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Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Arts

Join one of Australia's top science faculties
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
Fuse science with creativity in our combined Advanced Science and Arts degree. Your possible specialisations range from earth science to psychology, combined with humanities, creative arts, languages and more. Learn from leading academics and practitioners within two highly acclaimed faculties.
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration
5 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
UAC code 429370
Program code 3948
CRICOS code 088877G
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank
93.0
View all admission criteria
Fees
2025 Indicative first year full fee
$10,500*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$57,500*
Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus

Overview

The world needs critical and creative thinkers to solve the problems of tomorrow, so why not hone both talents with a unique double degree? Advanced Science (Honours)/Arts gives you the chance to fuse your analytical and creative sides to develop an adaptable,  future-focused skill set. 

From earth science to psychology, mathematics to biotech, our advanced-level science degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers. No matter which of the 24 specialisations you choose, you’ll gain in-demand transferable skills that can be applied to almost any industry.

In your arts degree, you can explore humanities, creative arts, social sciences, languages or business. You’ll develop a broader understanding of the world at a university that nurtures your passions, purpose and potential.

Key features

  • Nurture your passions

At UNSW, you’ll be supported to build an engaging degree around your interests. By combining Advanced Science (Honours) and Arts, you’ll be free to explore subjects and specialisations that resonate and align with your career aspirations. 

Whether your mind is already made up or you’re still developing your focus areas, we’ll help you build the degree that’s right for you.

  • Be empowered to lead your learning with SciConnect

SciConnect is an innovative online system that's integrated across your whole science degree. It will be there to help you settle into university, track your professional development and showcase your skills to future employers. The platform focuses on connecting you with four key areas to help you get the most out of your student experience including orientation, co-curricular opportunities and communities, career development and a graduate portfolio.

SciConnect enables you to shape your university experience and supports you in showcasing your talents to potential employers with a comprehensive impression of who you are, beyond your academic transcript.

  • Multiply your opportunities

Employers are seeking adaptable graduates who can work seamlessly across interdisciplinary teams and contexts. Gaining experience across two distinct study areas will be highly regarded as you enter the job market. 

  • Gain real-world experience

UNSW takes a career-ready approach to learning, which is why many of our programs include Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Research Integrated Learning (RIL) opportunities. These experiences give you the opportunity to apply your skills in a professional context and learn alongside world-leading academics.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

  • As one of the world’s top 20 universities*, we’re guiding the future leaders of science and art in Australia and overseas.

    UNSW Science has eight study areas ranked in the top 50 globally** and ADA subjects are ranked 1st in Australia for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and 2nd globally for Climate Action^.

    *QS World University Rankings 2024

    **QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

    ^United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

  • At UNSW, we’re focused on the full picture. We’re here to support your personal and professional development through a tailored degree that aligns with your career goals. No matter which specialisation or pathway you follow, you’ll have access to dozens of professional development opportunities and be able to leverage our 400+ industry connections and research partners to start building your own professional network.

  • At UNSW, you’ll join a diverse global community that’s working together to shape a better future. ​You’ll build up your professional identity through SciConnect – an innovative online system that is integrated into your Advanced Science degree. With a range of clubs and societies, programs such as Women in STEM  and international exchange opportunities, you’ll gain invaluable experiences at UNSW that extend far beyond the classroom. 

Program Code
3948
CRICOS Code
088877G
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
429370
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
240

Want to see more from UNSW Science?

Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank
93.0
2024 A levels
15.0
2024 IB Diploma
37.0
2024 Lowest ATAR
84.7
    1. The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
    2. The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

Assumed knowledge

For Advanced Science (Hons) component: Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 (depending on chosen area of study) plus one or more of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics For Arts component: None

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

HSC Plus 
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways


Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes of SEIFA criteria, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers to UNSW. 

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study. 

Progression requirements


Entry into the Honours program in Science is subject to academic performance and progression requirements. Students may exit the Advanced Science (Honours) program with a B Science award if they are unsuccessful in applying for entry into Honours.

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page. 

International direct entry

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

Progression requirements


Entry into the Honours program in Science is subject to academic performance and progression requirements. Students may exit the Advanced Science (Honours) program with a B Science award if they are unsuccessful in applying for entry into Honours.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page. 

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts is a double degree that you can complete in five years with full-time study. You’ll complete a minimum of 240 units of credit (UOC) through a combination of majors, minors and electives.

Full program structure

Your double degree consists of:

144 units of credit from Advanced Science (Honours), including:

  • Two core research skills courses
  • One Science major
  • An optional minor
  • One Science Honours specialisation
  • Science elective courses (if required)

96 units of credit from Arts, including:

  • One major
  • One minor
  • Prescribed electives (if required)
    OR
  • One major
  • A second major

Majors

  • Choose from 24 majors with the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours):

    Advanced Physical Oceanography
    Advanced Physical Oceanography explores physical conditions, processes, and interactions in the ocean. 

    Advanced Physics
    Explores the laws of nature that govern the behaviour of the universe, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the universe itself.

    Anatomy
    Study the structure of the human body.

    Bioinformatics
    Bioinformatics integrates computer science and statistics to analyse genetic information in molecular biology.

    Biology & Biodiversity
    Study life science and explore how organisms function, grow, evolve, and relate to their environment.

    Biotechnology
    Biotechnology explores biological processes for producing food, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

    Chemistry
    Explore chemistry, from sub-atomic particles to spectacular phenomena, the field offers vast opportunities.

    Climate Systems Science
    Gain an understanding of the Earth's Climate System, focusing on areas such as climate change and risks.

    Earth Science
    Earth science investigates our planet’s nature, evolution, and powerful forces.

    Ecology and Conservation
    Explore how various organisms interact with one another and their environment. 

    Genetics
    Genetics studies fundamental genes that influence every characteristic in humans and other species.

    Geography
    Explore Earth’s landscapes, and environments to understand how they function and change over time.

    Immunology
    Unlock better treatments and prevention strategies for immune-related illnesses.

    Marine and Coastal Science
    Explore marine and coastal science, that looks at all aspects of the marine environment encompassing many sciences from biology to geology.

    Materials Science
    Materials science is the specialised study of creating high-performance materials from metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites for society.

    Mathematics
    Mathematics is the science of patterns and underpins all corners of science and technology

    Microbiology
    Microbiology studies tiny life forms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

    Molecular and Cell Biology
    Study cell biology, which explores molecular structures, cellular processes, and their roles in function, reproduction, and development.

    Neuroscience
    Neuroscience aims to understand the nervous system’s biological and behavioral aspects, as well as to treat diseases like schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s.

    Pathology
    Pathology involves studying diseases at genetic, molecular, cellular, and organ levels. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not solely about blood tests.

    Pharmacology
    Discover the effect that drugs have on living tissues and the normal body functions of humans and animals.

    Physiology
    Physiology studies how the human body functions, including organ processes, growth, maintenance, and responses during disease and aging.

    Psychology
    Psychology studies behavior, mental processes, brain-behavior relationships, perception, learning, memory, and social interactions.

    Statistics
    Statistics is the science of collecting, analysing, presenting and interpreting data.

  • Asian studies
    Discover our closest neighbours' impact on the world and understand Australia's place within the Asian region. 

    Chinese studies
    Explore China’s rich cultural heritage, history and society to gain a competitive edge in the global job market.

    Criminology
    Experience an approach beyond lectures that sees you visiting courts and prisons and hearing first-hand from the people in the justice system. 

    Creative writing
    Learn from award-winning writers, join writing masterclasses and events, and create invaluable industry connections. 

    English
    Delve into memorable stories, poetic patterns, ringing phrases and imaginative landscapes.

    Environmental humanities
    Immerse yourself in the social, cultural and political factors shaping human relations with the natural world. 

    European studies
    Delve into the intellectual history, politics, religion and movement of minority peoples throughout history. 

    Film studies
    Tell stories, share human experiences, document reality and expand horizons as an experimental art form.

    French studies
    Learn about the key language for the arts, cuisine, technology, justice and health. 

    Geographical studies
    Discover how we can plan for a better future by combining classroom study with hands-on experience in the field.

    German studies
    Develop practical language skills and explore Germany’s fascinating culture, diverse society and complex history. 

    Global development
    Learn the many ways we can create practical and positive change at local, national, and global levels. 

    History
    Discover a uniquely global perspective taught by passionate, world-class historians.

    Indigenous studies
    Explore the current and traditional Indigenous knowledge, philosophies, and cultural values tied to country.  

    Japanese studies
    Learn to communicate in Japanese and explore the rich tapestry of Japan’s culture, history and society. 

    Korean studies
    Explore the rich social, cultural and historical context that shapes Korea today.

    Linguistics
    Understand how language policy impacts multilingual and multicultural communities in Australia and around the world. 

    Media, culture and technology
    Explore the history, legacy and ongoing impact of media through the 20th and 21st centuries across an ever-changing tech landscape. 

    Music studies
    Discover how music can be an expression that defines cultures, societies and as an expression of yourself. 

    Philosophy
    Learn how to communicate complicated ideas by thinking clearly, deeply, analytically, and creatively.

    Politics and international relations
    Pave your way for careers in government and business, lead with difference and change the world.

    Sociology
    Join Australia’s oldest sociology department and discover insights from diverse cultures and the lived human experience. 

    Spanish studies
    Explore literature, film and art and discover the history and the contemporary cultural context of the Spanish-speaking world. 

    Theatre and performance studies
    Learn from industry professionals, collaborate with artists, and gain practical experience with production companies, venues and publishers. 

Future careers

Studying Advanced Science and Arts as a dual degree at UNSW will open up a wide range of career opportunities upon graduation. You’ll gain transferable skills that can be applied across industries and functions with proficiency in logical, analytical and creative thinking.

Explore the range of potential career paths available across the fields of science and arts.

Potential careers

    • Academic
    • Activist
    • Actor
    • Advocate
    • Biologist
    • Biotechnologist
    • Climate scientist
    • Clinical coder
    • Consultant
    • Content producer
    • Data scientist
    • Diplomat
    • Environmental scientist
    • Food scientist
    • Gallery manager
    • Genetic counsellor
    • Geologist
    • Government administrator
    • International representative
    • Journalist
    • Laboratory technician
    • Marine biologist
    • Materials scientist
    • Mathematician
    • Media consultant
    • Medical technician
    • Museum manager
    • Neuroscientist
    • Office administrator
    • Pharmacologist
    • Policy consultant
    • Political strategist
    • Politician
    • Product developer
    • Psychologist
    • Public servant
    • Publisher
    • Researcher
    • Science writer
    • Set manager
    • Social media producer

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$10,500*
2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$57,500*

Commonwealth Supported Place multiple Student Contribution Bands may apply for this double degree. See single degrees for the applicable fee bands.*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included.

2025 Indicative First Year Fee
$52,000*
2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$292,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.