Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Build essential research skills to support your career in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and more.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

6.5 IELTS

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$37,440 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

This degree will provide you with the foundation research skills that will support your future career as a scientist or researcher.

Specifically, you will develop:

  • communication skills
  • critical thinking capability
  • advanced knowledge within your chosen discipline
  • knowledge of research practise and skills
  • research independence and capacity for self-directed learning.

Research experience is required for most academic and research positions, and increasingly for positions in other sectors.

In consultation with your discipline honours coordinator and your supervisor, you'll be allocated a project to develop your skills to an advanced level.

Honours projects

These projects are developed for honours students and may be a preliminary exploration, a component of a bigger research project, or part of an existing or new collaboration. All projects draw from the wide range of disciplines taught across RMIT's science programs. Many projects involve substantial cross-disciplinary work.

Discipline areas include:

  • biology
  • biotechnology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • environmental science
  • food technology
  • mathematics and statistics
  • physics

A list of current projects is available from the Honours Coordinator.

Research community

This undergraduate degree is closely aligned with RMIT's research community. Depending on your project, you will work with a supervisor actively involved in one of RMIT's research centres or groups, including:

You'll collaborate with professional technicians and facility staff in some of RMIT's impressive facilities, including the:

Details

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Honours students complete advanced coursework and an individual research project with the guidance of a supervisor.

You will undertake a series of modules to develop advanced knowledge in your discipline, skills in research methods and practice, and in consultation with your supervisor you'll develop your research plan.

You'll conduct your research and document your findings in a thesis and an oral presentation to an audience of peers and academics.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

Honours supervisors are connected to industry through RMIT’s many courses, research centres and groups.

Some honours research projects are part of larger industry collaborations.

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.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

The program consists of eight, 12 credit point courses.

It blends coursework and research, with introductory courses for research methodology and individual projects leading to a thesis. 

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Program code: BH012
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
BH012P10
068390G
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
Plan code
BH012P10
CRICOS
068390G
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH012P10
068390G
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH012P10
CRICOS
068390G
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Biology) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
BH012BI
0101485
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
Plan code
BH012BI
CRICOS
0101485
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Biology) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH012BI
0101485
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH012BI
CRICOS
0101485
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
BH012BT
0101486
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
Plan code
BH012BT
CRICOS
0101486
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH012BT
0101486
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH012BT
CRICOS
0101486
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
BH012CH
0101487
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
Plan code
BH012CH
CRICOS
0101487
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH012CH
0101487
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH012CH
CRICOS
0101487
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
BH012CS
0101491
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
Plan code
BH012CS
CRICOS
0101491
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH012CS
0101491
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH012CS
CRICOS
0101491
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
BH012ES
0101488
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
Plan code
BH012ES
CRICOS
0101488
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH012ES
0101488
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH012ES
CRICOS
0101488
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Food Technology) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
BH012FT
0101492
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
Plan code
BH012FT
CRICOS
0101492
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Food Technology) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH012FT
0101492
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH012FT
CRICOS
0101492
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
BH012MS
0101490
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
Plan code
BH012MS
CRICOS
0101490
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH012MS
0101490
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH012MS
CRICOS
0101490
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Physics) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
BH012PH
0101489
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time (International), 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Domestic)
Plan code
BH012PH
CRICOS
0101489
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Physics) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH012PH
0101489
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH012PH
CRICOS
0101489
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

This pathway builds a solid foundation for a future career in scientific research.

Graduates of this honours degree frequently advance to a Master or PhD course and undertake further research in their particular area of interest.

Alternatively, honours graduates gain employment in industry and government as research assistants, advisors, and scientists in research centres like CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, Defence Science, the Environment Protection Authority, major Hospitals and medical research institutes and ANSTO.

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On successful completion of the program, you may be eligible to join a number of Australian scientific professional societies. Your program coordinator can provide further advice. Professional societies may include:

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

BH012BI Bachelor of Science (Biology) (Honours)
BH012BT Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) (Honours)
BH012CH Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) (Honours)
BH012ES Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) (Honours)
BH012FT Bachelor of Science (Food Technology) (Honours)
BH012PH Bachelor of Science (Physics) (Honours)

An Australian bachelor degree in science or equivalent, with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 overall and 2.5 in the final equivalent full-time year

BH012CS Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) (Honours)

An Australian bachelor degree in computer science, information technology or software engineering or equivalent, with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 overall.

BH012MS Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) (Honours)

An Australian bachelor degree in mathematics, statistics or equivalent, with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 out of 4.0 overall.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Selection criteria by applicant type

The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.

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Secondary education (Year 12) is not considered for entry into this program.

Vocational education and training (VET) is not considered for entry into this program.

BH012BI Bachelor of Science (Biology) (Honours)
BH012BT Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) (Honours)
BH012CH Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) (Honours)
BH012ES Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) (Honours)
BH012FT Bachelor of Science (Food Technology) (Honours)

An Australian bachelor degree in science or equivalent, with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 overall and 2.5 in the final equivalent full-time year.

BH012PH Bachelor of Science (Physics) (Honours)

An Australian bachelor degree in science or equivalent, with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 overall and 2.5 in the final equivalent full-time year.

BH012CS Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) (Honours)

An Australian bachelor degree in computer science or equivalent, with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 overall.

BH012MS Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) (Honours)

An Australian bachelor degree in mathematics, statistics or equivalent, with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 out of 4.0 overall.

Work and life experience is not considered for entry into this program.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a selection task for this program. See below for full selection task details.

BH012BI Bachelor of Science (Biology) (Honours)
BH012BT Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) (Honours)
BH012CH Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) (Honours)
BH012ES Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) (Honours)
BH012FT Bachelor of Science (Food Technology) (Honours)
BH012PH Bachelor of Science (Physics) (Honours)

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in science or related discipline with an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 and a GPA of at least 2.5 out of 4.0 in your final equivalent full-time year.

BH012CS Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) (Honours)

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in computer science or related discipline with an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 out of 4.0.

BH012MS Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) (Honours)

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in mathematics, statistics or related discipline with an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 out of 4.0.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

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:

  • 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.

Pathways

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Unfortunately there are no formal pathways into this degree.

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 program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

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When you have successfully completed any of the following bachelor degrees, you may be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Science (Honours):

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 into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

In 2022, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
  • 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.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

New government eligibility rules in 2022 - low completion rates

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.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

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 2023. 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.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2023 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,124 per standard year
$515 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 $8,301 per standard year
$1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $11,800 per standard year
$1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $15,142 per standard year
$1,892 per standard (12 credit point) course

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 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 2023 is $326. 

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.

Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship

For students commencing a technology-related degree; worth $5,000.

Spatial Vision Women in Geospatial Scholarship

For students who identify as a woman enrolling in their first year of geospatial sciences; worth $5,000 for one year.

School of Art Honours Travelling Grant

For fine art students in their Honours year who can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement; worth up to $4,000.

Sartori Memorial Scholarship

For students commencing an engineering degree at RMIT; worth $7,000.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$37,440.

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.

Applying for refunds

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

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.

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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.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

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.

More information