Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Overview
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) is designed for high-achieving students who want to deepen their scientific expertise and prepare for a successful research career. Through our cutting-edge Blended Learning pedagogy, you will engage with advanced topics and develop mastery in your chosen field. The program includes a two-semester research project, offering you hands-on experience and an opportunity to contribute to ongoing scientific inquiry. It serves as a stepping stone to a Master of Science (Research) or PhD, while also opening doors to leadership roles in both academia and industry.
Swinburne Open Day 2026
Explore what’s on, plan your day and arrive ready at the stop where everything starts. Sunday 26 July, Hawthorn campus.
Research areas
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
Skills you’ll learn
- Laboratory and fieldwork techniques
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Advanced research and synthesis
- Scientific writing and communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
Your career opportunities
- Astrophysicist
- Data scientist
- Environmental policy consultant
- Science communicator
- Quality control specialist
- Risk analyst
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?
Top 5 in Australia for Physics
ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025Top 50 in the World for Space Science
US News: Best Global Universities Rankings 2025-2026Ranked Top 200 – Physics and Astronomy
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023-
"As part of my degree I worked at Defence Science and Technology Group (DST Group) for a year, which changed how I view science and taught me to view things from different perspectives."
Tim , Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Qualifications
Successful completion of a 3 year Bachelor Degree (in a Science or cognate discipline) from an Australian higher education institution with a minimum 65% average or equivalent.
Applicants are also required to gain prior agreement for the proposed honours research project from a project supervisor. Browse the Bachelor of Science (Honours) project and supervisor list.
To be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) course, students must have completed a Bachelor degree (or an equivalent three-year undergraduate degree) with a relevant science major and must have at least a credit average in Science studies undertaken. Students who achieve at least two distinctions in relevant third-year units may also be considered.
Please note that offers made are limited by the number of places available, and preference is given to students who have completed their undergraduate degree at Swinburne. Agreement of a Project Supervisor for the Honours Research Project proposed is mandatory. Browse the Bachelor of Science (Honours) project and supervisor list.
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 6.0 (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 Science (Honours) will use and interpret visual information, including colour and 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:
Navigating laboratories and operating scientific instruments and equipment safely
Handling precision equipment and hazardous substances
Interpreting graphical data, chemical structures, specimens, equations, and diagrams to note colour change, or physical reactions
Reading charts, models, or visual case materials to inform on reasoning scientific claims presented visually
Handling and using scientific instruments
Handling and measuring chemicals, acids and solvents and applying safety standards.
Touch
Students in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) will use touch to feel tactile differences and changes in objects, assess physical conditions, and respond to discomfort or danger, 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:
Handling hazardous substances and using scientific instruments
Handling and measuring chemicals, acids and solvents and applying safety standards
Handling and washing instruments and equipment made of glass, metal, PTFE/Teflon
Wearing safety glasses, gloves and other protective clothing.
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. |
| 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.
Cognition
Students in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) will develop, use and apply thinking skills such as attention, memory, language, and perception to focus, learn, and complete tasks over a continued period of time.
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:
Processing theory and procedures safely into practice
Concentrating, retaining and interpreting simultaneously is required to ensure safety during laboratory sessions
Engaging with complex, contested scientific knowledge to synthesise evidence is required to ensure safety during laboratory sessions.
Understand and apply information
Students in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) will use and interpret information by following instructions, making decisions, solving problems and applying knowledge.
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:
Applying safety standards as instructed
Participating in experiments within allocated laboratory times.
Critical thinking and analysis
Students in the Bachelor of 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 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 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 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 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. |
| Emotional regulation | Take part in interactions with others in a way that supports respectful and productive communication. |
| 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.
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Bachelor of Science
How credit points work
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 100 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Honours Coursework
Core unit , 25.0 credit points |
NPS40011 |
|
Honours Project Part A
Core unit , 25.0 credit points |
NPS40012 |
|
Honours Project Part B
Core 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)
$44,510.00
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!
Intake closing date
It is recommended applicants apply a minimum of one month prior to start of semester.
Honours project and supervisor list
Students will need to confirm a supervisor and project as part of the entry requirements to this program. Please refer to the honours project and supervisor information.