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 engage in a dynamic curriculum that equips you with essential knowledge and skills for a career in healthcare.
In the first year, you’ll 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 for either of the following:
- All of the following:
- 90 to 96 units for all Core courses, and
- 48 units for Majors, and
- 6 to 48 units for Electives, or
- All of the following:
- 90 to 96 units for all Core courses, and
- 6 to 48 units for Electives
Complete 90 to 96 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | 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
UO Global Change and Human Health
|
Course code
BIOL3043
|
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
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
|
Course name
Or program elective |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 48 units from Major courses
| Major name | |
|---|---|
|
|
Major
Healthy Ageing
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
|
Course name
Or program elective |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 to 48 units comprising:
- 6 to 48 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning
|
Course code
SOCI3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Promotional Communication: Advertising, Publicity and Marketing
|
Course code
COMM3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Social Media Engagement
|
Course code
COMM3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO The Psychology of Crime and Violence
|
Course code
CRIM3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Anatomy 2
|
Course code
HBIO3013
|
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 Adapted Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport
|
Course code
HUMV3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Digital Marketing
|
Course code
MARK3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Web Design
|
Course code
MDIA3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Food as Medicine
|
Course code
NUTR3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Food Safety, Quality and Security
|
Course code
NUTR3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Nutrition for Exercise and Performance
|
Course code
NUTR3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Clinical and Abnormal Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3028
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Work and Organisational Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3029
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Public Health
|
Course code
PUBH3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Epidemiological Principles and Methods
|
Course code
PUBH3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Disability and Ageing: Diversity and Discrimination
|
Course code
SOCI3016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Professional Practice in Public Health
|
Course code
PUBH3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Ageing and Wellbeing in Aboriginal Australians
|
Course code
PUBH3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Applications in Nutrition and Exercise
|
Course code
SOCI3018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care
|
Course code
SOCI3036
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
Notes
-
Program electives - Students are advised that 3rd year level (or greater) courses need to be selected when choosing Advanced Electives.
This will ensure the program meets the required AQF Level 7 outcomes and supports learning objectives. Please note that 1st or 2nd year electives chosen may be denied enrolment.
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
|
Course name
Or program elective |
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
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.
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.
