Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on the UNE Bachelor of Science or an equivalent bachelor qualification in a relevant discipline with a suitable GPA.
Entry is based on the UNE Bachelor of Science or an equivalent bachelor qualification in a relevant discipline with a suitable GPA. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- 000469G
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Contribute to world class research by completing a Bachelor of Science with Honours at UNE. Position yourself with advanced scientific knowledge in an era of rapid change. Our honours course goes beyond the normal practical and field training and provides you with a wide range of cross-disciplinary applied research opportunities to foster your development as a skill research professional.
We offer a range of majors spanning the pure and applied sciences, working with UNE's internationally recognised research disciplines. Our flexible, innovative learning environment equips you with advanced discipline knowledge and skills in critical thinking, data analysis and problem-solving to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Why study the Bachelor of Science with Honours with UNE?
Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in research or wish to add value to your undergraduate science-based degree with research training and advanced discipline knowledge, UNE's Bachelor of Science with Honours gives you the opportunity to develop and extend your abilities, mentored by our world-class researchers.
With hands-on, dedicated support from your supervisor and course coordinators, you will be joining a vibrant research community of over 900 staff and postgraduate students. We work with you to foster your research capability and enable you to thrive in your chosen pathway.
Completing an honours course allows you to engage in intensive study on a topic you are passionate about and contribute to original research. With valuable scientific knowledge, you will be positioning yourself at the forefront of change and scientific innovation, ready to respond to the challenges you will encounter in the rapidly changing world.
What makes our course different?
We offer a wide range of projects available in many disciplines, supervised by UNE's world leading experts. You have the freedom to choose your own direction, including laboratory, field and desk-based projects. Our highly flexible course can be commenced in any trimester, and you can pace your studies over one or two years, on or off campus. The course gives you opportunities to:
- Hone your scientific skills. Our innovative honours framework provides you with structured training, through formal and informal seminars, research tutorials and hands-on guidance in presentation, literature searching, research record keeping and thesis preparation. We introduce you to the research environment and support your development throughout the process.
- Work with research groups that rank amongst the world's best. UNE's research is internationally renowned in many disciplines in science and technology, biomedical science, mathematics, agriculture and environmental science.
- Apply for a range of scholarships which offer you the opportunity to undertake high quality education, training and research, and to experience life in regional Australia. You may also be eligible to apply for external funding to attend conferences or workshops relevant to your honours.
- Innovate and investigate to find solutions to the complex problems faced by rural and regional Australia, and our wider local and international communities. At UNE, we collaborate extensively with government, industry and other academic institutions to produce interdisciplinary research of the highest quality that meets the needs of our communities.
- Access state-of-the-art research facilities. Our science laboratories and field stations house an extensive range of the latest equipment, instrumentation and technologies to foster excellence in research, with generous support funds for research equipment.
We work with you to ensure you have a rewarding and successful honours experience. By choosing UNE, you are choosing an industry leader in the provision of lifelong learning for aspiring and qualified scientists. Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Additional information
Before you can enrol in the Bachelor of Science with Honours, you will need to have an agreed project and supervisor. We recommend that you start discussing project ideas with potential supervisors at least two months before you plan to commence your honours year.
Find out more about applying, available projects and the program structure for honours by referring to UNE's Bachelor of Science with Honours Handbook.
Majors
- Agronomy
- Animal Science
- Archaeology
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computational Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Genetics
- Geography
- Geoscience
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Physiology
- Zoology
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed the UNE Bachelor of Science or an equivalent Bachelor (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
- AND you have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your Bachelor, OR a minimum GPA of 5.0 in at least 24 credit points (4 units) of study at 300-level or above in Science units from an area related to the major you want to complete.
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School on the recommendation of the course coordinator.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Applying for Readmission
If you have previously failed this course, you can apply for readmission after three years. Your proposed research must be in a different topic of study to your previous attempt.
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Animal Science
- Agronomy
- Archaeology
- Biomedical Science (including Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology or Physiology)
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computational Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Geoscience (including Palaeoscience)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Sports Science and Exercise Physiology
- Zoology
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed the UNE Bachelor of Science or an equivalent Bachelor (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
- AND you have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your Bachelor, OR a minimum GPA of 5.0 in at least 24 credit points (4 units) of study at 300-level or above in Science units from an area related to the major you want to complete.
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School on the recommendation of the course coordinator.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Applying for Readmission
If you have previously failed this course, you can apply for readmission after three years. Your proposed research must be in a different topic of study to your previous attempt.
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Animal Science
- Agronomy
- Archaeology
- Biomedical Science (including Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology or Physiology)
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computational Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Geoscience (including Palaeoscience)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Sports Science and Exercise Physiology
- Zoology
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- A completed thesis proposal form. This must be included in your online application.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the thesis component of this course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed the UNE Bachelor of Science or an equivalent Bachelor (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
- AND you have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your Bachelor, OR a minimum GPA of 5.0 in at least 24 credit points (4 units) of study at 300-level or above in Science units from an area related to the major you want to complete.
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School on the recommendation of the course coordinator.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Applying for Readmission
If you have previously failed this course, you can apply for readmission after three years. Your proposed research must be in a different topic of study to your previous attempt.
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Animal Science
- Agronomy
- Archaeology
- Biomedical Science (including Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology or Physiology)
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computational Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Geoscience (including Palaeoscience)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Sports Science and Exercise Physiology
- Zoology
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- A completed thesis proposal form. This must be included in your online application.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the thesis component of this course.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points at 400-level, including a thesis plus discipline-based components, in one of the approved majors.
48 credit points
Complete ONE Approved Major by completing the core unit SCI400:
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
- Honours in Science (SCI400) – 48 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| International | $33,829* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place | $7,826* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Career opportunities in science are diverse and rapidly evolving. The Australian Government forecasts strong growth in many fields in which critical thinking and problem solving with advanced scientific knowledge is crucial. These include environmental science, intelligence and policy analysis, the natural and physical sciences, and research and development.
UNE's Bachelor of Science with Honours provides you with specialist knowledge in your chosen scientific discipline and equips you with in-demand research skills. Our course provides a pathway for enhanced technical and research careers in industry, government, universities and research organisations.
For example, you could consider opportunities in:
- research and education in the university sector
- government science agencies such as CSIRO and ANSTO
- local government and regulation
- non-governmental organisations
- research and development in industry
- policy development in science, health and technology
- science writing and communication
- business and consultancy.
Our Bachelor of Science with Honours provides you with the research training required for entry to higher degree research programs, for example a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at UNE or other institutions.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate, through their own practice, an advanced understanding of the methods and processes of science as a creative endeavour and that current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry;
- exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating advanced knowledge in one or more disciplinary areas, demonstrating the potential to make original contributions to scientific knowledge and integrating their own research findings with the current body of disciplinary knowledge/paradigms;
- conduct a research investigation under supervision in a research or professional environment by critically analysing a challenging complex or multi-faceted problem, identifying research questions, designing and planning a project, selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools to address a research question and analysing, interpreting and critically evaluating research findings;
- be effective communicators of science by communicating scientific ideas and research findings to informed professional audiences using a variety of modes; and
- be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by demonstrating initiative and intellectual independence, collaborating effectively, and complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to their disciplinary area.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will demonstrate a coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts relevant to their discipline(s) and knowledge of research principles and methods and will possess a global perspective on the developments over time relevant to their field(s) of study and their discipline(s). In addition, they will have the capacity to understand the implications of international events for their area(s) of study.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have high level communication skills, oral and written, to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence. They will exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will be able to recognise pertinent information and will have the advanced cognitive skills to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access, critically analyse and interpret information. They will have technical skills to plan and execute project work and/or a piece of research and scholarship with some independence.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will be aware of their professional responsibilities and will demonstrate understanding and practice of the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with their discipline or profession. This includes an understanding of their own ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community and the environment.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding as well as responsibility and accountability for their own learning and professional practice.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will be able to exercise responsibility and accountability for their own learning and professional practice as well as the ability to work collaboratively with others within broad parameters.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024 No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
The opportunity to attend conferences around the world and to network with the wider industry was the most rewarding part of my experience.
Why study with us?
UNE is a world class university. This university broadened my knowledge with a new academic world.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024* | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024* | 24 June 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024* | 21 October 2024 |
*Early closing date
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
