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Bachelor of Health Science

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

100% Online

Start date

January, April, June, September

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

XBHSC

Study as

Full-time

Time commitment

10-15 hours per week per course

Indicative annual fees

$27,100

Non-tuition fees

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

International non-student visa holders

This program is delivered online. It is open to international students who:

are studying online outside of Australia; or
do not require a student visa to undertake this program in Australia.

It is not available to international students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional 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 Adelaide University. 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.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	65
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.75
China	Gaokao	60%
China	Maple Leaf Education Systems World School Program	60%
Global	International Baccalaureate	24
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	15
India	CBSE and CISCE	65
India	State Board Examinations	75
Indonesia	SMA III	70%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.33
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.33
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	25
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	2.61
Philippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	85%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	6
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	7
Taiwan	GSAT %	60%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.00
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	6
UK / Global	NCUK	6
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	6
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	20
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1050
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thôxwng (Vietnamese Year 12)	7.5

Note:

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Why Bachelor of Health Science?

Work at the heart of healthcare and improve the wellbeing of communities.

Gain the skills to drive real change. Understand the intricate workings of the human body and health systems. Master project management, health promotion and research. Learn to design life-saving health campaigns or lead initiatives that improve the wellbeing of entire communities.

Whether you're designing health campaigns or working in community development, this flexible degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths.

Your journey to a rewarding career in health begins here.

Overview

The Bachelor of Health Science at Adelaide University gives you the tools to shape the future of healthcare.

Through a comprehensive study of human biology, healthcare systems and health promotion, you’ll build a solid understanding of the complexities of health. Develop key skills in research and project management, preparing you for various roles in health services.

This degree offers flexibility, allowing you to explore specialisations like health communication, marketing or community development. You'll also engage in practical projects designed to help you apply your learning in real-world scenarios.

Graduate ready to pursue a career in health promotion, as a health support worder, Aboriginal health officer or healthcare marketing and make a meaningful impact on public health.

Key features

Study with the flexibility of 100% online learning.
Build a strong foundation in human health, biology and the healthcare system.
Get a generalist degree that opens doors to various health sectors.
Gain vital skills in project management, health promotion and research.
Specialise in areas like health communication, marketing, or community development.
Graduate with a versatile, in-demand skillset for roles across healthcare fields.

What you'll learn

A solid foundation of health science knowledge is extremely important for anyone working in the health sector.

In the Bachelor of Health Science at Adelaide University, you’ll will engage in a dynamic curriculum that equips you with essential knowledge and skills for a career in healthcare.

In the first year, you’ll will build a solid foundation of health science knowledge through courses such as:

Foundations of human biology
Health systems and services
Health and society
Research methods for public health
Foundations of nutrition and health.

Study human biology and how the healthcare system works. Focus on the social factors that affect health and learn how to collect and analyse data effectively.

Gain knowledge in human anatomy, including muscles, nerves, bone structure and major blood vessels. Understand how body systems work together and respond to disease. You’ll also learn the basics of pharmacology, looking at how drugs affect the body.

During the second year, you’ll advance your knowledge studying topics like:

Physiology
Pathophysiology
Anatomy.

In your final year, you’ll explore:

Health law, ethics and policy
Project management for health and wellness
Health practice projects.

Gain essential skills to take on roles in community development or the health and wellbeing industry. You’ll also learn to incorporate project management concepts, techniques and tools used in health and community sector organisations.

You can select electives matching your interests and career aspirations. Options include courses like:

Food as medicine
Public health
Nutrition
Exercise psychology
Digital marketing for health services.

Graduate with a well-rounded understanding of health science, ready to contribute positively to the healthcare sector. Your transferable skill set can be applied in various cross-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary roles.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

96 units for all Core courses, and
48 units for Electives

Complete 96 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 1	Course code BIOL1028	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 2	Course code BIOL1029	Units 6
Course name UO Psychology Concepts	Course code PSYC1017	Units 6
Course name UO First Peoples' Health	Course code PUBH1007	Units 6
Course name UO Health and Society	Course code PUBH1008	Units 6
Course name UO Health Systems and Services	Course code PUBH1009	Units 6
Course name UO Research Methods for Public Health	Course code PUBH1011	Units 6
Course name UO Health Law, Ethics and Policy	Course code HLTH2011	Units 6
Course name UO Anatomy 1	Course code HLTH2019	Units 6
Course name UO Pathophysiology	Course code PHAR2017	Units 6
Course name UO Fundamentals of Pharmacology	Course code PHAR2018	Units 6
Course name UO Physiology	Course code PHAR2019	Units 6
Course name Global Change and Human Health	Course code BIOL5016	Units 6
Course name UO Project Management for Health and Wellness	Course code HLTH3020	Units 6
Course name UO Health Practice Project 1	Course code PUBH3010	Units 6
Course name UO Health Practice Project 2	Course code PUBH3011	Units 6

Complete 48 units comprising:

30 units from Free electives, and
18 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Food Safety, Quality and Security	Course code NUTR3005	Units 6
Course name UO Food as Medicine	Course code NUTR3004	Units 6
Course name UO Public Health	Course code PUBH3007	Units 6
Course name UO Supporting Dignity through Enablement	Course code HLTH3018	Units 6
Course name UO Transition to Employment	Course code HLTH3019	Units 6
Course name UO Psychology of Exercise, Sport and Health	Course code PSYC3033	Units 6
Course name UO Applications in Nutrition and Exercise	Course code SOCI3018	Units 6
Course name UO Nutrition for Exercise and Performance	Course code NUTR3006	Units 6
Course name UO Promotional Communication: Advertising, Publicity and Marketing	Course code COMM3004	Units 6
Course name UO Web Design	Course code MDIA3011	Units 6
Course name UO Disability and Ageing: Diversity and Discrimination	Course code SOCI3016	Units 6
Course name UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care	Course code SOCI3012	Units 6
Course name UO The Psychology of Crime and Violence	Course code CRIM3005	Units 6
Course name UO Social Media Engagement	Course code COMM3005	Units 6
Course name UO Work and Organisational Psychology	Course code PSYC3029	Units 6
Course name UO Clinical and Abnormal Psychology	Course code PSYC3028	Units 6
Course name UO Digital Marketing	Course code MARK3013	Units 6
Course name UO Professional Practice in Public Health	Course code PUBH3012	Units 6
Course name UO Epidemiological Principles and Methods	Course code PUBH3008	Units 6
Course name UO Adapted Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport	Course code HUMV3006	Units 6
Course name UO Ageing and Wellbeing in Aboriginal Australians	Course code PUBH3013	Units 6

Career outcomes

With a Bachelor of Health Science, you could become a health promotion officer, creating strategies to enhance community health. Or perhaps you’ll work as a health project officer, leading important health initiatives and managing project timelines and budgets.

You might find yourself in a health science writer role, producing engaging content about health topics for various audiences and platforms. Alternatively, you could be a health support worker, assisting clients from diverse backgrounds in various settings.

As a graduate, you’ll have the skills to pursue a range of opportunities and roles in:

Healthcare
Community organisations
Government.

Industry trends

The aging population, technological advancements and shift towards preventative care are all factors that suggest continued growth in the healthcare field (GlobalHealth Education Australia).

Growth is also predicted for non-clinical healthcare roles (PwC Australia) focused on analysis, research, health promotion and management.

How to apply

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026.

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Fit study around your life

From 24/7 access to specialised support, discover the benefits of studying online with Adelaide University.

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Ask Adelaide University

You’ll access all your learning resources, submit assessments, and engage with your academic team and peers via Adelaide University's unique online learning platform, available 24/7.

You'll learn through a mix of interactive experiences including videos, virtual forums, online discussions and activities, with no need to attend an Adelaide University campus, not even for assessments or exams.

Our degrees are specifically designed for online learning, and you'll be fully supported throughout your studies by our local student support team and our expert academics, available seven days a week. You'll stay engaged with networking opportunities and virtual events, and once you graduate, you're invited to either join us in Adelaide, or celebrate via livestream with your family and friends.

As a general rule, any desktop or laptop computer produced in the last three years will be capable of meeting the online learning requirements. While mobiles and tablets are able to access most of your online content, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer to make the most of the online learning experience. You'll also require a reliable internet connection, and you may need a webcam.

As an Adelaide University student, you'll have free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. If your degree requires specialised software, you'll also be able to download this to your device for free.

You'll have 24/7 access to your learning resources via the online learning platform, and can study when and where it suits you. In some rare instances, assessments or contact with your online academic team may require you to be online at a set time, however these times are generally flexible. You'll be able to discuss your requirements with your academic team or speak to our student support team if you need assistance.

If your course has an exam, you will generally need to sit this at a designated date and time.

Yes, if you have studied at university or completed a VET qualification (Certificate IV or above), or can demonstrate significant and relevant work experience, you could be eligible to receive credit towards your degree.

Your eligibility for credit will be assessed once you have submitted your application, and you will be informed of your credit outcome before your application is approved and you need to enrol. If you don't have the information required to be considered for credit when you apply to study, you will still be able to apply for credit after your application has been approved, with an outcome usually determined within a few days.

No, if you are enrolled in a 100% online Adelaide University program, you are not able to enrol into an on-campus course as part of your degree. However, as an Adelaide University student, you are welcome to visit our Adelaide campuses and participate in student events and clubs, utilise our sporting facilities and libraries, and attend your graduation ceremony in-person.

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Your study experience and support

Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.

Student support services

Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.

As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.

Online academic support

From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.

Tech support

We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.

Study hours

Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.

Assessment

All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:

An industry-relevant project or case study
An online presentation
Essays and reports.