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Start Date
January, April, June, September

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
Online

Time Commitment
10 - 15 hours per week per course

Program Code
XBHS

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Check your eligibility
Answer a few short questions to determine your eligibility
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Degree overview

  • Study a generalist health science degree and build a solid foundation in human health.
  • Gain a holistic understanding of health, human biology, and the healthcare system.
  • Choose to continue your studies with UniSA Allied Health degrees such as Physiotherapy, Medical Radiations, and Occupational Therapy.
  • Study course content that is informed by current research and leading-edge developments in the health sector.
  • Graduate with an in-demand transferable skillset required in cross-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary roles in the health sector.
  • Join a university ranked in the top 5 in Australia for graduate careers in health.1

1Ranked #3, ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Rehabilitation – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). Public universities.

Snapshot

Snapshot

Study On Demand – a 100% online health sciences degree designed specifically for online learning. Take full control over your study – access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

Forge your path in health with UniSA Online’s Bachelor of Health Science. This is a three-year generalist degree that will provide a pathway into a diverse number of careers in the ever-growing healthcare and health services sectors. You’ll gain a holistic understanding of health, human biology, and the healthcare system. Study core courses in anatomy, social sciences, psychology concepts, health promotion, project management, and health research. Develop the skills to adapt and respond to challenges in human health settings in Australia and around the world.

The Bachelor of Health Science is a flexible degree that allows you to undertake a range of specialisations in areas outside of the health field. Become a social media expert in health communications, develop healthcare marketing and communications campaigns, work as a health journalist, or specialise in health services in the criminal justice sector. You’ll also have the option to choose from a variety of electives in complementary areas such as Health Administration, Communication, and Ageing and Disability.

With a solid foundation in health, you’ll have the option to continue your studies in selected clinical fields and UniSA Allied Health degrees such as Physiotherapy, Medical Radiation, or Occupational Therapy. Or you may choose to enter the workforce after your studies and pursue a non-clinical role in the health sector. No matter where your career takes you, you’ll leave with the key skills and knowledge employers in the health sector are calling out for.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

A solid foundation of health science knowledge is extremely important for anyone working in the health sector. Fascinated by the human body? Study human biology and anatomy. Learn about muscles, nerves, bone structure and major blood vessels including the function of muscle groups of the limbs, spine trunk and thorax. Discover how body systems work together as well as how the body responds physiologically to disease. Learn the fundamentals of pharmacology, which looks at the study of drugs and their impact on living systems.

Project management skills are extremely important, especially if you choose to work in community development, population health, or health and wellbeing roles. Throughout your studies, you’ll learn to incorporate project management concepts, techniques and tools used within health and community sector organisations and workplaces.

You’ll also learn about the importance of research and evidence-based practice. The practice of research results in new knowledge and can be powerful enough to influence public policy and improve the health outcomes of entire populations. You’ll learn how research is conducted, how to choose an appropriate type of research design, and study approaches to do so ethically and with rigour.

Your health sciences degree will equip you with a transferable skillset that you’ll be able to apply in a wide variety of cross-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary roles in the health sector.

Study hours

Studying 100% online means you can engage with course materials at your own pace, whenever it suits you – there is no need to be online at a particular time. It’s flexible around your life so you can control your study schedule week by week. As a general rule, we recommend 10 to 15 hours of study a week for each course.

Assessment

Assessment

All assessments, including exams (if required) are 100% online, meaning you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or find an exam venue.

Some of your assessments may include:

  • an industry-relevant project
  • an online presentation
  • essays and reports.

Degree structure

Please note, courses may not be displayed in order of study.

First year
book
|
OR
book
Elective
book
book
book
UO Health and Society (HLTH 1054)
book
book
book
book
Second year
book
UO Physiology (BIOL 2061)
book
Elective
book
UO Anatomy 1 (HLTH 2054)
book
Elective
book
UO Pathophysiology (MEDI 2008)
book
Elective
book
book
Elective
Third year
book
book
UO Anatomy 2 (HLTH 3089) , Note(s): 2
|
OR
book
Elective / Advanced Health Science Elective
, Rule(s): 1
book
book
book
book
Elective / Advanced Health Science Elective
, Rule(s): 1
book
book
Elective / Advanced Health Science Elective
, Rule(s): 1

Study Health Science On Demand

Craig Williams, Program Director: UniSA Online gives an insight into what the Bachelor of Health Science is about, and how the degree has been designed to suit busy adults on the go.

UniSA Video

Why Bachelor of Health Science

Why this Degree

Join a university ranked in the top 5 in Australia for graduate careers in health.1

UniSA is ranked above world-class for our research in health and medical sciences,2 and this excellence shines through in our teaching. We are inspired by challenges and opportunities, and partner with local icons and international organisations to deliver impact and change.

Through your studies, you’ll be exposed to contemporary practice and authentic assessments. Explore case studies relevant to the industry. You’ll study course content that has been informed by current research and leading-edge developments in the industry. Links between teaching and research will be threaded throughout your courses, particularly in research methods and project courses.

1Ranked #3, ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Rehabilitation – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). Public universities.
22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Career outcomes

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Your career

Strong employment growth is predicted for the health care and social assistance industries, with 23% growth (equating to about 250,000 new jobs) expected by 20231.
As a result, there will be a high demand for job applicants with a broad knowledge of health and healthcare, but this won’t be limited to clinical health practitioners. There will also be an increase in non-clinical roles with skills in analysis, research, health promotion, and management in the health care context.

  • Health promotion officer: Plan and develop policies, strategies and projects that promote health at a local, regional or national level; develop the health awareness of individuals, groups and organisations; run community training courses and workshops; write and produce leaflets, posters, videos and brochures to aid health promotion in different environments; and ensure work is underpinned by up-to-date knowledge of health promotion theory.

  • Health project officer: Play a lead role in planning and delivering health and social care projects on time and within budget; engage with stakeholders regularly and report on the progress of project deliverables and risks; manage project budgets and resources; and develop reports and evaluate community programs, events and activities.

  • Health support worker: Work with clients from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, who have varied life experiences, physical abilities and skills; assist specialist teams and services in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health; mental health; drug and alcohol services, refugee services, and homelessness; and use your knowledge of the local community to create opportunities for increased participation as a local citizen.

  • Health policy officer: Analyse healthy ageing policies and their effects on government and organisation programs and operations; implement and oversee research and analysis projects; develop strategies and proposals on policy development in designated reform areas; draft policy positions and statements; consult with relevant advisory groups, government officials and other key stakeholders; and collate and present project findings, data and policy positions in papers and reports.

  • Health and welfare services officer: Coordinate the professional and administrative aspects of health and welfare programs and services; develop and implement policies and standards for medical, nursing, allied health and administrative staff; coordinate and administer health and welfare programs and clinical services; liaise with other health and welfare providers, boards and funding bodies; and advise government bodies about measures to improve health and welfare services and facilities.

  • Community program developer: Research, plan and implement programs and activities that promote and increase participation of older people in communities; build networks and develop partnerships with community organisations to achieve positive outcomes for the local community, and work with people from diverse backgrounds and supervise and develop staff and volunteers.

  • Aboriginal health officer: Deliver high quality, comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary health care services in urban, regional, rural, and remote locations across Australia; develop tailored educational resources and training for community organisations and non-Aboriginal organisations; advocate for culturally respectful and needs-based approaches to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

1https://www.nationalskillscommission.gov.au/insights/health-care-and-social-assistance-industry-analysis.

Industry facts

chart-people

By 2050, the global population of older people will have more than doubled, to 2.1 billion.1

1UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-2030.

data-presentation

1 in 7 Australians are aged 65 years and older.2

2In 2017. Older Australians at a Glance, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

job-listings

1.9 million people – the number employed in the health care and social assistance industry by 2024.3

3Health Care and Social Assistance employment projections to May 2024, Department of Employment.

Your study experience and support

Study On Demand

Our online career-focused degrees give you full control and ultimate flexibility over your study. It’s Study On Demand, on your schedule, on your terms.

  • Study 100% online - no need to come onto campus
  • Choose from four start dates in January, April, June and September
  • Learn in 10-week blocks
  • Get support seven days a week - including on weeknights
  • Access learning resources 24/7
  • View course content before your term starts
  • Work while you study
  • Plan your study schedule ahead of time
  • Fast-track your studies and receive credit for past study and/or work experience.

Why UniSA Online?

Student services

Our graduates get jobs

UniSA is ranked as the number one university in Australia for graduate employability.1 Join a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA Online degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career or take it to the next level.

Specifically designed for online learning

Our team of academic and online experts have created interactive and media-rich course material using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources. Every degree has been specifically designed for online learning to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge for your future career.

Backed by industry

Every UniSA Online degree is overseen by an experienced industry advisory board. We've also consulted with industry experts with a wealth of experience to design course content that reflects the most cutting-edge developments in your field. Our industry connections will enrich your online study experience - you'll be presented with industry problems that real organisations face. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge that industry are telling us they need in graduates.

Expand your professional network from wherever you are

Online study doesn’t mean studying on your own. You’ll connect with a community of other like-minded students – you’ll be able to share, debate and collaborate ideas through virtual classrooms, online chat, video conferencing, and online communication tools.

1 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey, 2020-22 – Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities.

Student support

Student services

Studying can be challenging, especially when you’re also juggling work and other life commitments. You’re not studying 9-5, Monday to Friday, which is why we provide personalised, extended hour support services – including on weekends – so you can get help when you need it. 

Dedicated Student Adviser support

Our Student Advisers will be an important part of your student journey – they’ll help you enrol, discuss your study goals, communication preferences, and will be your first point of call for all your general study questions. They’ll link you to an extensive range of support services and resources across the University and will help schedule appointments with specialised services if required.

Online academic support seven days a week

You’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.

They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing as well as answer any other course-specific queries. You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment. You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.

24/7 tech support

Our IT Help Desk is available 24/7 to provide assistance with your computer set up, student email, software requirements and other UniSA apps and student applications. You’ll be able to get support no matter what time it is.

24/7 digital environment

Our interactive online environment is a one-stop shop for all your study needs. You’ll be able to track your progress through the student dashboard, plan your study schedule, receive reminders on due dates for tasks and assessments, as well as collaborate and network with a community of other like-minded students.

Using innovative technology in online education, your study experience will be highly personalised based on your learning activities throughout your degree. Just like your own personal study coach, you’ll get tailored feedback to enhance your learning outcomes and ensure you’re successful in your studies.

Student services

What others are saying

Even though I’ve just begun my degree, I’m loving it. I’ve enjoyed learning about human health from a population perspective and exploring the different aspects of the Australian health industry. 

As a stay-at-home mum, I’m very grateful for online study. I’ve been able to work towards achieving my goal of becoming a sonographer while still caring for my kids and not having to make sacrifices in my personal life. If it wasn’t for this degree being offered online, there’s no way I could have undertaken study and progressed my learning, and I know that this degree will set me well up for my future career. 

Madeleine Buchanan

Bachelor of Health Science

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Madeleine Buchanan

Bachelor of Health Science

IT Requirements

As a general rule of thumb, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past three years should be capable of meeting your online learning needs. While mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones will be able to access most of your online course content, there are likely to be elements of most courses where we recommend you use a desktop or laptop computer. Your computer should be able to:

  • run a modern browser (Microsoft Edge, Firefox 24, Safari 5, or Chrome 32 or later versions)
  • run Java
  • run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations
  • use a web camera and headset (or ear pods with microphone)
  • Some UniSA Online degrees require an online exam. The online exam software – Remote Proctor Now – has specific capability requirements. Please refer to the system requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer is compatible.

Access free IT software and resources

As a UniSA Online student, you'll:

  • Get free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Lync software. Install the full suite on up to five different devices (PC and Mac compatible). 
  • Get 1Tb of personal storage that syncs with your PC or mobile device through OneDrive - it's like an extra hard drive that allows you to open any of your files from any of your devices, whenever you need them. 
  • Get free access to LinkedIn Learning - Access more than 5000 video courses on a broad range of topics such as: the Microsoft Office suite, time management and study skills, health and wellbeing, communication and presentation skills, photography, film making and designing your own games or mobile apps.
  • Be able to connect with others using Microsoft Teams, Yammer and the Outlook Web App.

There are some degrees that have specialised software requirements. We've made this software available to students to access for free - you'll be able to download and install any of the required programs on your own device anywhere and anytime. See if your degree requires specialised software.

Check your device

Our computer system test will determine if your device has the base system resources and software required to study online. It'll also check the speed of your internet connection.

See if your computer, laptop or device is all set up and ready to go – it takes just a few seconds.

How to apply

The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:

  1. Check your eligibility

    Take our eligibility checker and answer a few short questions to see if you’re eligible. You’ll be given an option to continue your application, save it for later or request a call back from a Degree Adviser if you have any questions.

  2. Gather your relevant documents

    If you're eligible, you'll receive an email outlining the entry requirements and the relevant documentation you need in order to be considered.

    In order to verify your academic qualifications, you'll need to upload relevant documents like your official parchment, certificates or transcripts. If you have work experience, you will need to upload your CV as well as any other documents like work references, professional recognition or accreditation or your training certification.

    Your email will contain information on the specific documents you need to provide as well as a link to log in to your application. You'll be asked to create an account and set your own password.

  3. Complete your application and send through your documents

    In order to proceed with your conditional offer, you’ll need to complete your application and provide required evidence of your previous study or work experience.

Alternative Pathways

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