Bachelor (Honours)
Join the next generation of thought leaders with a degree that nurtures your passion for scientific innovation.
Join the next generation of thought leaders with a degree that nurtures your passion for scientific innovation. This advanced-level degree will equip you with the tools you need to explore new frontiers, generate new knowledge and apply your expertise to real-world challenges.
At UNSW Science, we understand that your academic results are only one measure of success. We believe that your degree isn't just about what you learn in the classroom - it's also an opportunity to find your place in the science community, explore your passions and be supported as you pursue your personal and professional goals. This program is reimagining science education with an increased focus on lifelong learning, personal development and career readiness.
All scientists, no matter their field of expertise, are united by a shared passion for pursuing new knowledge and improving our understanding of the world. Through immersive research experiences and an embedded honours year, this degree will position you as a leader in your field and empower you to build a better future.
With 24 majors to choose from, you can tailor your degree to your interests. Our flexible degree structure enables you to explore different disciplines in your first year to find the field that's right for you. If you already know what you want to major in, you can tailor your degree from the start and explore your choice of 39 complimentary minors.
You can study a single major, or increase the breadth or depth of your learning with a double major or complementary minor. We'll help you build the degree that's right for you by providing career advice and guiding you through your study options to ensure you reach your career goals.
SciConnect is an innovative online system that's integrated across your whole degree. It will be there to help you settle into university, track your professional development and showcase your skills to future employers. The platform focuses on connecting you with four key areas to help you get the most out of your student experience including orientation, co-curricular opportunities and communities, career development and a graduate portfolio.
SciConnect enables you to shape your university experience and supports you in showcasing your talents to potential employers with a comprehensive impression of who you are, beyond your academic transcript.
Research courses are built into the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) program to ensure you develop essential research skills. You'll engage with authentic scientific research from year one and complete two undergraduate research skills courses as a core component of your degree.
Take advantage of our Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Research Integrated Learning (RIL) opportunities to explore potential career paths. These experiences give you the opportunity to apply your skills in a professional context and learn alongside world-leading academic experts. We also offer a Talented Students Program (TSP), which gives high-performing students the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge, world-class research at UNSW Science.
In your honours year, you'll complete a supervised research project and, in some cases, advanced coursework. You'll conduct original scientific investigations and analysis while developing your critical and integrative thinking.
We're home to world-leading scientists who are developing new technologies including quantum physicist and former Australian of the Year Professor Michelle Simmons AO, Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart and ground-breaking recycling scientist and 2022 NSW Australian of the Year Professor Veena Sahajwalla.
Our educators are world-leading experts who are passionate about creating the next generation of science leaders. The Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) celebrate and reward excellence in university teaching. We're proud to have a number of UNSW Science academics who have won AAUT awards.
With over $450 million invested in our state-of-the-art facilities, UNSW Science is well-equipped to help you launch your science career. You'll be learning in our world-class laboratories, clinics, simulators and biological imaging facilities. Our research centres support the generation of new ideas and advance science through their work in areas such as renewable energy, human health and environmental sustainability.
As one of the world's top 20 universities*, we're creating the science leaders of tomorrow.
*QS World University Rankings 2024
**QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
^Nature Index Institution Outputs, 1 Dec 2019 - 30 Nov 2020
Our students are highly sought after by employers. For the last four consecutive years, UNSW has had the highest number of students in Australia's Top 100 Most Employable list.* We're ranked 29th globally for graduate employability** and have the highest graduate median salaries of all Go8 universities.^
The UNSW Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) is designed to produce career-ready graduates. We've built hands-on learning and research experience into the degree to ensure you have the tools you need to thrive in your future career. Showcase your professional skills to employers with your Graduate Portfolio and benefit from extra-curricular programs such as the STEM Career Launchpad - a career management program that gives you the tools and skills to make informed career choices.
*AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023
**QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2023
^QILT, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 (depending on chosen area of study) plus one or more of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics.
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
Entry into the fourth year Honours program is subject to academic performance and progression requirements. Students may exit the program after three years with a B Science award if they are unsuccessful in applying for entry into Honours.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
| Qualifications | Direct entry requirement |
|---|---|
|
International ATAR
|
88
|
| UNSW Foundation Studies GPA |
7.7
|
|
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
|
12
All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1. |
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
|
33
Results based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2019 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For more details, visit www.uac.edu.au |
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
|
1240
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies. |
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
Entry into the fourth year Honours program is subject to academic performance and progression requirements. Students may exit the program after three years with a B Science award if they are unsuccessful in applying for entry into Honours.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
From oceanography to neuroscience, biotech to quantum physics, a science degree unlocks a world of career possibilities. Prepare for exciting roles in any industry you choose with training to apply your in-demand scientific mindset to any context. This degree will equip you with a strong foundation in logical, analytical and critical thinking, as well as skills in teamwork and communication.
Lead the next wave of scientific discovery and apply your advanced skills in a range of settings from research in universities and government institutes such as CSIRO, to working with emerging start-ups. Other careers include private sector research in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies, public policy, health and environmental related non-profits, market research and product development, management, technical and environmental consulting, data analytics, medical sales and science communication.
Explore our study areas below to discover the range of potential career paths available across the physical, natural and human sciences.
"UNSW's Advanced Science degree gave me the opportunity to blend practical project-based experience with academic research. I wanted a degree that would prepare me for the future, but still give me the flexibility and choice between academia and industry."
Tristan Dwyer
Senior Consultant (Analytics and Cognitive), Deloitte Australia
"As an undergraduate student, I took the opportunity to extend my learning outside the classroom. I loved working in the laboratory with leading researchers to advance basic science. Belonging to a network of curious and passionate academics and students enriched my every day."
Dana Leidl
PhD Candidate, UNSW Psychology