Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Sciences (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1 year, Part-time 2 years -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February Entry score
6.5 IELTS
Duration
Full-time 1 year Location
Bundoora
Overview
The RMIT honours degree in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences has been designed to equip you with a transferable skill set relevant for a future career in academic and applied research, diagnostic services, industry, medical marketing, scientific communication and many other STEM-related careers. It is a unique supervisor-guided independent research project with complimentary workshops in research methods and scientific communication appropriate to your chosen research discipline
Specifically, the benefits of an honours degree are:
- Learn advanced problem-solving sills
- Develop science communication skills in parallel with critical and independent thinking
- Develop an aptitude for independent research and research techniques
- Gain advanced knowledge in your scientific discipline.
The transferable skills and independent research experience gained as part of this honours degree are unique from those learnt during undergraduate studies. These skills and experiences are required for future higher degree by research study and expected for most academic and research positions. Many non-academic employers also recognise these skills as highly desirable in prospective employees. In consultation with the program coordinator and your potential supervisor, you will be allocated a project that aims to complement your skills and areas of interest.
Honours projects
The multidisciplinary nature of our scientific research focus in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences provides unparalleled opportunities to offer projects in leading-edge health and biomedical research programs. Each project is developed specifically for honours students and may be a preliminary exploration, a smaller component of a bigger research project or part of an existing collaboration with industry. Principle areas of research focus include:
- Biomedical Sciences: including respiratory disorders, HIV and complications, early life determinants of chronic disorders, inflammation and ageing, cardiovascular and cognitive disorders, musculoskeletal function and pain, diabetes and obesity.
- Applied Health: including manual therapies, resilience, sleep disorders and nutrition, medical imaging, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy, nursing, pharmacy and psychology.
- Allied Health: including exercise sciences, osteopathy, chiropractic, traditional Chinese medicine, clinical trials, practitioner engagement, health economics, public health, mental health and behavioural science.
View the list of current honours projects available.
Research community
This research extension to your undergraduate degree is closely aligned with RMIT's research community. Depending on your project, you will work with a supervisor who is actively contributing to RMIT's research strength area of biomedical and health innovation and is connected to recognised local and international research groups and institutes.
You may also have the opportunity to use RMIT's extensive biomedical and biotechnical equipment and facilities and to work collaboratively with professional technicians and staff from these facilities.
Details
Honours students work predominantly on an individual research project with the guidance of a supervisor.
You will undertake a series of coursework modules to develop skills in research methods, research practice and communication. In consultation with your supervisor you will develop your research plan.
You will conduct your research as prescribed in your plan, and document your findings in a written thesis, and presentation to an audience of peers and project supervisors.
Honours supervisors are connected to industry through RMIT’s many courses, research centres and groups.
In some cases, honours research projects are part of a larger industry collaboration, including projects with other research institutions, forensics, sporting associations and hospitals.
The honours year is a research project, with the major assessment being the thesis.
This degree will build on your existing academic capabilities and develop your research skills so that you gain a broader understanding of biomedical research.
This degree consists of 96 credit points.
You will undertake a series of coursework modules to develop skills in research methods, research practice and communication. In consultation with your supervisor you will develop your research plan.
You will conduct your research as prescribed in your plan, and document your findings in a written thesis and one presentation. Other assessment includes a literature review, paper critique and seminar presentations.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH058
Career
Graduates of this honours degree often advance to a Masters or PhD degree and undertake further research in their particular area of interest.
This pathway can also build a solid foundation for a future career in biomedical sciences, including:
- basic and applied research
- diagnostic services
- industry
- government.
Honours students may be eligible to join various Australian scientific and biomedical professional societies. Your honours supervisor can provide further advice.
Admissions
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.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
To get a better understanding of admissions at RMIT, view our admissions information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Applicants with Higher Education study
To be accepted into this honours program you need to satisfy the following three criteria:
- A bachelor's degree in one of the following cognate areas: biomedical science, laboratory medicine, medical radiation, exercise science, physical science, pharmaceutical science, Chinese medicine or a closely related undergraduate degree in the sciences
- A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 out of 4.0 from a university
- Your research proposal will be considered on a case-by-case basis by both the program coordinator and proposed supervisor. Their decision will determine your eligibility to be accepted into this program.
Applicants who completed their undergraduate program more than five years ago should submit a portfolio of evidence of professional development related to industry experience. International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Secondary education (Year 12) is not considered for entry into this program.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training
Vocational education and training (VET) is not considered for entry into this program.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Work and life experience is not considered for entry into this program.
The Honours program has a significant research component. Prior to submitting your application, you must contact the School and confirm a supervisor and a research topic.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
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.
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.
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:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you
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.
Pathways
Credit and recognition of prior learning
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. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
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.
Defer your payment
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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
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.
SA-HELP Loans
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.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will 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 2020 is $308.
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.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$37,440.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.