Pathway to a research masters or PhD
#1 Victorian university for health course satisfaction
Top 5 provider in Australia for health degrees
Why choose health and medical science at Deakin
Gain a competitive edge in your career and make a meaningful contribution to health or medical science research. The Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours) gives you the opportunity to build on your undergraduate studies through an additional year of advanced coursework, research training and independent investigation.
You’ll deepen your knowledge in your chosen health or medical science discipline while developing the critical thinking, investigative and research skills needed to tackle real-world challenges. As well as studying research methodology, you’ll complete an independent research project under the supervision of experienced researchers with expertise across health and medicine.
Graduate with the skills and experience to pursue opportunities in academia, government, private industry, biological sciences, clinical research and beyond. You’ll also be well prepared for further study, including higher degrees by research.
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Learn from active researchers
Build your skills while being guided by experienced academics working at the forefront of health and medical science research.
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Focus on rural communities
Choose to conduct research in rural and regional areas and help address the significant health workforce shortage in these communities.
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Multidisciplinary approach
Develop across multiple health and medical disciplines to open pathways for your future career.
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Build real research skills
An honours research project lets you learn how to design, analyse and communicate scientific studies.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build advanced research skills to pursue opportunities across health and medical science research, or strengthen your pathway to further study such as a masters or PhD.
Professional areas
- Health and medical research
- Biological sciences
- Clinical research
- Academia
- Government
- Private industry
Key dates
Direct applications
Semester 1 2027 applications close 22 October 2026
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours)?
The honours year deepens your disciplinary knowledge while giving you the opportunity to undertake a substantial independent research project in health and medical science.
Advanced study and independent research
Design and conduct a research project
Work closely with academic supervisors to develop a research proposal and carry out an in-depth investigation.
Strengthen analytical and critical skills
Engage with advanced concepts and research literature to refine your ability to evaluate evidence and draw informed conclusions.
Communicate and present findings
Produce a thesis or equivalent research output and present your work, preparing you for higher degree study or research-focused roles.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours), you must pass 8 credit points.
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per semester and usually undertake two semesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Professional recognition
Not applicable
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
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.
You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.
This course requires you to undertake your own research. Honours is a specialised year of study that allows you to draw together the theory and practical skills gained in previous undergraduate studies and to develop an in-depth knowledge of your particular discipline through research and additional coursework. Engagement with online course material and scheduled on-campus classes is required, along with regular meetings with project supervisors. Students may also need to attend additional on-campus course activities and events as required.
Not applicable
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| 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. |
| 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. |
| Autonomously select and use appropriate technologies to source, interpret, adapt, collate, analyse and disseminate relevant information to an academic audience and specialists. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Collaborate and work effectively with specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Engage in ethical and professional research practice whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting cultural sensitivities. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H413
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$13,005
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin. Places in this course are limited and entry is competitive, so we encourage you to submit your application early.
Key dates
Direct applications
Semester 1 2027 applications close 22 October 2026
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Need more information on how to apply?
Wondering how to apply? We've put together a guide for you – from application closing dates to finding a project supervisor, find out everything you need to know.
Recognition of prior learning
Due to the prescribed structure and specific learning requirements of this course, recognition of prior learning (RPL) is not available.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.