Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Sciences (Honours)

Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Sciences (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Thoroughly explore your discipline when you undertake a thesis in biomedical science, applied health or allied health. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February
Location:
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$44,160 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Bundoora

Overview

This degree has been designed to equip you with a transferable skill-set relevant for a future career in academic and applied research, diagnostic services, industry, medical marketing, scientific communication and many other STEM-related careers.

It is a unique supervisor-guided independent research project with complimentary workshops in research methods and scientific communication appropriate to your chosen research discipline. Specifically, the benefits of an honours degree are:

  • learning advanced problem-solving skills
  • developing science communication skills in parallel with critical and independent thinking
  • developing an aptitude for independent research and research techniques
  • gaining advanced knowledge in your scientific discipline.

The transferable skills and independent research experience gained as part of this honours degree are unique from those learnt during undergraduate studies. These skills and experiences are required for future higher degree by research study, and are expected in most academic and research positions. Many non-academic employers also recognise these skills as highly desirable in prospective employees. In consultation with the program coordinator and your potential supervisor, you’ll be allocated a project that aims to complement your skills and areas of interest.

Why study health and biomedical sciences at RMIT?

Research community

Work and learn alongside established members of our multidisciplinary research groups.

Professional accreditation

Gain eligibility to join Australian scientific and biomedical professional societies.

Industry collaborations

Take the opportunity to contribute to the work of our external research partnerships.

Honours projects

The multidisciplinary nature of our scientific research focus in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences provides unparalleled opportunities to offer projects in leading-edge health and biomedical research programs. Each project is  developed specifically for honours students and may be a preliminary exploration, a smaller component of a bigger research project or part of an existing collaboration with industry. Principle areas of research focus include:

  • Biomedical Sciences: including respiratory disorders, HIV and complications, early life determinants of chronic disorders, inflammation and ageing, cardiovascular and cognitive disorders, musculoskeletal function and pain, diabetes and obesity.
  • Applied Health: including manual therapies, resilience, sleep disorders and nutrition, medical imaging, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy, nursing, pharmacy and psychology.
  • Allied Health: including exercise sciences, osteopathy, chiropractic, traditional Chinese medicine, clinical trials, practitioner engagement, health economics, public health, mental health and behavioural science.

Research community

This research extension to your undergraduate degree is closely aligned with RMIT's research community. Depending on your project, you will work with a supervisor who is actively contributing to RMIT's research strength area of biomedical health and innovation and is connected to recognised local and international research groups and institutes.

You may also have the opportunity to use RMIT's extensive biomedical and biotechnical equipment and facilities and to work collaboratively with professional technicians and staff from these facilities.

Details

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Learning and teaching

As an honours student, you will work predominantly on an individual research project with the guidance of a supervisor.

You will undertake a series of coursework modules to develop skills in research methods, research practice and communication. In consultation with your supervisor you will develop your research plan.

You will conduct your research as prescribed in your plan, and document your findings in a written thesis, and presentation to an audience of peers and project supervisors.

Assessment methods

You will conduct your research as prescribed in your plan, and document your findings in a written thesis and one presentation. Other assessment includes a literature review, paper critique and seminar presentations.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Honours supervisors are connected to industry through RMIT’s many courses, research centres and groups.

In some cases, honours research projects are part of a larger industry collaboration, including projects with other research institutions, forensics, sporting associations and hospitals.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The honours year is a research project, with the major assessment being the thesis.

This degree will build on your existing academic capabilities and develop your research skills so that you gain a broader understanding of biomedical research.

You will undertake a series of coursework modules to develop skills in research methods, research practice and communication. In consultation with your supervisor you will develop your research plan.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Sciences (Honours)
Program code: BH058
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Sciences (Honours)
Bundoora Campus
1 year (2 semesters) full-time, or 2 years (4 semesters) part-time
BH058P18
084885G
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
1 year (2 semesters) full-time, or 2 years (4 semesters) part-time
Plan code
BH058P18
CRICOS
084885G
View plan
Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Sciences (Honours)
Bundoora Campus
1 year (2 semesters) full-time
BH058P18
084885G
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
1 year (2 semesters) full-time
Plan code
BH058P18
CRICOS
084885G
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates of this honours degree often advance to a Masters or PhD degree and undertake further research in their particular area of interest.

This pathway can also build a solid foundation for a future career in biomedical, allied and applied health sciences, including:

  • basic and applied research
  • diagnostic services
  • industry
  • government.

 

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Honours students may be eligible to join various Australian scientific and biomedical professional societies. Your honours supervisor can provide further advice.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

To be eligible for entry into this honours program you need to satisfy the following three criteria:

  1. Successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent), with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 out of 4.0 overall in one of the following cognate areas: Biomedical Science, Laboratory Medicine, Medical Radiation, Exercise Science, Physical Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Chinese Medicine, Nursing, or Health Science/Science with a clinical discipline.
  2. Satisfactorily completed an interview with a project supervisor and had them agree to supervise you. Supervisors will consider your skills, interests, and background to determine suitability for the nominated project. Important: Please refer to the ‘selection tasks’ heading for instructions on how to nominate preferred projects/supervisors.
International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Before submitting your application, browse the Honours Research Project List to find projects that match your skills and interests. Select your top three project preferences and then consult with the project supervisors to gauge their interest in supervising you.

Once you have consulted with your preferred supervisors, you must complete and submit your direct application for BH058. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

The fields in the selection task will ask you to nominate three project preferences and confirm that you have consulted with the supervisors. Please complete all fields, and submit your selection task.

Your application for entry to BH058 will not be considered until you have completed and submitted this selection task.

Supervisors will be provided a list of students that have selected their projects as a preference in mid-November. If you have not submitted your preferences before this time, you increase the risk of missing out on your preferred project.

Selection criteria by applicant type

The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.

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Secondary education (Year 12) is not considered for entry into this program.

Vocational education and training (VET) is not considered for entry into this program.

To be eligible for entry into this honours program you must have:

  1. Successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent), with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 out of 4.0 overall in one of the following cognate areas: Biomedical Science, Laboratory Medicine, Medical Radiation, Exercise Science, Physical Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Chinese Medicine, Nursing, or Health Science/Science with a clinical discipline.
  2. Satisfactorily completed an interview with a project supervisor and had them agree to supervise you. Supervisors will consider your skills, interests, and background to determine suitability for the nominated project. Important: Please refer to the ‘selection tasks’ heading for instructions on how to nominate preferred projects/supervisors.

Applicants who completed their undergraduate program more than five years ago should submit a portfolio of evidence of professional development related to industry experience.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Work and life experience is not considered for entry into this program.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a selection task for this program. See below for full selection task details.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in Biomedical Science, Laboratory Medicine, Pharmaceutical Science, Medical Radiations, Exercise and Sports Science or a related discipline with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

The Honours program has a significant research component. Prior to submitting your application, you must contact the School and confirm a supervisor and a research topic.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

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Unfortunately there are no formal pathways into this degree.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this program, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

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You may be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Sciences (Honours) when you have successfully completed any of the following bachelor degrees:

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2025 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,627 per standard year
$578 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,314 per standard year
$1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,241 per standard year
$1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,992 per standard year
$2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

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