Start date
February
July

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
LHAS

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 38,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.0]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
109065M

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

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

What you 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.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Research Methods INFT 4017 4.5
Honours Minor Thesis Preparation NASC 4019 4.5
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Honours Minor Thesis 1 NASC 4017 4.5 Note(s): 3
Scientific Practice NASC 4021 4.5 Note(s): 3
Honours Minor Thesis 2 NASC 4018 9 Note(s): 3

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

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.

Global opportunities

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)

Why this Degree

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.

Career outcomes

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

chart-people

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills are essential to Australia's top five growth industries

(National Centre for Vocational Education Research)

job-listings

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills are essential to 75 per cent of Australia's fastest growing employment areas

(AMSI: Australia Must Embrace Mathematics for Innovation)

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

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.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots 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

Student services

Our international 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:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

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 study spaces

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).

Prof Craig Williams

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Prof Craig Williams
Portrait image for Prof Craig Williams

Prof Craig Williams

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

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

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

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

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

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

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

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

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs