Overview
Enhance your scientific knowledge and career prospects with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at Victoria University.
An honours degree in science builds on your bachelor degree with a fourth year focused on a specialist research thesis. It presents the chance to pursue a topic of personal interest and career aspiration, in biomedicine, environmental sciences, food sciences, nursing, midwifery, sport science, exercise science, and other related areas.
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) gives you an edge in the competitive job market, and prepares you for postgraduate research by developing your skills in:
- independent research
- critical analysis
- problem-solving
- devising, designing and conducting experimental work
- written and spoken communication
- research conduct, including ethics.
Access advanced science labs & equipment
You’ll conduct your research in modern laboratories with the latest equipment. Our researchers have access to a wide range of specialist laboratories and research facilities that are ranked among the best in Australia and the world.
These include:
- world class sport science facilities
- health and biomedicine labs
- a high altitude hotel
- biomechanics and biochemistry labs
- simulation facilities
- clinic trial facilities at hospitals in Sunshine and Footscray.
Find out more about our laboratories and research facilities.
Benefit from our industry collaborations & partnerships
We have partnerships with a range of organisations that inform our research, share resources and give you opportunities to network and collaborate.
Your research will be enhanced by our partnerships, which include:
- Western Bulldogs
- Orygen and Headspace
- VicHealth and Sport & Recreation Victoria
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute.
We also collaborate with numerous universities and on several projects with Western Health, especially the wait list project and in collaboration with AIMSS.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers
Your honours degree prepares you for studies at the postgraduate master and PhD levels.
Depending on your area of study, your Bachelor of Science (Honours) could lead to employment opportunities in:
- government research institutes
- healthcare
- medical research and development
- sustainable food industry
- biotechnology industry
- ecology and environmental science organisations.
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Science (Honours) students are required to complete 96 credit points consisting of two 48cp units, RBM4003 Science Honours 1and RBM4002 Science Honours 2.
Science Honours 1 is weighted 35% and Science Honours 2 is weighted 65% of the overall GPA grade for the Science Honours course. A single, final mark and grade is awarded at the completion of the course, with the grade allocated to the RBM4004 Science Honours 2 unit. The weighting aligns with the requirement for application and entry to many doctoral programs which require the thesis to form more than 50% of the Honours grade.
Course structure and units
Year 1, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- RBM4003
- Credits
- 48
Year 1, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- RBM4004
- Credits
- 48
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Exemplify skills in critically analysing a problem, identifying research questions, designing and planning a research project to address a topical issue; | ||
| 2. | Critique and synthesise theoretical knowledge and demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of an area of scientific research; | ||
| 3. | Execute and communicate a research project with some degree of independence and demonstrate critical thinking and judgement in analysing and explaining research findings; | ||
| 4. | Contextualise research findings and defend research process and outcomes to a professional audience using advanced communication skills; and | ||
| 5. | Exhibit independence and responsibility to meet academic and professional goals. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Find out if you meet the admission criteria for a bachelor degree at VU.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Find out if you meet the admission criteria for a bachelor degree at VU.
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with major studies in a relevant discipline. These disciplines include Biomedical Sciences, Built Environment, Dermal Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences, Nursing, Midwifery, Nutrition, Osteopathy, Paramedicine, Physiotherapy, Science, Sport and Exercise Sciences.
PLUS
Have achieved an average mark of at least 65 (Credit) or equivalent in their final year of undergraduate degree study. An applicant will ideally have attained a Distinction (D) or High Distinction (HD) in units of study related to the intended discipline of Honours study.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Find out if you meet the admission criteria for a bachelor degree at VU.
Additional information
Admission into the Honours course will normally occur not more than two years after the completion of the Bachelor degree.
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
- 28 July 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
