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
A full-time study load is 120 credits a year (usually four 15-credit units each semester). 120 credits equal one equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL). Each credit point equals about 10 hours of learning, so a 15-credit unit means roughly 150 hours.
Study mode
Study modes tell you how teaching and learning will be delivered for your course and include where and when classes can be scheduled, what you'll do and the tech you'll use.
Online
Duration
Start dates
26 July 2027
Locations
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Course overview
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) builds on your undergraduate degree with advanced study and an independent research project, helping you deepen your understanding and tackle complex problems.
Open to graduates from disciplines such as science, information technology, engineering, business and related areas, this course strengthens your technical and analytical skills, preparing you for further study or a career driven by innovation.
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 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 2, 2027
26 July 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat.
- Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa.
Contact hours
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
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.
- Literature Review and Communication15 credit pointsSCHON4101
- Advanced Research Methodology15 credit pointsSCHON4102
- Honours Project Planning15 credit pointsSCHON4103
Approved Elective
- Honours Project 130 credit pointsSCHON4104
- Honours Project 230 credit pointsSCHON4105
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level or above, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course such as Federation Access Studies (FAST).
Successful completion of a bahelor's degree at AQF level 7 in a cognate discipline with a GPA 6.0 and above in:
- Applied Science,
- Biomechanics, Biomedical Science,
- Clinical Exercise Physiology,
- Engineering, Engineering Maintenance Management, Engineering Project Management, Engineering Science, Engineering Technology, Exercise and Sport Science, Exercise Prescription, Exercise Science,
- Human Anatomy, Human Movement,
- Information Technology,
- Maintenance and Reliability Engineering, Maintenance Management, Mathematics, Mining, Mining Engineering,
- Paramedicine, Physical Education, Physiology,
- Reliability Engineering,
- Science, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Sport, Sport Science, Statistics,
- Technology,
- Workplace Health and Safety
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.
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
- SI8
