Pathway to a research masters or PhD
#1 Melbourne 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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Build real research skills
Complete an honours research project and learn how to design, analyse and communicate scientific studies.
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Specialise your knowledge
Develop deeper expertise in health and medical sciences through focused study aligned to your interests.
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Pathway to further study
Prepare for postgraduate research or professional roles in health and medical science.
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Learn from active researchers
Study with academics who are actively contributing to health and medical science research.
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
*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 |
|---|
| 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
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$43,600
for 1 yr full-time AUD
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.
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.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Apply directly through StudyLink Connect. Depending on your location, you may need to apply through a Deakin Authorised Agent, who can support and submit your application.
See our guide to applying to Deakin for application steps and requirements.
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.