Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
With a goal to keep our populations healthy, the demand for more health professionals with a broad skill set is increasing.
The Bachelor of Health Science provides the skills to fill the gap in the Australian health care system and prepares you to work in a multidisciplinary health industry.
The Bachelor of Health Science has strong health industry connections and course content which leads to work in areas including, health policy and research, health and wellbeing and health promotion. This course offers a pathway into master level studies so you can pursue a career in occupational therapy, nutrition, speech and language therapy, health research and public health.
A core part of the course is the community project which provides opportunity to put your knowledge into practice supported by CDU academic staff. You will have access to international study opportunities and our course offers both an Indigenous and international support lecturer.
As a graduate, you will be ready to make a positive difference to health across local, rural and remote Australia and beyond.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in areas such as health promotion, health services management, and public health.
Professional recognition
Students are eligible to apply for membership with the following professional associations: The Australian Health Promotion Association and the Public Health Association of Australia.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $32,352.00. This equates to $ $4,044.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study allied health services at CDU?
As one of Australia's fastest growing sectors, future-proof your career in allied health with CDU. Make your mark on the community through occupational therapy, speech therapy, paramedicine, sport science, creative therapies, or more.
- Complete a specialist Bachelor/Master double degree in 4 years instead of 5
- Join an innovative, research-intensive university
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study allied health services at CDU?
As one of Australia's fastest growing sectors, future-proof your career in allied health with CDU. Make your mark on the community through occupational therapy, speech therapy, paramedicine, sport science, creative therapies, or more.
- Complete a specialist Bachelor/Master double degree in 4 years instead of 5
- Join an innovative, research-intensive university
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
A health science degree with CDU provides opportunity to start your career as a health professional in Australia or beyond. With flexible online delivery and option to attend internal classes the Bachelor of Health Science offers 14 core units, 3 special elective units and a choice of 5 general elective units to ensure you have the skills you need to work in areas of health promotion, Indigenous health and more.
Course structure
This course has emphasis on understanding the challenges of working in diverse contexts of urban, rural, and remote communities and offers opportunity access scholarships as well as study abroad with international study tours and student exchange programs.
You'll study alongside students from social work, and other allied health areas developing an understanding of multidisciplinary professions across the health industry. You'll gain knowledge of health beyond illness and disease prevention and learn how to manage, coordinate and administer health infrastructure and resources.
There is a range of flexible delivery options which include online units, face-to-face tutorials, and for those balancing life, work and family responsibilities, there is the option to study this degree 100% online. Health science offers diverse and relevant units encompassing topics such as epidemiology, mental health, cultural safety, research and global and environmental health.
If you are an Indigenous or international student, we provide access to dedicated student support lecturers to help facilitate a successful study journey. In the final year of study all our students will be supported by CDU academics to work with health agencies to complete your own community health project.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (14 units) | 140cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 140 credit points as detailed below. SBI161* Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 and SBI172 from 2025 - see additional information below) *Students who have completed either SBI171 or SBI172 prior to 2025 should read the course changes and transitional arrangements provided below. |
| Specialist Electives (3 units) | 50cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 50 credit points as detailed below. AND must complete 1 unit (10 credit points) selected from the list of units below: MAN204 Project Management |
| General Electives (5 units) | 50cp | Units totalling 50 credit points selected from the above Specialist Elective units or any other undergraduate or approved postgraduate units offered by the University. When selecting electives, choose units at a suitable level. The first number in each unit code indicates the year level at which the subject is taught. Undergraduate units are coded at 100 to 300 level, therefore units coded as HSC1xx, HSC2xx and HSC3xx would be first, second and third year units respectively. Note: students must not exceed 100 credit points at 100 level units. |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2025
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 and SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 have been replaced by SBI161 and SBI162 from Semester 1 2025.
- Students who have completed BOTH SBI171 and SBI172 prior to 2025 do not need to complete SBI161 or SBI162.
- Students who have NOT completed either SBI171 or SBI172 prior to 2025 should complete the two new units SBI161 and SBI162.
- Students who have completed SBI171 only (and not SBI172) should complete SBI172 in 2025. Students should NOT complete the new unit SBI162.
- Students who have completed SBI172 only (and not SBI171) should complete SBI171 in 2025. Students should NOT complete the new unit SBI161.
SBI171 and SBI172 will be offered for a final time in 2025 but will only be available to students who have completed either SBI171 or SBI172 prior to 2025.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2024
There have been some course structure changes for the Bachelor of Health Science from 2024.
- Core units have been reduced from 150 credit points to 140 credit points.
- Specialist Electives have been reduced from 90 credit points to 50 credit points.
- General Electives of 50 credit points have been introduced.
Core unit changes:
HSC203 has been coded to HSC133. Students who have completed HSC203 prior to 2024 should not complete HSC133.
NUR256 has been added and will replace SWK312 as a core unit.
HSC111 has been moved from a specialist elective to a core unit.
HSC312 has been moved from a core unit to a specialist elective.
MAN204 has been moved from a core unit to a specialist elective.
Specialist Elective changes:
The separate specialist areas in Health Science, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy have been removed and replaced with 40 credit points of required Practicum units and 10 credit points selected from a choice of specialist units.
The list of specialist elective units includes all units previously available in the specialist streams with the exception of the inclusion of SBI241 and the removal of HSC202. HSC202 may be included as a general elective.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
PSY140 has been replaced by PSY150. Students that have completed PSY140 prior to 2022 should not complete PSY150.
PSY208 has been replaced by PSY228. Students that have completed PSY208 prior to 2022 should not complete PSY228.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2021
HSC111 Ethics in Health Care has replaced HSC210 Health Sociology from 2021. Students have completed HSC210 do not need to complete HSC111.
HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction has replaced HSC230 Cultural Safety in Health from 2021. Students have completed HSC230 do not need to complete HSC220.
SBI150 Cellular Biology has replaced MLS245 Medical Biochemistry from 2021. Students who have completed MLS245 do not need to complete SBI150.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | CO |
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| PSY150 PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140) | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024) | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics (replaces HSC112 from 2025) | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO |
| General Elective 1 | E | Specialist Elective (10cp) | SE |
| General Elective 2 | E | General Elective 3 | E |
| Year 3 | |||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) | SE | HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) | SE |
| General Elective 4 | E | General Elective 5 | E |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021) | CO | ||
| HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics (replaces HSC112 from 2025) | CO |
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO |
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140) | CO | Specialist Elective (10cp) | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20cp) | SE | HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20cp) | SE |
| General Elective 1 | E | General Elective 2 | E |
| Year 4 | |||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||
| General Elective 3 | E | ||
| General Elective 4 | E | ||
| General Elective 5 | E | ||
____________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | CO | ||||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | ||||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140) | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics (replaces HSC112 from 2025) | CO | ||
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO | ||
| SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO | ||
| HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021) | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| Specialist Elective (10cp) | SE | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO | ||
| General Elective 1 | E | General Elective 2 | E | ||
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) | SE | HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||||
| General Elective 3 | E | ||||
| General Elective 4 | E | ||||
| General Elective 5 | E | ||||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in the Foundation English units A and B are eligible to apply.
Essential requirements
As this course requires you to undertake a community project, you must demonstrate compliance with the following checks and requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained prior to commencing the community project. A national and/or international police check and a current Working with Children check is required regarding suitability to undertake clinical/fieldwork placements.
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2024
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 52.80 | 61.00 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 74.13 | 76.23 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 94.50 | 96.20 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
What intrigued me about studying at CDU was its excellent graduate employment and salary outcomes.
Heather
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
What intrigued me about studying at CDU was its excellent graduate employment and salary outcomes.
Heather
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 65 | .0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 31 | .0 |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 8 | .0 |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 10 | .0 |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | 15 | .0 |
| All students | 129 | .0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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