Key facts
1 year full time
Course information
Undertake an additional year of study across a wide range of health and medical science disciplines by enrolling in Deakin’s Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours) degree. This honours year allows students with an undergraduate background in the broad area of health and medical science to develop their knowledge and investigative skills in the in the areas of health and medicine.
This course will provide you with the opportunity to pursue an independent investigative research project, along with relevant course work and studies in research methodology and skills. Upon successful completion of the honours year, you will be ready for a career in medical research, or further study in a masters or PhD program.
Graduates who complete an honours year are highly sought after in roles across both private and government industries. Students who complete this course also have a competitive advantage over applicants who have not undertaken this year of additional study.
Read MoreCourse structure
To complete the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours) students must attain 8 credit points, including two coursework units in research methods and developing research skills and an independent research project.
Core units
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Key information
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
All enrolled students who are working in a clinical setting who may be involved with blood sampling or invasive techniques are required to read, understand and comply with the School of Medicine Infectious Diseases and Immunisation Policy.
For detailed information, particularly with respect to the selection of areas of study and availability of appropriate supervision, students should consult the School of Medicine.
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Workload
You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree
Entry requirements
Entry information
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
- Attainment of Bachelor Degree or major in a related discipline with a WAM of at least 65 in all level 3 and level 4 units (for Deakin awards) or final year units (for awards from other providers),
OR
- Other evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
OR
- Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (H311) students who do not meet these criteria will require a minimum GAMSAT score of 60 and have successfully completed a minimum of 8 credit points of the Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library.
Entry will also be determined by the availability of supervisors and resources. International students must meet IELTS requirements.
Helpful information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the QILT website.
Learn more about Deakin's special entry access scheme (SEAS - a way to help boost your ATAR in some circumstances).
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our Trimester 1 2017 cohort of students (PDF, 657.3KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Credit for Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Graduate outcomes
Career outcomes
The honours (fourth) year builds upon the foundation of knowledge acquired through relevant undergraduate degrees. The aim of the honours year is to provide you with the opportunity to use and expand your knowledge base by pursuing an independent investigative research project in the area of health and medical science, along with relevant course work. This will provide you with skills for a career in medical research, including the necessary entry requirements for a higher degree (masters or PhD) program.
Professional recognition
Not applicable
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
Discipline Specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply discipline-specific knowledge to identify a gap in the literature within the chosen field of study; formulate a testable research question; develop a conceptual framework and select the appropriate methodological procedures for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; and disseminate research findings. |
Communication | Autonomously communicate, defend and discuss all elements of the research project in the chosen field of study via oral and written means to academics, specialists and others. |
Digital Literacy | Autonomously select and use appropriate technologies to source, interpret, adapt, collate, analyse and disseminate relevant information to an academic audience and specialists. |
Critical thinking | Critically and constructively, evaluate, critique and synthesise the literature in the chosen field of study; select and apply appropriate methodological principles suitable for the research project; select and apply appropriate analytical techniques to test the hypothesis; and interpret, compare and contrast study findings to the wider literature in the chosen field of study. |
Problem Solving | Identify a suitable and novel research question based on the literature within the context of Health and Medical Science that can be completed within the given timeframe; address the research question in an appropriate, realistic and ethical manner; and troubleshoot solutions to resolve unplanned, unforeseen and complex problems associated with the research study. |
Self-management | Produce a realistic timeline for the research project that incorporates the literature review, obtaining ethical approval (if applicable), sourcing and/or collecting and analysing data, and dissemination. Demonstrate effective self-management skills, autonomy and accountability that contribute to the development of lifelong learning as a researcher within Health and Medical Science. |
Teamwork | Collaborate and work effectively with specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. |
Global Citizenship | Engage in ethical and professional research practice whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting cultural sensitivities. |
Application information
How to apply
Apply direct to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Applicant Portal. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
Apply through DeakinNeed more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, visit the how to apply page.
Register your interest to study at Deakin
Please complete the Register your interest form to receive further information about our direct application opportunities.
Entry pathways

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Disclaimers:
Through a DLC: Some courses are only available for first year and students must transfer to online or campus based study.
Through Deakin College and TAFE: Completion of diploma and minimum academic requirements apply to enter Deakin University.
Through Deakin: Transfers within Deakin
are subject to availability and meeting minimum academic requirements.
Faculty contact information
Health - Student and Academic Services
Tel 03 9251 7777
health-enquire@deakin.edu.au