Program Overview

Bachelor of Health Science (HLB103.2)

The Bachelor of Health Science program offers an expansive introduction to health sciences in the fields of public health, anatomy and physiology, psychology, health ethics and law, evidence-based medicine and data use and, Indigenous health.

About this course

You’ll gain career-ready skills by completing projects focused on real-world scenarios, and engaging in the embedded work integrated learning. The flexibility and student-driven focus of this degree allows you to tailor your degree to a variety of career paths that follow your passion for health and wellbeing and enhance employability prospects upon graduation.

When you graduate you’ll have a strong academic base in health science disciplines, with the capacity to apply knowledge and skills in an ethical, fair and respectful manner. You will have a broad and coherent knowledge and skill for working as a professional in the health industry and will be well equipped to undertake further postgraduate study in research or other professional allied health degrees. Following completion of this course you might like to pursue further study through Bachelor of Health Science (Honours), Master of Public Health, Master of Occupational Therapy or Master of Speech Pathology.

Course Specific Information

You will be required to hold a valid Working with Vulnerable People registration.

Professional accreditation

None.

Admission requirements

Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:

• Year 12 ATAR
• other Australian Qualification
• work experience
• overseas qualification

We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the University via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes.

Periods course is open for new admissions

• 2026: Bruce, Canberra, Semester 1, 16 February 2026
• 2026: Bruce, Canberra, Semester 2, 10 August 2026
• 2027: Bruce, Canberra, Semester 1, 15 February 2027
• 2027: Bruce, Canberra, Semester 2, 09 August 2027

Credit arrangements

A credit transfer arrangement is available for this course for the following institutions:

• Equivalent Graduate Status / Work Experience / Veteran Tertiary Support Program (34997)
• Any Australian Diploma (AQF5) (34468)

Prior work and study recognition

UC recognises the value of your experience. You can unlock course credit or even get direct entry into a postgraduate degree.

Course requirements

Bachelor of Health Science (HLB103) | 72 credit points

• Open Electives - 24 credit points as follows
  • Must pass 24 credit points from anywhere in the University, as a breadth major, a breadth minor and/or as individual units.
• Required - 48 credit points as follows
  • Core Major in Health Science (CM0017) | 24 credit points
    • Required - Must pass 24 credit points as follows
      • Systemic Anatomy and Physiology (6529) | 3 credit points — Level 1
      • Regional Anatomy and Physiology (9808) | 3 credit points — Level 1
      • Industry and Community Engagement (Health) (10120) | 3 credit points — Level 3
      • Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences (11398) | 3 credit points — Level 1
      • Understanding People and Behaviour (11399) | 3 credit points — Level 1
      • Professional Orientation (Health) (11400) | 3 credit points — Level 1
      • Professional Practice (Health) 1 (11401) | 3 credit points — Level 2
      • Professional Evidence (Health) (11402) | 3 credit points — Level 3
  • Specialist Major in Applied Health (SM0067) | 24 credit points
    • Required - Must pass 21 credit points as follows
      • Epidemiology and Principles of Research (8580) | 3 credit points — Level 3
      • Health Psychology and Behaviour (8736) | 3 credit points — Level 2
      • Evidence Based Medicine 1 (8999) | 3 credit points — Level 2
      • Introduction to Health (9829) | 3 credit points — Level 1
      • Health Promotion Principles and Practice (10455) | 3 credit points — Level 1
      • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's Health Contexts (11852) | 3 credit points — Level 2
      • Ethics and Law for Health Professionals (11961) | 3 credit points — Level 2
    • Restricted Choice - Must pass 3 credit points from the following
      • Sport and Performance Psychology (7224) | 3 credit points — Level 2
      • Healthy and Sustainable Places (8578) | 3 credit points — Level 3
      • Cross-Cultural Professional Practice (9855) | 3 credit points — Level 3
      • Global Health (10008) | 3 credit points — Level 2
      • Ecological Public Health Practice (10010) | 3 credit points — Level 2
      • Entrepreneurship in Government and Large Organisations (11200) | 3 credit points — Level 2
      • Creative and Critical Thinking for Problem Solving (11201) | 3 credit points — Level 2
      • Law, Innovation and Technologies (11271) | 3 credit points — Level 3
      • Integrated Physiology (11726) | 3 credit points — Level 3

Typical study pattern

UC - Canberra, Bruce

• Standard Full Time, Semester 1 Commencing
  • Year 1
    • Semester 1
      • Introduction to Health (9829)
      • Professional Orientation (Health) (11400)
      • Regional Anatomy and Physiology (9808)
      • Understanding People and Behaviour (11399)
    • Semester 2
      • Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences (11398)
      • Systemic Anatomy and Physiology (6529)
      • Two Open Elective units
  • Year 2
    • Semester 1
      • Evidence Based Medicine 1 (8999)
      • Health Promotion Principles and Practice (10455)
      • Professional Practice (Health) 1 (11401)
      • One Open Elective unit
    • Semester 2
      • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's Health Contexts (11852)
      • Epidemiology and Principles of Research (8580)
      • Health Psychology and Behaviour (8736)
      • One Open Elective unit
  • Year 3
    • Semester 1
      • Ethics and Law for Health Professionals (11961)
      • Industry and Community Engagement (Health) (10120)
      • Two Open Elective units
    • Semester 2
      • Professional Evidence (Health) (11402)
      • Restricted Choice Unit
      • Two Open Elective units

Course information

Course duration

Standard 3 years full time or part-time equivalent. Maximum 10 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.

Learning outcomes

• Translate and communicate discipline specific knowledge to a variety of health-related audiences such as professionals, government and non-government representatives and clients.
• Develop technical, technological and communication skills to provide health solutions for increasing complex problems.
• Work individually, collaboratively and ethically while building interprofessional and professional networks in the health sector.
• Translate theoretical knowledge and skills to real-world opportunities through work integrated learning.
• Evaluate and critique health-related information from a range of sources and disciplines.
• Develop and apply critical analysis skills to a range of contemporary health related issues.
• Design, apply and evaluate appropriate interventions and solutions to improve health outcomes.

Placements requirements

Students may require:

• Working with vulnerable people card

Majors

• Specialist Major in Applied Health (SM0067)
• Core Major in Health Science (CM0017)

Awards

• Award: Bachelor of Health Science
• Official abbreviation: B HthScience

Honours

Students who complete this course with a GPS of 5.5 or more may be eligible for admission to 318JA Bachelor of Health Science (Honours).