Start date
February
July

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHBY

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 42,000 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.5]
  • IELTS reading [6.5]
  • IELTS writing [6.5]
  • IELTS speaking [6.5]
  • IELTS listening [6.5]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
069793C

Degree overview

  • Advance your research skills and specialist knowledge in biomedical, pharmaceutical, biological and chemical sciences.
  • Graduate ahead of the crowd with a highly regarded honours degree.
  • Contribute to the development of industry knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation.
  • Gain valuable practical one-on-one experience with world-class researchers or within a research group.
  • Study at a university with above world-class research in health and medical sciences.1
  • Learn in state-of-the-art on-campus facilities and laboratories.
  • Benefit from UniSA’s strong links with internationally-renowned research groups, such as the Centre for Cancer Biology.
  • Use this honours degree as a pathway to a Master of Research and doctoral studies.
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,2 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.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Vaccines to protect against diseases

This honours degree is for students who have successfully completed a relevant bachelor degree in biomedical science, pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, nutrition and food sciences, natural sciences or laboratory medicine.

Over one year, you'll develop and extend your research skills and specialist knowledge, focusing on your area of interest. Working in collaboration with your supervisor, your intensive research experience will confidently prepare you for a career in research or further studies such as a PhD.

Read the Honours Research Guide for information on our supervisors' research interests and activities.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with researchers and contribute to the development of knowledge in your area of specialisation. You’ll learn transferable skills such as research training, reporting, communication and presentation skills, data analysis and high-level project management skills.

During the first six months you’ll explore research methodologies, research hypotheses and proposals. You’ll also gain an awareness of ethical research practice.

During the final six months you’ll be required to analyse, understand and contextualise your research results. You’ll then prepare a written thesis and present your findings during a research seminar.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
First Semester
Honours Biomedical Research A BIOL 4015 18 Note(s): 2
Second Semester
Honours Biomedical Research B BIOL 4014 18

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include: 

  • research proposals
  • presentations
  • 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

Honours

This honours degree ensures you graduate with advanced knowledge of research and professional practice. You’ll receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance.

During the honours preparation, you’ll undertake training courses in research methods and ethics. Within the honours thesis course, you’ll undertake a research project under the supervision of an experienced researcher and report on this project through a thesis and oral presentation.

Why Bachelor of Biomedical Research (Honours)

Biomedical research student using campus research facilities

This advanced qualification will build on your undergraduate studies with a greater depth of knowledge of research methodology and research practice in a specialisation of your choice.

Health research at UniSA brings together internationally recognised researchers in cancer, pharmaceuticals, clinical neuroscience and mental health, population health, nutrition and food sciences, and Aboriginal health. You’ll have the opportunity to be involved in these areas of research, work closely with industry professionals and gain valuable practical experience. 

You’ll benefit from UniSA’s many decades of experience working with industry across scientific fields. Our strong links with internationally-renowned research groups, such as the Centre for Cancer Biology (an alliance between UniSA and SA Pathology) will help you grow your specialist knowledge in the areas of biomedical, pharmaceutical, biological and chemical sciences.

Real-world connections

Our strong links with several internationally-renowned research groups mean you’ll get to work alongside experienced industry professionals and award-winning researchers and academics. This is a great opportunity for you to build important relationships and networks to support your career progression after graduation.

We also host regular University-wide alumni eventsemployee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas. 

Career outcomes

Your career

Honours graduates are highly qualified to embark on a career in research. You could find work 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 may also decide to continue your education with a Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Research degree.

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 will have access to:

  • on-campus laboratories
  • facilities used by our affiliated research groups
Your study spaces

Your program director

I am privileged to lead a degree focused on developing independent research skills for students to graduate ready to meet the challenges and diverse roles of their profession or for further postgraduate study. This is achieved within a supportive learning environment where students work with world-class researchers and facilities in their chosen area of discovery and innovation.

Dr Kristen Bremmell

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Kristen Bremmell
Portrait image for Dr Kristen Bremmell

Dr Kristen Bremmell

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.

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