Enjoy flexibility with a degree that allows you to pursue a range of science specialisations while gaining practical real-world experience.
AU$38,400 (2024 annual)
RMIT's Bachelor of Science offers you the flexibility and choice to complete a degree tailored to your interests.
This degree will stimulate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help you to be competitive across all science-led disciplines.
Your science degree begins with a suite of introductory subjects in which you will learn and explore core science concepts across physical, life, data and mathematical science disciplines and develop and strengthen key scientific and transferable skills, providing a transformative learning experience that will underpin your future studies and careers.
Build your own career pathway by choosing from a range of majors and minors. Explore a range of scientific disciplines and study your passions in science.
Take advantage of RMIT’s expansive industry connections. Take part in industry challenges, placements and capstone projects.
Develop a career-ready skill set including practical, technology, digital, communication and teamwork skills to prepare you for career success.
Take a look inside RMIT's awe-inspiring Science facilities. Join our student host, Charlotte, and visit our colourful chemistry labs, check out what's in the earth's orbit using our space telescope, explore our world-class Food Research and Innovation Centre, plus lots more.
This degree will stimulate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help you to be competitive across all science-led disciplines. Choose the areas you wish to specialise in from a suite of complementary majors and minors across the breadth of sciences, including:
Study life in all its forms – from molecules to ecosystems. Gain practical lab and field skills, specialising in environmental biology and ecosystems or biotechnology.
Human health, adaptation of animals and plants, changing climate and environment, food shortage, and renewable energy production: some of the challenges you'll meet in biotechnology.
Gain the lab practice and industry experience to lead innovation in industrial chemistry, functional materials and nanotechnology, medicinal chemistry or environmental chemistry.
Leverage our strong links with major food industry companies and well-equipped labs to build up your practical experience.
Experiment with the latest technologies and infrastructures available to build skills in the analysis, management, capture and visualisation of spatial information.
More than just numbers and letters, mathematics is the ability to solve problems, think logically and identify similar patterns in a variety of applications and contexts.
Gain insights into optimal growth and development, health and vitality, and prevention of chronic diseases. Build skills to address global challenges like malnutrition, obesity and food insecurity.
Combine the theoretical with the practical, exploring studies in chemical and quantum physics, atomic and molecular modelling, materials sciences, geophysics, optics and medical physics.
The study of data, from collection to visualisation, analysis and interpretation. Learn to think logically, approaching theoretical and real-world problems in analytical and creative ways.
These majors can be complemented by an extensive choice of generalist minors within these and additional areas, offering further flexibility or the opportunity for further specialisation.
From the outset, your degree in science will equip you with skills to develop as an independent learner on your pathway to becoming a scientist.
You will learn via on-campus face-to-face experiential learning activities in combination with blended and online activities. These activities include lectorials, practical and laboratory sessions, tutorials, workshops, site and field visits, and a capstone research activity. These will be delivered and supported by our passionate academic teams.
Your study will also be supported by a suite of immersive digital learning online resources. Partnerships with industry and a specific focus on career development, including via Work Integrated Learning activities will help further develop and hone your employability skills and capabilities to prepare you for success in your future career.
Across all your learning, we will also support you to develop an understanding of the importance of inclusion, diversity, equity, reconciliation, and sustainability across and beyond science, and encourage and enable your diverse voices and viewpoints to be heard. We seek to empower you to bring positive societal, environmental, and culturally respectful agencies into your studies and future careers.
Assessment types may include class assessments, quizzes, written reports, oral class presentations and videos, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and reports, assignments, reflective journals, and timed assessments.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
This degree is designed with industry collaboration at its heart, with embedded Industry Partnered Learning (IPL), Career Development Learning (CDL), Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and industry-focused capstone project opportunities.
This industry integration is facilitated via input from Industry Advisory Committees (IAC) and from scientific professional bodies enabling us to provide an industry- and external stakeholder-relevant education for you and more widely via our extensive network of partnerships built on our successful and ongoing research- and technology-collaborations with industry.
These industry inputs help inform curriculum development and ensure that your learning content and outcomes remain closely aligned with the needs of future employers. In addition, academic staff maximise connections with industry to develop and deliver WIL experiences as well as by offering advice on professional careers for each of the discipline and major areas
The WIL designated subject for this degree is ONPS2186 The Science Project, where you will have the opportunity to learn, apply and demonstrate professional science practices while working on projects under the guidance of a professional scientist on projects of interest to industry. Your independent science project may take place in industry or in an external laboratory.
Subjects undertaken in years two and three include advanced laboratory or fieldwork experiences. In these subjects, you will be exposed to techniques and practices commonly used in science-based industries and professions. Laboratory or field work is often undertaken as team activities, providing you with opportunities to take on multiple roles in the team to expand your experience and capabilities.
Some other subjects may include guest speakers from industry, government or the community and activities relating to industry as part of your learning experience. Other WIL and IPL opportunities will depend on the specific major and subjects you take.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
Your degree commences with an integrated suite of four core subjects, introducing you to key concepts and skills from across the physical (physics, chemistry and geospatial), life (biological, environmental and food), data and mathematical sciences.
During your science studies, you will also study subjects from the Future Technology Skills suite, enabling you to explore important interdisciplinary fields in STEM disciplines, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), sustainable development and innovation, and the future of work.
After your first semester, you will follow your chosen specialisations and select your major(s), and complementary generalist and specialist minors.
Possible combinations include two majors, or one major and two minors.
You may choose your major from:
You can choose from generalist minor(s) in:
and specialist minors in:
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
RMIT's Bachelor of Science will equip you with the expertise, experience and professional skills to have a successful career as a scientist.
With the practical, research and soft skills developed and gained through your study in this degree, you can go on to work or undertake further study in a range of areas including:
Graduates completing a major in some of these science areas will be eligible for membership with professional bodies:
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
AND
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
or equivalent studies.
The lowest selection rank plus any adjustment factors to receive an offer for semester 1 2023 for each stream are as follows:
Plan/package detail |
2023 ATAR* |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science | 67.70 |
| Guaranteed Pathway package BP350PATH1 Science (Degree)/Teaching Practice (Secondary Teaching) (Masters Degree) |
Not published |
This course has a Guaranteed ATAR (excluding adjustment factors).
This means that if you receive an ATAR equal to or above this and meet the course pre-requisites, we will guarantee you an offer in this course.
If you receive an ATAR below this guarantee, you may still receive an offer, depending on the availability of places in this course and whether you are eligible to receive any adjustment factors.
Please note: For VTAC applicants to receive an offer, this course must be your highest eligible preference.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.
A study score of 25 in any Information Technology, Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 8 points.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have satisfactorily completed at least four courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
A study score of 25 in any Information Technology, Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 8 points.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry. For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Science with 48 to 96 credit points* (equivalent to one to two semesters) of credit 96 credit points of credit* when you successfully complete the AD012P24 Associate Degree in Applied Science (Science option).
The amount of credit granted is dependent on the major you choose in your Bachelor program and will be confirmed at enrolment. It is recommended that you select the Food Technology and Nutrition, Biological Sciences, or Biotechnology major.
Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
*Based on full-time study load of 96 credit points per year. Individual circumstances may vary and please be aware that not all courses are offered each semester. These circumstances may affect the total duration of a program.
Please note: any credit received may reduce the choice of majors or minors available in the program.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
When you successfully complete this program you may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Science (Honours).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate degrees.
In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,445 per standard year $555 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $8,948 per standard year $1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $12,720 per standard year $1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $16,323 per standard year $2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
For students who identify as a woman enrolling in their first year of geospatial sciences; worth $5,000.
For students who identify as a woman and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in surveying or geospatial sciences; worth up to $10,000.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$38,400.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$120,960.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
