Have you considered a career in Research? See what is possible with an Honours degree, and hear from our students’ experiences
What is the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree?
This is a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) program that allows students to undertake a major research project supervised and trained by our research academics and further supported by undertaking research-focused subjects.
Honours projects are available on a wide range of disciplines and topics, and the program culminates with the production and presentation of a high-quality research dissertation (up to 12,000 words). The completion of the Honours program provides a great foundation and preparation for a research higher degree course, such as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and a future career as a researcher, academic or in industry.
Who can do honours?
If you have completed or are nearing completion of your undergraduate degree in any science, medical science, or biomedical science degree, you may be eligible in applying for an honours degree. For example, the following undergraduate courses from SDMS (or equivalent qualification from another tertiary institution) can incorporate this ‘add-on’ honours program.
Bachelor of Food Science and Nutrition
Bachelor of Health and Medical Science
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology)
Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science
Entry to the honours course is selective. Selection is based on academic merit; you must have achieved a 5.0 Grade Point average (GPA) or above in your undergraduate course (i.e. a credit average), and you must not have failed any subjects. However, there may be instances where special considerations are given, so contacting the SDMS Honours Advisor is advisable.
Advantages of an Honours degree
There could be many reasons to consider an honours degree after your undergraduate experience, which includes
Having the opportunity to work on real-world scientific or medical problems, and to make a positive contribution to the field with leading experts and laboratory groups.
Utilise the latest techniques and technologies, learn theoretical and practical research skills.
Hone your ability to critically appraise scientific literature and develop your expertise in scientific communication.
Allow yourself to focus on one chosen project for a year, obtain specialised knowledge in your chosen discipline, and advance your research and writing skills.
Honours and your career path
An Honours degree is an important and widely recognised qualification for entry into postgraduate study in Australia. The skills you obtain in this degree will also enhance your employment prospects as it demonstrates your capacity to do independent research, to think critically and analytically, and to write at a reasonably advanced level. Honours degrees appear as a separate qualification on your transcript, and can be awarded with the following grades:
Honours, Class 1 (H1)
Honours, Class 2 division 1 (H2a)
Honours, Class 2 division 2 (H2b)
Honours, Class 3 (H3)
What projects are available?
There are a wide range of research topics available in this degree, and as many ways to ultimately reach your chosen project. For example, you might find in your undergraduate degree an interest in a particular topic, or subject – and your lecturer might have projects available for you. Otherwise, it is possible to discuss your ideas with any of the academics based on their discipline expertise/research areas, or to browse through available projects here, or via the Honours Information evenings.
How is the program structured?
For detailed information, please see the following links or access the 2025 Honours Handbook, however, here is a quick outline of a standard enrolment pattern for a one year/full time program:
Session 1
HRS410 – Science Honours Research Methods (8CP)
HRS425 – Honours in Science Research Fundamentals (24CP)
Session 2
HRS442 – Honours in Science Research Dissertation/Project (32CP)
(The dissertation worth 80% of total grade, oral presentation 20% of total grade)
Click here for further information, including details of the Part-Time enrolment pattern.
HRS410 can be substituted with another level 4 research subject such as STA404 with Course Director Approval. Supervisors and HA’s advise the CD if it is agreed the enrolment pattern is to change
HRS425 (24CP) – if a student needs to pick up a theory subject to support their project, if supervisors and HAs agree, then they advise the CD. With CD approval a student can request for enrolment in the subject and the CD will also advise and organise for GPS to be amended. The version of HRS425 will be reduced to a lower weighing code to accommodate that specific 8 point theory subject choice.
Any course level queries must go to the Course Director.