Bachelor of Science (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
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Entry score
6.5 IELTS
Duration
Full-time 1 year 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 theory and practical methods
- 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 will 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 smaller 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:
- Theoretical and Quantum Physics Research Group
- Centre for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Water: Effective Technologies and Tools (WETT) Research Centre
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry
You will collaborate with professional technicians and facility staff in some of RMIT's impressive facilities, including the:
Details
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 will develop your research plan.
You will conduct your research and document your findings in a thesis and an oral presentation to an audience of peers and academics.
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 program consists of 96 credit points.
It blends coursework and research, with introductory courses for research methodology and individual projects leading to a thesis.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH012
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.
Professional recognition and accreditation
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
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Applicants with Higher Education study
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
2021 indicative fees
In 2021, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,700 to AU$14,500*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- 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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
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?
The Australian Government has announced amendments to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2021 and are subject to the passage of legislation. 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 2021
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2021 |
Agriculture, english, languages, mathematics, nursing, postgraduate clinical psychology, teaching |
$3,700 per standard year $462 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Architecture, creative arts, engineering, environmental studies, health, information technology, science |
$7,700 per standard year |
Dental, medical and veterinary science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Arts, commerce, communications, economics, humanities (excluding languages), law, management |
$14,500 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 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 2021 is $313.
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 2021 commencement is AU$36,480.
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.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.