Honours is a 1 year program consisting of a research project and associated theoretical work.

An Honours year provides professional training in a chosen area of specialisation, providing the opportunity to experience scientific research first hand.

Researchers in the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology at the University of Adelaide are international leaders in their fields, providing an opportunity for students to work at the cutting edge of science and technology.

During an Honours year, you will learn new techniques and broaden your skill base, opening the doors to increased job opportunities.

Honours can give you a competitive edge in the job market, or if you are interested in further study, it is an important foundation for postgraduate research.

In the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Honours degrees can be undertaken in the following research areas:

Research areas

• Agricultural science
• Animal behaviour
• Animal science
• Chemistry
• Ecology and evolutionary biology
• Energy geoscience
• Environmental geoscience
• Geology
• Geophysics
• Molecular and biomedical science
• Physics
• Plant science
• Soil science
• Wine science

Search for an Honours supervisor .

Where could it take you?

Depending on your study choices, you could emerge well-prepared for senior and leadership roles in a specific scientific discipline or as a science generalist, in the public or private sector. Or perhaps you’ll aim higher still and go on to Masters or PhD-level research. Wherever you want to go, you’ll be perfectly placed.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 24 units, chosen from:

Research areas:

• Agricultural Science
• Animal Behaviour
• Animal Science
• Chemistry
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Energy Geoscience
• Environmental Geoscience
• Geology
• Geophysics
• Molecular and Biomedical Science
• Physics
• Plant Science
• Soil Science
• Wine Science

Areas of Specialisation

Research pathway:

• Agricultural Science
• Animal Behaviour
• Animal Science
• Chemistry
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Energy Geoscience
• Environmental Geoscience
• Geology
• Geophysics
• Molecular and Biomedical Science
• Physics
• Plant Science
• Soil Science
• Wine Science

Career Readiness

The scientific approach to problem-solving, maturity and self-discipline gained during the Honours year equips our graduates for a wide variety of careers.  Examples of the jobs that our Honours graduates find are: policy advisors, consultants, science communicators, analysts and researchers in universities, hospitals, government and industry.   

Further Study

Honours graduates may choose to continue their research training with postgraduate study such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  A PhD is usually a 3 year program that provides students with the opportunity to carry out an original research project and explore in great detail a specific area of science. 

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.

1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
7. Digital capabilities
8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Palaeontologist;  Plant Scientist;  Ecotour Operator;  Environmental Manager;  Flavour Chemist;  Geobiologist;  Geospatial Scientist;  Wildlife Conservationist;  Public Health Scientist;  Research and Development Manager ...

Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject Tertiary Qualifications: Graduate entry only.

IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 and Band score of 6 in all bands; TOEFL Paper-based: total score of 577 with a minimum of 4.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE) or Internet-based: total score of 79 with a minimum of 21 in Writing, 18 in Speaking and 13 in Reading and Listening; Pearson Test of English (Academic) overall score of 58 and Skills profile of no less than 50 in all skills; and Cambridge English-Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 176 and Individual score of 169 in all skills.