Bachelor of Science (Honours)
This program is designed to provide Science, IT and Mathematics graduates with advanced studies in the field of their choice.
Course essentials
Entry requirements
Credit
Study mode
Duration
Start dates
Locations
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Course overview
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) is a fourth-year program for graduates of all Science, Information Technology and Mathematical Science undergraduate degrees. The program serves as a prelude to a higher degree in research or advanced professional practice in careers that entail complex research work.
The honours program consists of the core research project, as well as course work studies in research methodologies, communication, and the preparation of a literature review. A significant proportion (over one half) of the work in this program is the research project, which culminates in the submission of an Honours thesis. The aim of this course is to develop skills and experience in the type of work involved in postgraduate research studies.
The range of study areas in which we offer supervision include computing at a professional level for students with sufficient background in computing or information technology, and research based studies in all science disciplines, including Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Environmental and Conservation Science, Food and Nutrition, Geoscience, Mathematical Sciences and Veterinary and Wildlife Science.
The research project allows you to pursue your area of interest in some depth whilst practising the investigative skills that are important in research. In particular, you will develop skills in finding the latest work published about your area of interest, and in assimilating and analysing this information. Course work also focusses on the preparation of a detailed research plan, designing and carrying out experimental research and writing up the results of your research. You will also learn how to communicate these findings to other people by giving seminars on your work and assembling your work in the form of a thesis.
Honours research projects
Honours research projects. Projects are available in all science disciplines. For more details, see the BSc Hons Handbook.
Applications for Semester 1 2026 start, close on 17th November 2025.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Science
Course co-ordinator
Rob Bischof
Career paths
In today's competitive environment, an Honours degree sets you apart. As a graduate of this program, you will be able to work in any area of private industry or government. This program will also provide you with an introduction to a research program and enables access to research degrees at universities throughout Australia and overseas.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
20 July 2026
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat.
Contact hours
Variable hours depending on the project. Full-time study is expected.
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Honours Research Methods15 credit pointsSCHON4001
- Honours Literature Review15 credit pointsSCHON4002
- Honours Research Project 130 credit pointsSCHON4003
- Honours Communication and Application15 credit pointsSCHON4005
- Honours Research Project 245 credit pointsSCHON4004
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Completion of a three-year undergraduate science degree and student GPA of 6.0 or higher (on a GPA scale of 7.0 max).
Applicants must have the support of a supervisor, and a proposed research project. Applicants must complete and submit the Research Proposal Form with their application.
English language requirements
Overall IELTS band score of 6.0, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent.
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- SZ8
Hear from our staff
Hi, my name is Dr Gour Karmakar and I am the Associate Professor in Information Technology and Program Coordinator of Bachelor of IT Gippsland and Networking and Security stream at Federation University. My favourite part of this program is that it comprises contemporary and in-demand courses and streams such as Business Information Systems, Big Data, Analytics, Networking and Security and Software Development. They enable students to get highly paid jobs such as data scientist, cyber security and networking specialist, software engineer and business analyst. The program not only focuses the development of theoretical knowledge but also underpins on hands-on experience and contemporary tools. Using contemporary tools they equip students with sufficient knowledge and technical foundational skill to apply in different business context. What makes our program different from other universities is that we are collaborating with industry to embed co-op education, that is co-design, co-delivery and co-assessment of the courses. Besides, authentic assessment is the bedrock of this program. The coordination of co-operation is also mapping the courses to relevant vendor certification which help students become job ready and secure great job. Fun fact, that I occasionally write poetry and like walking in the morning. So please study this course and join Federation University.