With a goal to keep our populations healthy, the demand for more health professionals with a broad skill set is increasing.
The Bachelor of Health Science provides the skills to fill the gap in the Australian health care system and prepares you to work in a multidisciplinary health industry.
The Bachelor of Health Science has strong health industry connections and course content which leads to work in areas including, health policy and research, health and wellbeing and health promotion. This course offers a pathway into master level studies so you can pursue a career in occupational therapy, nutrition, speech and language therapy, health research and public health.
A core part of the course is the community project which provides opportunity to put your knowledge into practice supported by CDU academic staff. You will have access to international study opportunities and our course offers both an Indigenous and international support lecturer.
As a graduate, you will be ready to make a positive difference to health across local, rural and remote Australia and beyond.
Professional recognition
Students are eligible to apply for membership with the following professional associations: The Australian Health Promotion Association and the Public Health Association of Australia.
Credit transfers and pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC or UAC.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2021.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2021) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) |
50 | 76.0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 7 | 11.0 |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) |
5 | 8.0 |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) |
<5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) |
<5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) |
<5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | 66 | 102.0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Additional information
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
~Air Force: Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman
~Army: Corporal, Lance Corporal, Private
~Navy: Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Seaman
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
As this course requires you to undertake a community project, you must demonstrate compliance with the following checks and requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained prior to commencing the community project. A national and/or international police check and a current Working with Children check is required regarding suitability to undertake clinical/fieldwork placements.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2021
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) |
Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 59.50 | 65.65 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 74.38 | 78.20 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 99.85 | 99.95 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
Course structure
A health science degree with CDU provides opportunity to start your career as a health professional in Australia or beyond. With flexible online delivery and option to attend internal classes the Bachelor of Health Science offers 15 core units and choice of 7 special elective units to ensure you have the skills you need to work in areas of health promotion, Indigenous health and more.
This course has emphasis on understanding the challenges of working in diverse contexts of urban, rural, and remote communities and offers opportunity access scholarships as well as study abroad with international study tours and student exchange programs.
You'll study alongside students from social work, and other allied health areas developing an understanding of multidisciplinary professions across the health industry. You'll gain knowledge of health beyond illness and disease prevention and learn how to manage, coordinate and administer health infrastructure and resources.
There is a range of flexible delivery options which include online units, face-to-face tutorials, and for those balancing life, work and family responsibilities, there is the option to study this degree 100% online. Health science offers diverse and relevant units encompassing topics such as epidemiology, mental health, cultural safety, research and global and environmental health.
If you are an Indigenous or international student, we provide access to dedicated student support lecturers to help facilitate a successful study journey. In the final year of study all our students will be supported by CDU academics to work with health agencies to complete your own community health project.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (15 units) |
150cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 150 credit points as detailed below.
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 |
| Specialist Electives (7 units) |
90cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 90 credit points as detailed below. Students must do all of the Specialist Elective units in their specialisation.
HEALTH SCIENCE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (recommended if pursuing Master of Occupational Therapy) NUTRITION (recommended if pursuing Master of Nutrition) SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY (recommended if pursuing Master of Speech and Language Therapy) |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
Of the total 240 credit points: (unless specified in the specific course structure above)
* not more than 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units
* a minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Course Changes and Transition Arrangements - 2021
HSC111 Ethics in Health Care has replaced HSC210 Health Sociology from 2021. Students have completed HSC210 do not need to complete HSC111.
HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction has replaced HSC230 Cultural Safety in Health from 2021. Students have completed HSC230 do not need to complete HSC220.
SBI150 Cellular Biology has replaced MLS245 Medical Biochemistry from 2021. Students who have completed MLS245 do not need to complete SBI150.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
HEALTH SCIENCE STREAM
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | HSC202 Social Media and Marketing in Health Promotion (External only) | SE |
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing | SE |
| SPE320 Nutrition and Health (External only) | SE | HSC213 Health Informatics (External only) | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (External only) | CO |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) | SE | HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) | SE |
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY STREAM
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (External only) | SE |
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing | SE |
| PSY208 Biological Bases of Behaviour | SE | SPE261 Functional Anatomy (replaces SBI261 from 2021) | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE209 from 2021) | SE |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) | SE |
HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) |
SE |
NUTRITION STREAM
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology | CO |
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | SE | SBI182 Microbiology and Immunology (replaces SBI173 from 2021) | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO |
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| SPE320 Nutrition and Health (External only) | SE | HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (External only) | CO |
| SBI150 Cellular Biology (replaces MLS245 from 2021) | SE | HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies | SE |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) | SE |
HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) |
SE |
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY STREAM
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology | CO |
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO |
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (External only) | CO |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
|
HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) |
SE | HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | Specialist Elective 5 | SE |
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
HEALTH SCIENCE STREAM
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion (External only) | CO | ||
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | SO |
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC202 Social Media and Marketing in Health Promotion (External only) | SE |
| PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (replaces HSC210 from 2021) | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing | SE |
| HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health | CO | HSC213 Health Informatics (External only) | SE |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) | SE | HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | ||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | ||
| SPE320 Nutrition and Health (External only) | SE | ||
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY STREAM
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion (External only) | CO | ||
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (External only) | CO |
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE209 from 2021) | SE |
| PSY208 Biological Bases of Behaviour | SE | SPE261 Functional Anatomy (replaces SBI261 from 2021) | SE |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) | SE |
HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) |
SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | ||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | ||
| HSC111 Ethics in Health Care (External only) (replaces HSC210 from 2021) | SE | ||
NUTRITION STREAM
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion (External only) | CO | ||
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (External only) | CO |
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | SBI182 Microbiology and Immunology (replaces SBI173 from 2021) | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | SE | HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO |
| SBI150 Cellular Biology (replaces MLS245 from 2021) | SE | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies | SE |
|
HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) |
SE | HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | ||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | ||
| SPE320 Nutrition and Health (External only) | SE | ||
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY STREAM
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion (External only) | CO | ||
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| HSC112 Basics of Epidemiology | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (External only) | CO |
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| HSC331 Health Science Community Practicum A (20 cp) | SE |
HSC332 Health Science Community Practicum B (20 cp) |
SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | ||
Course fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
2022: Fees and charges for 2022 will be published no later than 1 December 2021.