Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Computer Science
Domestic
International
Broaden your career prospects by studying advanced science and computer science together.
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)
Duration (Full Time)
5 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Broaden your career prospects by studying advanced science and computer science together. The advanced science degree differs from the Bachelor of Science with the inclusion of advanced-level courses and an honours year. In addition to foundation subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics and maths, you have access to more than 26 advanced fields of science, including advanced physical oceanography, archaeology palaeoenvironments, climate dynamics and marine and coastal science. During your studies, you'll develop the critical and analytical thinking needed for the successful completion of the research-based honours year.
In the computer science component, you'll study the design, construction and uses of computer systems. There are more than seven computer science majors to choose from, including artificial intelligence, database systems, e-commerce, embedded systems, networks, programming languages and security.
Key features
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Learn with the best
UNSW Science is at the forefront of many new scientific developments, teaching and innovation. We’re responsive to the needs of industry, adaptive to change and take an innovative approach to teaching and learning. Our world-class laboratories, clinics and simulators give you the tools to explore new frontiers and make meaningful scientific discoveries to benefit society.
- We’re of the top 50 universities in the world for Environmental Sciences (#19), Psychology (#24), Mathematics (#38), Geology (#38), Materials Science (#39), Earth & Marine Science (#40) and Anatomy & Physiology (#50).*
- We’re ranked 1st in Australia for research output in Chemistry and Physical Sciences and 2nd in Australia for research output in Earth & Environmental Sciences.**
Leverage our industry connections
Reach your career goals with industry relevant skills and training. Tap into our network of 400+ industry and research partners to start building your own professional connections.
Learn from world-class educators
Study with passionate and pioneering educators, including quantum physicist and 2018 Australian of the Year Professor Michelle Simmons AO, Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart, leading marine ecologist and Dean of Science Professor Emma Johnston AO and ground-breaking recycling scientist Professor Veena Sahajwalla.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021
**Nature Index Institution Outputs 1 Dec 2019 – 30 Nov 2020
Program Code
3782
CRICOS Code
088867K
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
240
Indicative Enrolments
66
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
2022 Lowest Selection Rank
93
2022 A levels
17
2022 IB Diploma
36
2022 Lowest ATAR
83.75*
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- The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.
- The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. 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.
- The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2022 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.
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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
Chemistry, Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 (depending on chosen are of study) plus one or more of Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics
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 advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer 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.
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.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
You need to complete 240 units of credit (UOC) for this double degree. You'll take 144 UOC for the Bachelor of Advanced Mathematics and 96 UOC for the Bachelor of Science (Computer Science). The science courses required for both degrees can overlap.
Advanced Science Majors
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Study the physical conditions and physical processes within the ocean such as waves, currents and tides, its interaction with the atmosphere and its role in climate. You’ll gain an understanding of the mathematical equations that describe fluid flow and how these are used in the context of the ocean. This major also explores ocean measurement and the numerical modelling of processes at various scales.
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This major explores the laws of nature that govern the behaviour of the universe, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the universe itself. It applies these laws to the solution of practical and theoretical problems and to the development of new technologies.
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Study the structures of the human body. This major covers:
- gross anatomy (form, arrangement and function of the bones, joints, muscles and internal organs)
- histology (microscopic structure of tissues and cells)
- embryology (development of the embryo and fetus from conception to birth)
- neuroanatomy (organisation and functions of the brain and spinal cord)
- biological anthropology (applying biological principles to the study of humans and non-human primates).
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Develop technologies for analysing and interpreting genetic information. You’ll learn how to design and implement software for activities such as identifying cancer genes. This major covers the foundational disciplines of bioinformatics: biology, computing algorithms and mathematics and statistics.
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Study the science of life. Biologists explore how living organisms function, grow, evolve and relate to one another and the environment in which they live. Your study will cover:
- animal behaviour, morphology and physiology
- plant morphology and physiology
- cell biology, evolutionary studies and genetics
- marine biology.
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Explore the various biological processes used to make products and perform services. Biotechnology is used for:
- the production of food
- industrial chemicals
- the development of improved crops and livestock for farming
- environmental clean-up
- forensics
- the production of pharmaceuticals.
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Study the world from the ground up - from the sub-atomic, atomic and molecular to the spectacular. This major is designed for students who wish to specialise in the chemical sciences.
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Explore the science of the Earth's climate. This major has an emphasis on understanding the dynamic processes within the atmosphere and oceans. This understanding has applications in climate and weather research, forecasting and environmental and resource management.
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Gain a broad introduction to the science of the Earth's climate system. You’ll gain an understanding of the fundamentals of atmospheric science, oceanography and chemistry. You’ll also have the option of focusing your studies in areas such as climate and vegetation, hydrology, biology, biogeochemistry or environmental and resource management.
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Explore the science of nature and the evolution of our planet. This major covers everything from the structure of natural crystals and formation of fossils to the powerful forces that drive earthquakes and volcanoes.
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Explore how various organisms including mammals, invertebrates, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, plants and microbes interact with one another and with their environment.
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In humans and all other species, genes influence every characteristic, from appearance to behaviour to disease. This major offers a general introduction to the discipline before delving into more specialised areas including molecular genetics, human genetics, plant and microbial molecular biology and conservation biology.
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Study the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. This major explores how natural and built environments function and change over time. Discover how these environments enhance or constrain human activity.
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This major provides in-depth study of immunology, pathology and microbiology. It’ll prepare you to unlock better treatments and prevention strategies for immune-related illnesses. This major is particularly beneficial for students who want to pursue a career in the health sciences.
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Explore all aspects of the marine environment, from biology to geology and the many sciences in between. This major can be studied with an emphasis on biology, earth sciences, climatology or oceanography.
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Everything we use is made of materials, yet only a handful of these materials occur naturally. The rest have been microscopically engineered originally by nature, but increasingly by materials scientists and engineers. This major is the foundation for creating high-performance components and devices from metals, ceramics, polymers and composites for use in society.
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Mathematics underpins all corners of science and technology and is a vibrant and fascinating field of study. Mathematics specialisations can be broadly categorised into:
- Pure mathematics - the study of concepts that transcend specific applications
- Applied mathematics - develops models to make sense of scientific phenomena, solve technical/industrial problems and for use in the social, economic and natural sciences
Statistics can also be studied within a mathematics major or as a stand-alone major.
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Study the smallest forms of life: bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi and protozoa. These fascinating organisms cause disease in humans, animals and plants and spoil our food. On the positive side, they also turn the biological wheels on Earth and are responsible for the sustainability of life.
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Explore molecular structures, the processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction and development of living organisms. Cell biology studies the basic unit of life, the cell, including:
- cell anatomy
- cell division
- cell processes such as cell respiration and cell death.
Molecular Biology is a marriage of biochemistry, microbiology and cell biology.
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Study the biological and behavioural aspects of the nervous system. The nervous system includes the:
- central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
- peripheral nervous system (nerves in limbs, muscles and organs).
This major is based on the neuroscience courses offered by the School of Psychology and UNSW’s Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology Departments.
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Examine how and why diseases develop, what happens to our bodies when we’re ill and the effects of diseases. Pathology involves the study of diseases, such as infections and cancers, at the genetic, molecular, cellular and organ levels.
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Explore the effect that drugs have on living tissues and the normal body functions of humans and animals. This major looks at the efficacy of drugs, the ability of the body to metabolise them and the toxicology/side effects of drugs.
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This major is all about what makes human bodies work. Explore how the organs function, how humans grow and develop, how humans sustain bodily functions and what happens to these processes during disease and ageing.
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Study human behaviour and mental processes. Psychology is a broad field that includes:
- brain-behaviour relationships
- the processes of perceiving, learning, memory and thinking
- the assessment of abilities and attitudes
- the origins of personality and emotional states
- the nature and effects of social interactions with other people.
This major is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and satisfies the minimum requirement for provisional registration. It acts as the first step in the six-year pathway to becoming a registered psychologist.
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This major provides comprehensive training in:
- probability and stochastic processes
- statistical inference and modelling
- modern statistical computing methods.
Third year electives allow you to further develop your statistical capabilities according to your own interests.
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Study the sensory processes that underlie vision and vision-related technologies. This major covers the following topics:
- optics
- anatomy and functioning of the eye
- eye disorders
- clinical optometry
- ocular therapy
- sensation and perception
- psychophysics
- research design/methods.
Computer Science Majors
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Database Systems
- eCommerce Systems
- Embedded Systems
- Programming Languages
- Security Engineering
Minors
- Anatomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Climate Science
- Geology
- Immunology
- Marine Science
- Mathematics
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physical Geography
- Physics
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Vision Science
Full program structure
Future careers
Studying science provides an education for life. You’ll develop transferable skills that can be applied to almost any industry. This degree will give you a strong foundation in logical, analytical and critical thinking, as well as skills in teamwork and communication. The Bachelor of Science is designed to match local and global career opportunities, preparing you for the workplace. Recent graduates work in business, industry and government across a plethora of fields.
The explosion of technology and data in the 21st century has propelled the demand for science and technology skills. In Australia, employment in STEM occupations has grown by 19.7% in the past five years. This is almost twice as fast as other jobs.
STEM jobs are highly skilled with 75% of people employed in the STEM workforce working in a skill level occupation equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher. This has made a science degree one of the most valuable degrees in Australia and abroad.
Potential careers
- Business systems analyst
- Computer scientist/programmer
- Oceanographer
- Inventor/entrepreneur
- Statistician
- Database administrator
- Management consultant
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 apply?
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 apply?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$8,300*
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.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$48,220*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$255,815*
*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.
UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
