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Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours)

Undergraduate degree

Extend your knowledge in health and medicine through an independent research project. Pursue a career in research or take your expertise to the workplace.

Key facts

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Undertake an additional year of study across a wide range of health and medical science disciplines through the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours) degree. You will extend your knowledge and investigative skills in health and medicine and conduct an independent research project in your chosen area of interest. You can choose to go on to a career in research or take your practical expertise to the workplace.

Do you want a competitive advantage in your career or to make a valuable impact in health or medical science research?

This honours program involves an additional year of study across a wide range of health and medical science disciplines for students with an undergraduate background in the area. You will develop your knowledge and investigative skills in health and medicine, building on your previous learning and experience in your chosen area.

Alongside engaging coursework and studies in research methodology, you will pursue an independent investigative research project, with supervision available from researchers who have expertise across health and medicine.

You will become highly sought after in roles across academia, private and government industries in a variety of areas such as biological sciences and clinical research.

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Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours)
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
H413
CRICOS code?
075601K Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours) students must attain 8 credit points, including two coursework units in research methods and developing research skills and an independent research project.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin DAI001
  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.

    Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

    Core units

    Semester 1

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Research Methods
  • Developing Research Skills
  • Semester 2

  • Honours Research Project
  • Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Semester 1 - February

    • Start date: February
    • Available at:
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

    Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

    Mandatory student checks

    All enrolled students who are working in a clinical setting who may be involved with blood sampling or invasive techniques are required to read, understand and comply with the School of Medicine Infectious Diseases and Immunisation Policy.

    Workload

    You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.

    Participation requirements

    This course requires you to undertake your own research. Honours is a specialised year of study that allows you to draw together the theory and practical skills gained in previous undergraduate studies and to develop an in-depth knowledge of your particular discipline through research and additional coursework.

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Work experience

    Not applicable

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or a major in a related discipline, with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65 in all level three or four Deakin units (or in final year units for awards from other providers)
    • Doctor of Medicine (H911) students who do not meet these criteria will require a minimum GAMSAT score of 60 and have successfully completed a minimum of 8 credit points of the Doctor of Medicine

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English
    • IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
    • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

    The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

    Learn more about international student fees.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.

    We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
    If you need assistance, please contact us.

    Pathways

    This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    This honours year will prepare you for a career in medical research, as well as acting as a pathway to further study such as a master or PhD program.

    As a graduate you will be highly sought after for academic, private and government roles in a variety of areas such as biological sciences and clinical research.

    Professional recognition

    Not applicable

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Apply discipline-specific knowledge to identify a gap in the literature within the chosen field of study; formulate a testable research question; develop a conceptual framework and select the appropriate methodological procedures for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; and disseminate research findings.

    Communication

    Autonomously communicate, defend and discuss all elements of the research project in the chosen field of study via oral and written means to academics, specialists and others.

    Digital literacy

    Autonomously select and use appropriate technologies to source, interpret, adapt, collate, analyse and disseminate relevant information to an academic audience and specialists.

    Critical thinking

    Critically and constructively, evaluate, critique and synthesise the literature in the chosen field of study; select and apply appropriate methodological principles suitable for the research project; select and apply appropriate analytical techniques to test the hypothesis; and interpret, compare and contrast study findings to the wider literature in the chosen field of study.

    Problem solving

    Identify a suitable and novel research question based on the literature within the context of Health and Medical Science that can be completed within the given timeframe; address the research question in an appropriate, realistic and ethical manner; and troubleshoot solutions to resolve unplanned, unforeseen and complex problems associated with the research study.

    Self-management

    Produce a realistic timeline for the research project that incorporates the literature review, obtaining ethical approval (if applicable), sourcing and/or collecting and analysing data, and dissemination.

    Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability that contribute to the development of lifelong learning as a researcher within Health and Medical Science.

    Teamwork

    Collaborate and work effectively with specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.

    Global citizenship

    Engage in ethical and professional research practice whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting cultural sensitivities.