University of South Australia

Biomedical Science

Interested in Biomedical Science?

Explore the complex world of human health and disease with South Australia’s No.1 university for graduate careers.1

Biomedical science is an interdisciplinary field that explores human disease from its cause and diagnosis to treatment and cure. With knowledge underpinning the breadth of medical science fields and a strong technical skill base in biology and chemistry, biomedical science professionals help cure disease and improve health outcomes. Graduates are well-equipped to join career paths ranging from research, biotechnology, clinical trials, data analytics, management, education, and more.

Our Bachelor of Biomedical Science will prepare you to join the rewarding biomedical science industry and contribute to Australian health. In just three years, you will graduate with skills to follow pathways into growing industry areas such as bioinformatics, genomics and clinical trials. You will also get real-life experience with 13 weeks in a research lab.

For aspiring researchers in biomedical, pharmaceutical, biological and chemical sciences, the Bachelor of Biomedical Research (Honours) will expand your research capacity and specialist knowledge in a subject area of your choice. It is the perfect place to begin a rewarding career in research, or continuing onto further studies such as a PhD.

Our biomedical science degrees are designed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring you’re prepared to join a fast-paced and innovative area of health. You'll study in state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories on campus, and learn from world-leading biomedical and clinical researchers from the Health and Biomedical Innovation (HBI), Future Industries Institute, Centre for Cancer Biology, and SAHMRI.

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Key features

  • Play a key role in the health system, using scientific knowledge and lab skills to better understand and respond to issues concerning human health and disease.
  • Gain a broad education in biomedical sciences, and learn advanced skills in biochemistry, immunology, genetics, pharmacology and cancer biology.
  • Learn from internationally recognised researchers in cancer biology, vaccine development, genetics and neuroscience, and network with industry professionals throughout your studies.
  • Complete an industry research project for 13 weeks in an active research laboratory during your final year.
  • Study at a university with above world-class research in health and medical sciences.1
  • Learn in state-of-the-art facilities and on-campus laboratories.
  • Graduate with practical skills to step into a variety of industries and follow exciting pathways, including the growing biomedical science industry, clinical trials, research, management, education, and more.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Learn more about biomedical science at UniSA

Explore the complex world of human health and disease and be at the forefront of making new discoveries to help solve significant health problems facing society. Hear how a degree in biomedical science can lead to careers in bioinformatics, genomics and clinical trials.

UniSA Video

Why UniSA?

UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,1 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

Our enterprising spirit has made UniSA a renowned centre of innovation in the sectors driving Australia's future forward, including health and biomedicine. This is your chance to position yourself with advanced scientific knowledge in an era of rapid change.

As an industry-connected university, you will benefit from valuable practical work experience opportunities matched to your career goals. You'll gain research experience from your first year, and will complete an industry research project for 13 weeks in an active research laboratory during your final year.

Health research at UniSA brings together internationally recognised researchers in the areas of cancer, pharmaceuticals, clinical neuroscience and mental health, nutrition and food science, population health, and Aboriginal health. You'll have the opportunity to learn from and work closely with industry professionals in these areas.

1Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

UniSA offers the following Biomedical Science degrees

Choose your level of study

Short programs

Are you after a career change or looking to upgrade your existing skills? Or perhaps you just have an interest in a particular subject area and want to further your experience, skills and knowledge. We offer a suite of short programs that will allow you to build your knowledge and skill set.

Designed in collaboration with expert academics, program content is industry-relevant and up-to-date. Short programs include:

World-class partners for a world-class university

We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.

SA Health logo
Calvary logo
Adelaide Crows logo
Port Power logo
Cancer Council logo>
	
	
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Mayne Pharma logo
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Your career

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science provides a strong platform to step into a variety of health settings, or continue into a rewarding career in research. With further study, it can open doors to employment in allied health, public health and may even lead to driving health policy.

Biomedical science professionals can work in a variety of areas and different career pathways, including:

  • biotechnology
  • medical and bioinformatics
  • medical and scientific laboratories
  • biomedical research
  • health management and education
  • healthy policy and communications
  • clinical trials and toxicology

Graduates of the Bachelor of Biomedical Research (Honours) are highly qualified to embark on a career in research and increase knowledge in your study area of choice. You could see yourself working in:

  • university laboratories, hospital laboratories or research institutes as a laboratory research assistant or technician
  • quality control and production for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies
  • specialised roles in the pharmaceutical and laboratory supplies sector

You can then take your unstoppable research career further with a PhD or Master of Research degree.

Your Career

Global networks

We are a globally connected university, our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.

Industry facts

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To November 2025, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 249,500 jobs.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

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Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

A curiosity for human health and science led me to explore the field of medical science. I'm interested in the relationship between human health and impact, and environmental sustainability and plan to pursue a career in research.

Hamish Morelli

Bachelor of Medical Science

Hamish Morelli

Hamish Morelli

Bachelor of Medical Science

I chose UniSA because it has one of the best allied health programs in Australia, and great honours and PhD projects that I can pursue in my prospective field. I’m also a recipient of the International Undergraduate Scholarship offered by the University, which is a great privilege.

Kay Khine Myo Min

Bachelor of Medical Science

Kay Khine Myo Min

Kay Khine Myo Min

Bachelor of Medical Science

The highlight of my studies was the hands-on laboratory skills and practical work, which sparked a passion for biomedical research. My degree helped me find my niche interests in cancer research. Who would have thought 50 years ago that we’d be able to 3D print organs or genetically modify an immune system to fight cancer? Every week in research brings something new but much of my time is spent growing human cell lines, working with patient tissue samples and collaborating on projects. It’s a rewarding feeling to work on something which can positively impact patients.

Courtney Moore

Biomedical Science
Research Assistant

Courtney Moore.jpg

Courtney Moore

Biomedical Science
Research Assistant

Why study at UniSA?

As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:

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Accessible, helpful and flexible

We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.

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Graduate success

UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings