Bachelor of Nursing Science (Honours)
Pursue a passion for health care in an honours program that boasts a strong focus on clinical practice. As part of this degree, you’ll develop research capabilities through coursework and undertake a research project where you’ll investigate a contemporary health issue that sparks your interest. Explore fields such as maternal and child health, acute and complex care of adults, and health professional education. Our program is designed to help you transition from being a registered nurse to an academic or professional role.
In this program you will:
- Undertake a research project of your choice
- Develop knowledge of research in health care and selected research methodologies and methods
- Learn about health care and research from experienced supervisors working in the industry
Location
Duration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSPStart
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
Career opportunities
- Academic career
- Nurse researcher
- Registered nurse in a wide range of contexts
Memberships
Graduates may be eligible to become members of:
- Australian College of Nursing

- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning, Online
- Total courses
- 8
- Total units
- 96
- Duration
- 1 year 1 year
- UniSC program code
- SC420
- Program coordinator
Coursework component (4) 48 units
NUR713 Independent Study
NUR721 Research in Health Care
HLT701 Qualitative Research: Approaches and Practice
PUB708 Quantitative Research Methods
Research component (4) 48 units
NUR731A Research Project A
NUR731B Research Project B
NUR731C Research Project C
NUR731F Research Project F">NUR731F Research Project F
Additional requirements
The class of Honours to be awarded to a student is dependent upon:
- the percentage results achieved by study in eight courses as specified in the table below;
- the student achieving at least 50% in NUR731F Research Project.
UniSC courses |
HLT701 Qualitative Research: Approaches and Practice |
NUR713 Independent Study |
NUR721 Research in Health Care |
NUR731A Research Project A |
NUR731B Research Project B |
NUR731C Research Project C |
PUB708 Quantitative Research Methods |
A student must complete a minimum of 8 courses in the table, including the research project, for an honours grade to be awarded.
The minimum levels of achievement normally required for each class of honours are shown in the following table.
Honours results classification |
Overall Percentage attained in Specified Courses * |
Honours Class I |
80% - 100% |
Honours Class IIA |
70% - 79% |
Honours Class IIB |
60% - 69% |
Honours Class III |
50% - 59% |
* The percentage result shall be rounded up if ≥ 0.5 or rounded down if < 0.5.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
- AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing Science award (or equivalent)
- Registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- English language requirements
- GPA of 5.0 over the second and third year of the degree program
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
- CSP estimate
- A$5,210 - 2025 Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
Domestic applicants apply for admission direct to UniSC.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

Student story
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Our Student Central team can help.
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