Key facts
Locations
Course overview
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.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H413
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 075601K Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours) you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- including 4 credit points of an independent research project
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: February
- 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).
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Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Workload
You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.
Participation requirements
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.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Not applicable
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet one the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or a major in a related discipline, with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65 in all level three or four Deakin units (or in final year units for awards from other providers)
- Doctor of Medicine (H911) 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 Doctor of Medicine
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$43,600 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the 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.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Career outcomes
This honours year will prepare you for a career in medical research, as well as acting as a pathway to further study such as a master or PhD program.
As a graduate you will be highly sought after for academic, private and government roles in a variety of areas such as biological sciences and clinical research.
Professional recognition
Not applicable
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
*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.