gain prior agreement for the proposed honours research project from a project supervisor. Browse the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) project and supervisor list.
To be eligible for admission into the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) course, a student must have satisfied the requirements of an undergraduate pass degree with a relevant Health Science major or equivalent (normally completed within the last five years), from a university approved by Swinburne. To be considered for selection, the student must have achieved, as a minimum, an average level of attainment of a credit or better, in an appropriate undergraduate course (and/or range of disciplines) considered by the School of Health Science to be acceptable for entry into the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) course. Students who achieve at least two distinctions or better in third year units may also be considered.
Agreement of a Project Supervisor for the Honours Research Project proposed is mandatory. Browse the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) project and supervisor list.
Requests for academic credit will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
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 (Honours) 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 adjustments in activities such as:
Operating equipment safely
Accurately 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 professional components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Codes of conduct | Follow professional rules, standards, and ethical guidelines provided by professional association(s). |
| Duty of care | Act in ways that support personal safety and the safety of others. |
| Cultural sensitivity (including equity awareness) | Respect diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives by acting in inclusive, fair, and nonjudgemental ways. |
| Engage effectively | Interact with others honestly, respectfully, and responsibly to build trust and professional relationships. |
| Professional reflection | Review your learning and performance to identify areas for improvement. |
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.
Critical thinking and analysis
Students in the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) will develop and use skills in analysing and evaluating information objectively to form well-reasoned conclusions.
Some activities are core to research integrity and the production of valid scholarly work. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Writing and evaluating literature reviews
Producing scientific writing for the purposes of publications and grants.
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. |
| Digital literacy | Use digital tools and technologies effectively to access, create, and apply knowledge. |
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.
Verbal communication
Students in the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) will use spoken language to express ideas clearly, supported by tone and body language, to support understanding and feedback.
Some activities are core to research integrity and the production of valid scholarly work. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Delivering live oral presentations to small groups
Presenting results and discussing outcomes with colleagues and peers.
Written communication
Students in the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) will develop and use written communication skills to express information through written formats including via software, print or handwriting.
Some activities are core to research integrity and the production of valid scholarly work. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Writing a thesis
Producing scientific writing content.
Collaboration and teamwork
Students in the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) will develop and use skills in working with others to build trust, contribute to shared goals, and maintain positive team dynamics.
Some activities are core to research integrity and the production of valid scholarly work. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Working with an academic supervisor on a chosen research project
Attending and participating in team meetings.
Adaptable components
The following interpersonal components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Social cues | Notice and respond to unspoken communication such as body language, facial expression, gestures and pace of conversations. |
| Numeracy | Use numbers and data to make decisions in everyday and professional situations. |
| Conflict resolution | Address disagreements calmly and respectfully to reach beneficial outcomes. |
| Adaptability | Respond 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.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Bachelor of Health Science
How credit points work
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Health Science (Honours), students must complete 100 credit points comprising:
- 2 core coursework units - one research methods unit and one data management unit
- 2 project units
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Advanced Research Methods in Health Sciences
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
HEA40001 |
|
Statistical Practice 1
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
STA60001 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Honours Project Part A
Core Project unit, 25.0 credit points |
NPS40012 |
|
Honours Project Part B
Core Project unit, 50.0 credit points |
NPS40013 |
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$9,537.00
Total fee* ($AUD)
$9,537.00
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($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.
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!
Applicants in their final year of study are encouraged to apply.
Non-Swinburne applicants will need to provide an official academic transcript (and proof of completion if applicable).
Intake closing date
It is recommended applicants apply a minimum of one month prior to start of semester.
Honours project and supervisor list
Students should confirm a supervisor and project as part of the entry requirements to this program. Please refer to the honours project and supervisor information.
While you are encouraged to speak to staff about project areas and supervision, you do not have to include a detailed description of an honours project. A simple sentence will suffice, providing us with an indication of your interests in general. You will have the opportunity to provide this while completing the online application.