< Back to results

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Canberra)

Educating leaders in Defence, government & industry
This degree is for domestic students only
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
Expand your expertise and research skills with the Bachelor of Science (Honours). Take on an independent research project with the support of UNSW Canberra’s leading academics, and prepare for research-focused roles in government, industry and academia, or pursue further study.
Commencing Terms
Semester 1 & 2
Duration
1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Canberra
Codes
Program code 4513
CRICOS code -
Entry Requirements
View all admission criteria
Fees
2025 Indicative first year full fee
$8,500*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$8,500*
Cyber security and Security password login online concept  Hands typing and entering username and password of social media, log in with smartphone to an online bank account, data protection hacker

Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) at UNSW Canberra is a one-year program designed for students who want to advance their scientific expertise and research skills in a chosen discipline. Building on your undergraduate science degree, this Honours program involves conducting an independent research project focused on a scientific discipline of your choice.

Choose from six specialisation options; Aviation, Chemistry, Physical Geography, Mathematics and Statistics, Oceanography or Physics. Alongside your research, you’ll complete advanced coursework to enhance your analytical, problem-solving, and technical skills, gaining a deeper understanding of your field.

You’ll have access to UNSW Canberra’s world-class laboratories and research facilities to support your Honours project. This program prepares you for a range of scientific careers in government, industry and research sectors, with pathways to further study, including Master’s or PhD programs, for those pursuing advanced research roles.

Key features

Develop and grow your research skills
Conduct an in-depth research project in a scientific field of your choice, allowing you to make original contributions to your discipline while developing practical research skills.

Specialised coursework taught by leading academics
Complete tailored coursework designed to strengthen your research methods, analytical abilities and technical knowledge, preparing you for complex scientific challenges.

Access to world-class facilities and mentorship
Study on campus with access to state-of-the-art labs and work one-on-one with experienced academics, gaining valuable mentorship and hands-on experience in a professional research environment.

Why study at UNSW Canberra?

Pathway to postgraduate research
The Honours program provides a direct pathway to Master’s or PhD studies, setting you up for a successful research career and equipping you with the skills to apply for scholarships and advanced degrees.

Diverse career opportunities in science
Graduates are well-prepared for roles across fields like aviation, environmental science and data analysis, with the analytical and critical thinking skills valued in both scientific and industry-focused careers.

Join an engaged research community
UNSW Canberra has a vibrant and welcoming research community, where you can collaborate with peers and academics, participate in seminars and take part in thought-provoking discussions.

 

Program Code
4513
Campus
Canberra
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
48

Want to see more from UNSW Canberra?

Entry requirements

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.

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. 

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 Science (Honours) is a one-year, full-time program designed for high-achieving students who have recently completed a Bachelor of Science. This Honours program bridges undergraduate studies with supervised independent research, providing an excellent foundation for advanced scientific study or research roles.

The program comprises 48 units of credit (UOC), including a 36 UOC research project and 12 UOC of specialised coursework in your chosen field.

Full program structure

This program consists of 48 UOC, and can be completed in one year with full-time study. Students must complete:

Core courses – 12 UOC

  • 2x ‘Honours Special Topic’ courses relating to their chosen specialisation

Research Project – 36 UOC

  • 3x ‘Science Honours Research’ courses

Specialisation options

  • Aviation
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Oceanography
  • Physical Geography
  • Physics

Future careers

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) at UNSW Canberra can go on to pursue a wide range of scientific careers. Depending on your area of specialisation, you could pursue research-focused roles in fields such as environmental science, biotechnology, renewable energy, data analysis or disease control.

This Honours degree also provides a solid foundation for further study, allowing graduates to advance to a Master’s or PhD and undertake roles in academia or scientific research.

Potential roles:

  • Atmospheric Scientist
  • Bioinformatics Specialist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Climate Change Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Disease Control Specialist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Geospatial Scientist
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Marine Scientist
  • Medical Research Scientist
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Research Assistant
  • Scientific Policy Advisor
  • Wildlife Ecologist

Potential careers

  • Cyber security analyst
  • Penetration tester
  • Security consultant
  • Software engineer
  • Chief information security officer
  • Chief privacy officer
  • Ethical hacker
  • Risk analyst
  • Security architect
  • Security consultant
  • Security operations centre manager
  • Source code auditor
  • Vulnerability assessor
  • Cyber developer

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.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$8,500*
2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$8,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

*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 Cyber Security Award

Up to 9 high-achieving students studying the Bachelor of Cyber Security at UNSW Canberra are eligible in 2025 to receive the UNSW Cyber Security Award which provides up to $5,000 payable for one year.

To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Applicants must be:

  • Commencing a Bachelor of Cyber Security at UNSW Canberra City campus in Term 1, 2025.
  • An Indigenous Australian (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander only) or,
  • A woman, non-binary, or gender-diverse student or,
  • A former or transitioning Australian Defence Force personnel.

Applications are not required for the Cyber Award. Students will be selected in line with the Selection and Eligibility criteria.

Learn more