Bachelor of Science
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Canberra
- Codes
- UAC code 450020
- Program code 4410
- CRICOS code -
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ATAR/2023 lowest selection rank
- 75 + Defence Selection View all admission criteria
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $8,500*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $26,000*
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Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Broad areas of study
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Leadership skills
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Double-major
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees
Overview
Science is the foundation of most human knowledge. From the tiny subatomic particles that form the building blocks of existence through to managing the earth’s precious resources, science will deepen your knowledge of the way the world works.
Science is also fundamental to defence specialties such as technology, computers, aircraft, ships, explosives, code-making and code-breaking.
The Australian Defence Force requires leaders with sound scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills. As Bachelor of Science graduate from UNSW Canberra at ADFA you will possess the intellectual and analytical skills required to be an effective leader and have broad choices about where to take your ADF career.
Expand your understanding and discover the world of science with a Bachelor of Science from UNSW Canberra.
Key features
A Bachelor of Science degree from UNSW Canberra offers you a diverse understanding of the physical and social world, from chemistry and sub-atomic physics, to large-scale behaviours of oceans and planets, to contemporary transformations in social and cultural life, to computational techniques and data analysis.
Studying science will develop your scientific literacy and deepen your science expertise in your chosen field of study. You can choose to specialise in:
- aviation
- chemistry
- computer science
- geography
- mathematics
- oceanography
- physics
The ADF is always looking for leaders with expertise in physical, environmental and mathematical sciences. Should you excel in your Bachelor of Science degree, you may have the opportunity to undertake an additional one-year Honours program – Bachelor of Science (Honours). This is subject to the needs of the individual Services.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
When you study Science with UNSW Canberra, you’ll join a unique and diverse community. Learning from leading academics and industry experts, your qualifications and skills will be highly sought after in Australia and abroad. Benefit from the best university teacher-to-student ratio in Australia and access world-class research materials and laboratories.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?
Entry requirements
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- The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.
- The 2023 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 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2023 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
Mathematics Advanced, 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.
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.
Program structure
Expand your potential by choosing specialisations that suit your passions and interests. As a student at UNSW Canberra at ADFA, you can select two discipline areas to major in. Detailed descriptions of these majors can be found in the UNSW Handbook.
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- Geography
- Chemistry
- Aviation
- Computer Science
- Oceanography
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Physics
Full program structure
Future careers
The UNSW Canberra Bachelor of Science degree develops skills in critical thinking, problem solving and communication. A science degree opens up a wide variety of ADF and non-defence career options.
As an Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Trainee Officer studying science, you will build lifelong skills in creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and communication. Your degree will equip you with a breadth of technical, strategic and logistical knowledge for a successful career as an Officer in the Navy, Army or Air Force.
Potential careers
- Pilot
- Maritime aviation warfare officer
- Maritime logistics officer
- Engineering officer
- Intelligence officer
- Air combat officer
- Infantry officer
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?
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*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.
*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.
QS World University Rankings, 2024.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
