Bachelor of Science

Science

Join one of Australia's top science faculties

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

With a scientific mindset, you'll know what questions to ask and how to find the answers. Tailor the Bachelor of Science around your interests with 27 majors across the physical, natural and human sciences. Explore different disciplines in your first year to find the field that’s right for you, with embedded employability courses to ensure you graduate career-ready.

Commencing Terms: Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration: 3 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus: Kensington
Codes: UAC code 429000; Program code 3970; CRICOS code 015780K

ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank: 80.0
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $9,500*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $30,000*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $57,500*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $183,500*

Flexible degree
Hands-on learning
Work experience

Get updates on this course, key dates and upcoming events

Enquire

Apply

Overview

Drive the change you want to see in the world with a Bachelor of Science. A science education unlocks endless career possibilities by equipping you with a dynamic and in-demand skillset that can be applied to any industry. With a scientific mindset, you'll know what questions to ask and how to go about finding the answers.

At UNSW Science, we understand that your academic results are only one measure of success. We believe that your degree isn't just about what you learn in the classroom - it's also an opportunity to find your place in the science community, explore your passions and be supported as you pursue your personal and professional goals. Our new Bachelor of Science is reimagining science education with an increased focus on lifelong learning, personal development and career readiness.

No matter which scientific field you pursue, this degree will provide you with the knowledge, skills and practical experience you need to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Key features

Build a degree that's tailored to your interests & career goals

With 27 majors to choose from, you can tailor your degree to your interests. Our flexible degree structure enables you to explore different disciplines in your first year to find the field that’s right for you. If you already know what you want to major in, you can tailor your degree from the start.

The flexible structure of our degree means you can study a single major, increase the breadth or depth of your learning with a double major, or choose from 39 complementary minors across a range of disciplines including science, languages, government development and policy, commercialisation and business. We’ll help you build the degree that’s right for you by providing career advice and guiding you through your study options to ensure you reach your career goals.

Be empowered to lead your learning with SciConnect

SciConnect is an innovative online system that's integrated across your whole science degree. It will be there to help you settle into university, track your professional development and showcase your skills to future employers. The platform focuses on connecting you with four key areas to help you get the most out of your student experience including orientation, co-curricular opportunities and communities, career development and a graduate portfolio.

SciConnect enables you to shape your university experience and supports you in showcasing your talents to potential employers with a comprehensive impression of who you are, beyond your academic transcript.

Bring your learning to life through Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) bridges the gap between study and employment by giving you the opportunity to apply your academic studies in a professional context. Employability experience courses are built into the Bachelor of Science to ensure you graduate career-ready. You’ll apply your science knowledge in a real-world context from year one, helping you build your professional skills and shape your career aspirations. In years two and three you’ll be able to choose from a range of employability experience courses including work placements, industry projects or Research Integrated Learning (RIL).

Tap into our network of 400+ industry and research partners to start building industry-relevant skills and training. There are learning opportunities available with a range of our partner organisations such as the Botanic Gardens, Australian Museum, Wild Deserts, Qantas, MaxiMinds and AbbVie.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

We’re home to world-leading scientists who are developing new technologies including quantum physicist and former Australian of the Year Professor Michelle Simmons AO, Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart and ground-breaking recycling scientist and 2022 NSW Australian of the Year Professor Veena Sahajwalla.

UNSW attracts world-leading teaching and research staff who provide a rich learning environment and are passionate about creating the next generation of science leaders. The Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) celebrate and reward excellence in university teaching. We're proud to have a number of UNSW Science academics who have won AAUT awards.

With over $450 million invested in our state-of-the-art facilities, UNSW Science is well-equipped to help you launch your science career. You'll be learning in our world-class laboratories, clinics, simulators and biological imaging facilities. Our research centres support the generation of new ideas and advance science through their work in areas such as renewable energy, human health and environmental sustainability.
As a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2025), we're creating the science leaders of tomorrow.

UNSW Science is ranked in the global top 50 for nine subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

Ranked =#32 globally for psychology

Ranked #44 globally for natural sciences

Ranked =#49 globally for chemistry

Ranked =#37 globally for earth and marine sciences

Ranked #38 globally for environmental sciences

Ranked =#28 globally for geology

Ranked #31 globally for geophysics

Ranked #48 globally for mathematics

Ranked #27 globally for materials science

We’re ranked #1 in Australia for research output in physical sciences and #2 in Australia for research output in earth & environmental sciences and chemistry (Nature Index Institution Outputs, 2024).
Our students are highly sought after by employers with UNSW having the highest number of students in Australia's Top 100 Most Employable list. This has awarded UNSW with the Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025). We’re ranked #1 in Australia for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2025) and our graduates earn the highest median salaries among graduates from the Group of Eight universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, medium-term - three years after graduating, 2023).

The UNSW Bachelor of Science is designed to produce career-ready graduates. We've built hands-on learning and practical industry experience into the degree to ensure you have the tools you need to thrive in your future career. Showcase your professional skills to employers with your Graduate Portfolio and benefit from extra-curricular programs such as the STEM Career Launchpad – a career management program that gives you the tools and skills to make informed career choices.

Program Code

3970

CRICOS Code

015780K

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

429000

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

Want to see more from UNSW Science?

Visit Faculty

Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank ¹

80.0

2024 A levels ²

10.0

2024 IB Diploma ³

29.0

2024 Lowest ATAR ⁴

68.1

The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.

The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

See more

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 (depending on chosen area of study) plus one or more of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics.

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS), opens in a new window
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW.

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes of SEIFA criteria, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers to UNSW.

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.

TAFE Pathways Program
This degree is eligible for the TAFE Pathways Program. If you've completed a qualification under a relevant TAFE Training Package, you may be eligible for credit transfer. For more details, including this program's TAFE Pathway study plan, visit UNSW TAFE Pathways Program.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.

International direct entry

I studied in:

Qualifications	Direct entry requirement
International ATAR	75.0
UNSW Foundation Studies GPA	6.9
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)	10.0 All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1.
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)	27.0 Entry criteria is based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2024 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB Diploma or Bilingual Diploma can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)	1130.0 Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies.

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

What will I study?

The Bachelor of Science is offered as either a single degree or a double degree. It starts with foundation courses to build your introductory skills before you choose a major (or two) to explore what inspires you the most. Your degree consists of:

five core courses: orientation, graduate portfolio and three employability experience courses (level one, two and three courses)
10-13 courses in your chosen major
six free elective courses from any faculty at UNSW (you can use these to build one of the 39 science and cross-faculty minors that are available)
two general education courses (non-science courses)

Go to the handbook

Choose from 27 majors with the Bachelor of Science:

Anatomy
Study the structure of the human body.

Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics integrates computer science and statistics to analyse genetic information in molecular biology.

Biology & Biodiversity
Study life science and explore how organisms function, grow, evolve, and relate to their environment.

Biotechnology
Biotechnology explores biological processes for producing food, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Chemistry
Explore chemistry, from sub-atomic particles to spectacular phenomena, the field offers vast opportunities.

Climate Systems Science
Gain an understanding of the Earth's Climate System, focusing on areas such as climate change and risks.

Earth Science
Earth science investigates our planet’s nature, evolution, and powerful forces.

Ecology and Conservation
Explore how various organisms interact with one another and their environment.

Food Science
Food science encompass the processes related to everything from production to consumption of food by consumers.

Genetics
Genetics studies fundamental genes that influence every characteristic in humans and other species.

Ecology and Conservation
Explore how various organisms interact with one another and their environment.

Genetics
Genetics studies fundamental genes that influence every characteristic in humans and other species.

Geography
Explore Earth’s landscapes, and environments to understand how they function and change over time.

Immunology
Unlock better treatments and prevention strategies for immune-related illnesses.

Marine and Coastal Science
Explore marine and coastal science, that looks at all aspects of the marine environment encompassing many sciences from biology to geology.

Materials Science
Materials science is the specialised study of creating high-performance materials from metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites for society.

Mathematics
Mathematics is the science of patterns and underpins all corners of science and technology

Mathematics for Education*
Explore pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, and computing while preparing for an education career.

Microbiology
Microbiology studies tiny life forms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Pathology
Pathology involves studying diseases at genetic, molecular, cellular, and organ levels. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not solely about blood tests.

Pharmacology
Discover the effect that drugs have on living tissues and the normal body functions of humans and animals.

Physical Oceanography
Study the processes shaping the oceanic and atmospheric system, including waves, currents, cyclones, dust storms, and climate change.

Physics
Physics explores the laws governing the universe, from subatomic particles to galaxies. It applies these principles to practical and theoretical challenges.

Physiology
Physiology studies how the human body functions, including organ processes, growth, maintenance, and responses during disease and aging.

Psychology
Psychology studies behavior, mental processes, brain-behavior relationships, perception, learning, memory, and social interactions.

Statistics
Statistics is the science of collecting, analysing, presenting and interpreting data.

Vision Science
Vision science explores sensory processes underlying vision and related technologies.

*Only students enrolled concurrently in both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education program may take the Mathematics for Education major.
As a single degree, the Bachelor of Science is made up of 26 courses (144 UOC) taken over three years of full-time study.

Type Units of Credit (UOC) Number of courses
Core courses
18 5
Major

78 13
Free electives

36 6
General education 12 2

Core courses

SCIF0000 Introduction to University - Included in your program (free of cost to you)
Find out everything you need to know about life as a UNSW Science student with this credit-free course. We’ll help you identify your personal career-related values, abilities and interests to shape the science degree that’s right for you.

SCIF1000 Level 1 Employability Experience - 6 credit points
Completed at the end of your first year, you'll work on a project as part of an interdisciplinary team. This course will prepare you for the important transition to higher year study. You'll be challenged to think like a scientist by tackling real-world problems in project areas ranging from climate change to public health to life on other planets.

Two Employability Experience Electives - 12 credit points
In your second and third years, you'll choose from a range of employability experience courses, where you'll continue to engage in hands-on, career-focused learning.

SCIF3010 Graduate Portfolio - Included in your program (free of cost to you)
In your final year, you’ll be supported to curate a graduate portfolio to showcase your skills development and personal achievements throughout the degree to prospective employers.

Major

Majors vary in credit points from 60-78 (10-13 courses).

You'll need to complete 96 UOC to meet the core requirements for the Bachelor of Science program. If your core courses (18 UOC) and major (UOC varies by specialisation) are less than 96 UOC, you must complete additional science electives from the Faculty of Science to meet the UOC requirements.

Free electives

Free electives can be taken from any UNSW faculty.

You can use your electives to build a recognised minor.

General education

These must be non-science courses and can be used to build a minor.

Type
Core courses

Units of Credit (UOC)
18
Number of courses
5
Type
Major

Units of Credit (UOC)
78
Number of courses
13
Type
Free electives

Units of Credit (UOC)
36
Number of courses
6
Type
General education
Units of Credit (UOC)
12
Number of courses
2
As a double degree, this program is made up of 36 courses (192 UOC) taken over four years of full-time study. This 192 credit requirement includes 16 courses (96 UOC) for the Bachelor of Science and a further 16 courses (96 UOC) from your other degree. If you're studying a double degree, you won't take general education or free elective courses.

Type Units of Credit (UOC) Number of courses
Core courses 18 5
Science major
78 13
Other degree

96 16

Science major & electives

Majors vary in credit points from 60-78 (10-13 courses).

You'll need to complete 96 UOC to meet the core requirements for the Bachelor of Science program. If your core courses (18 UOC) and major (UOC varies by specialisation) are less than 96 UOC, you must complete additional science electives from the Faculty of Science to meet the UOC requirements.

Type
Core courses
Units of Credit (UOC)
18
Number of courses
5
Type
Science major

Units of Credit (UOC)
78
Number of courses
13
Type
Other degree

Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Number of courses
16
SciConnect is an online system that's integrated into your program to help you navigate your first university experiences, track your professional development and showcase your skills to future employers. SciConnect focuses on four key areas to help you get the most out of your student experience:

1. Orientation

Find out everything you need to know about life as a UNSW Science student, from answering questions to helping you find where you belong in the UNSW Science community. Learn about the different areas of study, be guided on choosing your major and making important decisions in your program to gain the skills you need for your future career.

2. Co-curricular involvement

Complement your studies with experiences beyond the classroom. Through our diverse student cohorts and industry connections, you’ll have access to a range of professional development opportunities. We’ll introduce you to industry leaders and help you build your confidence and networking skills to make the most of these connections.

3. Career development

Track, plan and visualise the development of your professional skills throughout your degree. See your skills grow and identify your strengths while being guided to additional development opportunities.

4. Graduate portfolio

Develop a portfolio of your knowledge, skills and professional experiences. We’ll teach you how to use your graduate portfolio to showcase your professional capabilities to future employers.
Upon completion of this program, you may be eligible for entry to honours. Honours is a year-long independent research project, which you'll complete under the guidance of an academic supervisor. During your honours year, you'll write a thesis based on your project and may also be expected to complete advanced coursework. Entry to honours is subject to performance and your chosen major will determine which honours stream you're eligible for: Science (Honours) or Psychological Science (Honours).
If you've completed any major other than psychology, you'll be eligible for the Science (Honours) program (subject to performance). The purpose of this program is to enable students who have performed well at the undergraduate level to deepen their knowledge of approaches, perspectives and traditions in their chosen scientific discipline. It connects undergraduate study with supervised independent research by consolidating and extending work completed in the undergraduate program and providing an academic foundation for you to continue on to a masters by research or a PhD.

Upon completion of a psychology major, you'll be eligible for entry into the Psychological Science (Honours) program (subject to performance). There is no preference given to any particular program and places are awarded on the basis of performance in undergraduate psychology units. Psychological Science (Honours) is the same for all students, regardless of the degree program in which they completed their undergraduate psychology major sequence.

Your project can be undertaken in most areas of psychology including:

psychopathology

behavioural neuroscience

cognitive science

cognition and perception

forensic psychology

social, personality and developmental psychology.

You’ll also complete advanced core and elective coursework in Terms 1 and 2. Honours is the next step towards becoming a registered psychologist. You must complete an honours program to be eligible for entry into a psychology masters degree.

Future careers

From oceanography to neuroscience, biotech to quantum physics, a science degree unlocks a world of career possibilities. Prepare for exciting roles in any industry you choose with training to apply your in-demand scientific mindset to any context. This degree will equip you with a strong foundation in logical, analytical and critical thinking, as well as skills in teamwork and communication.

With a Bachelor of Science, you can work in areas as diverse as pharmaceutical and medical research, public policy, occupational health and safety, environmental research and industry, new product manufacturing, forensic science, patent law, cognitive science, oceanography, food manufacturing, science education and communication, meteorology, optics, and applications of mathematics and statistics in the finance industry.

Explore our study areas below to discover the range of potential career paths available across the physical, natural and human sciences.

Explore study areas

Our alumni

"My time at UNSW enriched my mind and broadened my horizons. I learned to follow my curiosity and trust it will lead me somewhere. UNSW offers lots of study options through elective and general education courses. It wasn't until second year Analytical Chemistry that I discovered what I was truly interested in. My time at UNSW showed me it’s OK to change your mind or not have made up your mind. Just dive in, explore and discover."

Dr Edith Chow

Chief Scientific Officer, Aperture Innovations

Double degrees

Our double degrees enable you to broaden your opportunities and study different areas simultaneously.

Double degree options:

Actuarial Studies
Arts
Commerce
Computer Science
Economics
Education (Secondary)
Engineering (Hons)
Fine Arts
Law
Social Sciences

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website, opens in a new window and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website, opens in a new window for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC), opens in a new window for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$9,500*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$30,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$57,500*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$183,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Explore Scholarships

Top 20

Worldwide

QS World University Rankings, 2025

Most

Employable Graduates

AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025

Leading

Innovation

#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders

UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.

Jason Chan

Environmental Planner