Health Science

In today’s complex health and wellness systems, there is increasing demand for non-clinical roles related to the improvement and maintenance of individual and population health. Dedicated people with specialised skills, in-depth industry knowledge and an understanding of health beyond illness and disease are needed to work within these systems.

The Bachelor of Health Science is a flexible program that prepares you to apply integrated and multidisciplinary knowledge to a range of areas in the health industry and beyond. You will establish a strong foundation in biomedical and social science understandings of health, and can specialise in areas relevant to your career ambitions, interests and strengths. These include human resource management, information technology, marketing, counselling, languages and psychology. You will also have the opportunity to complete a health and wellbeing industry placement.

The program prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to contribute effectively to the ever-changing health industry. The program aims to prepare graduates who have a foundation in basic health science together with a major and minor area of study, and who can employ inter-disciplinary knowledge and skills to operate effectively within the broader health care sector.

The program includes courses in biological and social sciences, health related concepts and practice, sociology of health, health promotion, project management and evaluation, and health research and statistics. In addition, students complete a major or two minors from the list of University majors and minors.

The degree requires successful completion of courses comprising 108 units.

To be eligible for selection, applicants are required to:

Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and

• obtain a competitive ATAR, and
• meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C-

Alternatively, applicants can fulfil one of the following requirements with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements, and other academic requirements for the program:

• Complete secondary education qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points, or
• Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
• Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above, or
• Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above, or
• Qualify for Special Entry, or
• Complete a University Foundation Studies program

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

• IELTS total: - 6.5
• IELTS reading: - 6.5
• IELTS writing: - 6.5
• IELTS speaking: - 6.5
• IELTS listening: - 6.5

Each year, more than 2,500 students at the University of South Australia benefit from scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. We welcome high achieving students from developing countries who are supported by the Australian government program, Australia Awards. We also host around 500 students who are sponsored by their home government, university or employer.