Why study science?

From oceanography to neuroscience, biotech to quantum physics, a science degree unlocks a world of career possibilities.

85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 haven't been invented yet.* While the future of work is uncertain, what we do know is that demand for STEM-skilled workers is growing across all industries.

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, big data, climate science, energy solutions, quantum computing and healthcare are set to transform the jobs of tomorrow. With a UNSW science degree, you'll be prepared for whatever comes next. Forget what you thought you knew about science as we take you beyond the lab and equip you with the knowledge, skills and experience you need to make an impact.

Growth

Jobs in STEM fields are predicted to grow by 14.2% - twice as fast as non-STEM jobs.**

Value

More STEM graduates sit in the highest income bracket (over $104,000) in Australia than non-STEM graduates.***

Demand

Over 70% of Australian employers identify STEM-skilled employees as the most innovative.^

Why UNSW Science?

We've redesigned our science degrees to place your passions, purpose and potential at the centre of your student experience.

Graduate career-ready: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Research Integrated Learning (RIL) are embedded in our degrees, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills in a real-world context from year one. Track your professional development and showcase your skills to future employers using our new interactive platform, SciConnect.

Gain a globally recognised degree: UNSW is a global top 20 university and is ranked #1 in Australia for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2025). We're also ranked in the global top 50 for nine subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

Join a global community that's working together to build a better future: At UNSW Science, 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.

Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus

Explore our new degrees

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)

Science double degrees

FAQs

Science involves studying the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation, investigation and experimentation.

Science is often stereotyped as being a field dominated by white lab coats, test tubes and equations. But this is no longer the status quo as science encompasses a broad range of disciplines. From healthcare to energy to technology, science is finding solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.
You’ve probably heard the term ‘STEM’ in relation to science. The full form of STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM is an acronym that captures any subjects that fall under these four disciplines.
Science is a broad domain that encompasses many different disciplines. You can study a single major or broaden your knowledge base with a double major or complementary minor.

Our flexible degree structure enables you to explore different disciplines in your first year to find the field that's right for you. Explore our study area pages below.
Anatomy

Bioinformatics

Biology

Biotechnology

Chemistry

Climate science

Earth science

Ecology

Food science

Genetics

Geography

Immunology

Marine and coastal science

Materials science

Mathematics

Microbiology

Molecular and cell biology

Neuroscience

Pathology

Pharmacology

Physical oceanography

Physics

Physiology

Psychology

Statistics

Vision science
Scientific contributions have positively impacted almost every aspect of our lives. While science has evolved to encompass a diverse range of disciplines, our study areas can be broadly categorised into three main branches - the physical, natural and human sciences.

The physical sciences study non-living matter and energy. Matter includes everything that can be seen or not seen. The natural sciences study the Earth, atmosphere and living things such as plants, animals and microorganisms. The human sciences explore how the human body works, including human behaviour.
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.

Our science graduates can be found in a range of interesting and rewarding careers across the globe. From medical breakthroughs to environmental sustainability, aviation management to data security, our distinguished alumni are making a meaningful impact across their communities and industries.

Our study area pages delve into what each discipline is and the types of careers you can pursue in each field. Our STEM careers page explores the wide range of industries that science graduates can work in.