Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Entry Scores
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Entry requirements
Entry to the Honours program will be available to students who have successfully completed a Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline. Applicants should have displayed a high level of academic achievement throughout their degree program, normally achieving a credit level average.
Applicants are selected on the basis of academic merit and the availability of a supervisor in the proposed area of research.
Relevant disciplines would typically include science, technology, engineering, or environmental studies. Applicants with qualifications in other disciplines are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
- Study at SA's number one university for teaching quality1 and quality education2 in maths and science.
- Prepare for advanced study and research in a range of science disciplines including, chemistry, applied physics, materials science, agricultural and food science, environmental science, earth science and ecology.
- Enhance your problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Complete a one-year research project working with leading scientists and industry partners.
- Work alongside research and industry experts at the Future Industries Institute and UniSA STEM.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Science and Mathematics – Teaching Quality Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Science and Mathematics – Overall Quality of Educational Experience Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Snapshot
Take your undergraduate achievements to the next level with an Honours degree in science.
This degree is ideal if you are preparing yourself for postgraduate research, or if you are seeking an advantage in your career as a professional scientist. You’ll complete advanced study and research in your chosen science discipline including nano- and biomaterials, chemistry, applied physics, materials science, agricultural and food science, environmental science, earth science or ecology.
This one-year degree is for students who have completed a bachelor degree in a relevant field of science, technology, engineering, environmental science or health with a high level of academic achievement. This degree will train you to undertake research and help you to develop higher level scientific and problem-solving skills.
If you’re thinking of applying, please contact the Program Director as early as possible to discuss the suitability of your qualifications and possible Honours projects.
What you'll learn
Over the course of the year you will study courses in research methods, principles and ethics, research communication, as well as research project preparation. You will complete a research project that involves laboratory and/or field work, data collection and analysis, interpretation of your results in the context of current scientific literature, preparation of an Honours thesis and presentation of a final seminar to academics, student peers and relevant industry and government stakeholders.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you will need to allocate time for classes including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. You will need additional hours to study in your own time and complete assignments, readings and projects, and contribute to online discussion forums.
Generally, if you are studying full-time you will need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week. Your research project will likely require additional time spent on the university campus and may involve significant time spent off-campus conducting fieldwork or site visits.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- essays, assignments
- online training modules
- planning and research
- practical work and seminars
- Honours thesis
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Research
Our research centres provide a dynamic teaching and learning base for students. They maintain ongoing relationships and collaborate with industry, other universities and various professional associations around the world.
The Future Industries Institute brings together our world-class strengths in advanced manufacturing, nanomedicine, minerals and resource engineering and environmental science. It encourages researchers to blur the boundaries and build new relationships between industry and academia.
Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management concentration has three major research strands: Natural Resources and Environmental Resilience, Innovative Infrastructure and Asset Management, and Smart Communities. It conducts specialist and interdisciplinary research to support improved environmental and socio-economic sustainability.
Why Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours)
UniSA is SA's number 1 university for research in environmental sciences1. This research informs the basis of our science programs, and it is inspired by the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
As a graduate of this Honours degree you will be well positioned to work as a professional scientist in an area such as product development, quality control, natural resource management or consultancy, or undertake professional scientific research in your field of study.
1The only university in SA to have all its assessed Environmental Sciences research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Real-world connections
You will work alongside research and industry experts at the Future Industries Institute, Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management and UniSA STEM where our teams of researchers and research fellows collaborate across disciplines and work with industry partners to deliver innovative solutions.
We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
With an Honours degree in science you will be ideally qualified to proceed to postgraduate degrees by coursework or research. You could consider continuing with a PhD to further your knowledge and research skills. As a graduate, you could consider a career in:
- professional scientific research
- environmental management or consultancy
- product development or quality control
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
You’ll have access to our world class laboratories and dedicated STEM facilities on Mawson Lakes campus. Depending on your research project, you might do fieldwork anywhere from the outback to the coast, in pristine wilderness or urban areas, across Australia or even overseas.
Your program director
Craig Williams is an academic of more than 20 years, combining his skills in education and communication with his research studying the interface between environmental and public health. He began his career graduating with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Zoology and a major in Microbiology. After a few years working in research, he took a Graduate Diploma in Education and a PhD, before working as a school teacher. After undertaking post-doctoral research work, Craig returned to an academic position at UniSA, where he now holds the role of Dean of Programs (Science, Construction and Project Management).
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
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?
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.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
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.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
