Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Honours is a 1 year program consisting of a research project and associated theoretical work.

An Honours year provides professional training in a chosen area of specialisation, providing the opportunity to experience scientific research first hand.

Researchers in the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology at the University of Adelaide are international leaders in their fields, providing an opportunity for students to work at the cutting edge of science and technology.

During an Honours year, you will learn new techniques and broaden your skill base, opening the doors to increased job opportunities.

Honours can give you a competitive edge in the job market, or if you are interested in further study, it is an important foundation for postgraduate research.

In the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Honours degrees can be undertaken in the following research areas:

Research areas

  • Agricultural science
  • Animal behaviour
  • Animal science
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology and evolutionary biology
  • Energy geoscience
  • Environmental geoscience
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Molecular and biomedical science
  • Physics
  • Plant science
  • Soil science
  • Wine science

Search for an Honours supervisor.

Where could it take you?

Depending on your study choices, you could emerge well-prepared for senior and leadership roles in a specific scientific discipline or as a science generalist, in the public or private sector. Or perhaps you’ll aim higher still and go on to Masters or PhD-level research. Wherever you want to go, you’ll be perfectly placed.





  • Ranked 124 globally for Natural Sciences*
  • Five star rating for student support in science**
  • Undertake a major research or industry project

*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022
**Good Universities Guide, 2021

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

An Honours Nomination Form must be submitted at the following website: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/honours. Further information on Honours in the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology can also be found at this site: https://set.adelaide.edu.au/study/honours

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 3BH021
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Higher Education Study A completed Bachelors degree or equivalent, with a GPA of 5. Applicants with a GPA ranging between 4.5 to 4.99 will be considered by the Director, Sciences program on a case by case basis.

Applicants are required to have completed a major or equivalent specialisation in the following disciplines to be accepted into the same field:

  • Chemistry

  • Geology

  • Geophysics

  • Molecular and Biomedical Science

  • Physics
Other Entry Pathways

Fees and Scholarships

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I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,280

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

The scientific approach to problem-solving, maturity and self-discipline gained during the Honours year equips our graduates for a wide variety of careers.  Examples of the jobs that our Honours graduates find are: policy advisors, consultants, science communicators, analysts and researchers in universities, hospitals, government and industry.   

Further Study

Honours graduates may choose to continue their research training with postgraduate study such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  A PhD is usually a 3 year program that provides students with the opportunity to carry out an original research project and explore in great detail a specific area of science. 

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Palaeontologist;  Plant Scientist;  Ecotour Operator;  Environmental Manager;  Flavour Chemist;  Geobiologist;  Geospatial Scientist;  Wildlife Conservationist;  Public Health Scientist;  Research and Development Manager ...

Degree Structure

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 24 units, chosen from:

Research areas:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Animal Science
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Energy Geoscience
  • Environmental Geoscience
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Molecular and Biomedical Science
  • Physics
  • Plant Science
  • Soil Science
  • Wine Science

Areas of Specialisation

Research pathway:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Animal Science
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Energy Geoscience
  • Environmental Geoscience
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Molecular and Biomedical Science
  • Physics
  • Plant Science
  • Soil Science
  • Wine Science

Example Study Plan

Assessment



Related Degrees

Testimonial

The education I received provided me with the confidence and ecological foundation to apply the skills developed from studying semi-arid vegetation to leading research on seabirds in Antarctica.

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Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024