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Undergraduate

Bachelor of Health Science Honours

Not available to international students.

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This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.

This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

1 year/s full-time
2 year/s part-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus
Not available to international students.

Credit points required

80

Course code

VHSCH1
SATAC codes

Overview

The Bachelor of Health Science Honours is an additional year of undergraduate study which will provide you with the opportunity to build on your knowledge and gain specialised skills in your area of interest. You will develop skills in research design, sample collection, critical analysis and interpreting data, while understanding the importance of ethical and professional issues pertaining to the field of research.

During the course, you will be required to complete coursework in research methods, writing and/or health, plus complete an independent research project. This will also include writing a thesis which showcases your research achievements.

This course will give you transferable skills in the areas of critical thinking, time management, writing, communication and team work, while contributing to the knowledge of your specified health field. An honours year also provides a pathway to postgraduate studies and a rewarding career in research.



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.

Exercise PG

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
careers-centre-students

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)
Exercise PG

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
careers-centre-students

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 bachelor of Health science (honours) is an additional year of undergraduate study, providing students with the opportunity to build on their undergraduate knowledge, gain specialised skills in an area of interest and explore the research environment. An honours year provides a pathway to postgraduate studies and commence a rewarding career in research.

Course structure

To complete a bachelors of Health Science (honours) you will need to complete coursework in research methods, writing and/or health, plus complete an independent research project. Students will write a thesis which will showcase their research achievements. Students wishing to undertake honours part-time will be required to complete the coursework components in their first year.

During your honours year students will develop skills in research design, sample collection, critical analyses and interpreting data, while understanding the importance ethical and professional issues pertaining to the field of research.


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units

(1 units)
10cpCompulsory Core units totalling 10 credit points as detailed below.



 PHM526 Research Design 

 
Research Units

(2 units)
60cpResearch units totalling 60 credit points as detailed below.



 HSC701 Research Project (30cp)

 HSC702 Research Thesis (30cp)

 
Specialist Elective Units

(1 units)
10cpSpecialist Elective unit totalling 10 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below.



 HEA567 Pharmacology for Health Professionals (no longer offered)

 PHM519 Clinical Trials and Other Intervention Studies (replaces PHM524 from 2021)

 PHM525 Indigenous Health Research

 PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact (new title 2021)

 
 80cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)

 

Study plan


Students Commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load.

 

Legend:CO = Core UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist Elective 
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
PHM526 Research Design COSpecialist Elective SE
HSC701 Research Project (30cp) RHSC702 Research Thesis (30cp) R



Students Commencing in Semester 2

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time load.

 

Legend:CO = Core UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  Specialist Elective SE
  HSC701 Research Project (30cp) R
Year 2
PHM526 Research Design CO  
HSC702 Research Thesis (30cp) R  

 

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Successful completion of a recognised Bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification in a health science-related area with at least a credit average (GPA of 5.00).

Consideration will also be given to applicants who are below a GPA of 5.00 who can demonstrate a suitable level of technical skills.

Additional admission requirements

You must contact the Faculty of Health at foh@cdu.edu.au to discuss a potential project and supervision prior to submitting an application. In addition to a credit average (GPA of 5.00), you are required to have a project topic and project supervisor who has agreed to supervise your project before admission is approved.

Essential requirements

Criminal history check: A criminal history check may be required depending on the area of research the student will be undertaking and the organisation involved.

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 4 (ZEAP40)Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4
IELTS Academic ModuleA minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 79 with 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


There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.

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

Nikki Govan

What intrigued me about studying at CDU was its excellent graduate employment and salary outcomes.

Heather

CDU student

International student Heather Wong

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

Nikki Govan

What intrigued me about studying at CDU was its excellent graduate employment and salary outcomes.

Heather

CDU student

International student Heather Wong

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

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, 2023.

Applicant background (Semester one intake 2023)No. of Students% of all Students
A. Higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)
<5N/P
B. Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/P
C. Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
<5N/P
D. Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR

(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)

<5N/P
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered

(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR)

<5N/P
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor

(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

<5N/P
International students<5N/P
All students<5N/P

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

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Bachelor of Health Science Honours
Faculty/College
Faculty of Health
Sector
HE
Area of study
Allied Health Sciences, Health

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

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.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
1BH019
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

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