Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
This degree is part of the Year 12 Subject Spotlight Early Offer Program
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Duration3 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 8 years maximum.3 years full-time.
Mode of deliveryFace to Face
Start datesSemester 1 (21 Feb 2022),
Semester 1 (21 Feb 2022),
Semester 1 (21 Feb 2022),
Semester 1 (21 Feb 2022),
FeesFind information about indicative course and program fees.AUD 35,350 (indicative annual fee, 2021)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about feesAUD 35,350 (indicative annual fee, 2021)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about feesAUD 35,350 (indicative annual fee, 2021)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
English proficiencyIELTS overall minimum - 6.0, IELTS section minimum - 6.0 Find out more about IELTS.
Program Code40166
Entry requirements
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
Study science (advanced)
The University of Newcastle's Bachelor of Science (Advanced) is for those who are interested in understanding the world around us and how it works. This degree is for those that are inspired to build new knowledge and discover new things.
You might work in a lab, discovering life-changing scientific breakthroughs. You could work in science education, sharing your passion and knowledge with the next generation. Maybe you see yourself using science to shape government policy – or something else entirely.
With evolving career opportunities, the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) will allow you to create your own academic adventure. Tailor your majors and professional pathways to achieve your career goals. You’ll have access to specialised mentoring, exposure to the wider College of Engineering, Science and Environment community and additional opportunities to participate in work-integrated learning and industry engagement.
Why study with us
- Design your degree to suit your interests – choose from 10 diverse majors with science and professional pathways to tailor your study experience.
- Be part of a collaborative and supportive learning community where you will be mentored by our expert academics to ensure you succeed in your degree.
- Unique learning environments - you’ll be in the lab and out in the field from day one of your studies.
- Join a high achieving cohort - you will study alongside other high achieving students through a series of courses designed specifically for those with advanced academic capabilities.
- ERA 5, 'well above world standard' in sixteen of our science research disciplines (Excellence in Research Australia, 2018).
- Accredited pathways – gain professional accreditation with our Statistics and Physics majors (both majors are currently seeking reaccreditation for 2021).
82% Employed
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within four months of graduating
World top 200
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for geography
World top 200
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for Statistics and Operational Research
What you will study
Most of the critical issues that face our society today require science to help find the right solutions for our current and future generations. Using the latest scientific developments and advancements, you'll learn first-hand from our actively involved researchers how to deliver innovative solutions for real-world problems. You'll also develop highly sought after and transferable skills in problem solving, communication and independent thinking.
You'll study core courses that give you the edge in the following areas:
- Professional scientific thinking – you will learn how science contributes new knowledge and finds solutions to challenges in our society. You will find out what it means to be a science professional through interactive and reflective processes.
- Communicating as a professional scientist – during this course you will complete your practical scientific project and gain experience in communicating to a range of audiences. You’ll also gain practical job seeking experience to help to gain employment in the scientific field that interests you.
- Lab and fieldwork skills – you will learn how to collect data to develop new findings through specialist scientific technical skills in the laboratory and in the field.
- Career planning – discover the type of scientist you want to be! You’ll be guided to make career and study decisions that interest you by understanding the ten different types of scientists and the skillsets they require in the workforce.
- Problem solving and facing new challenges – you’ll gain further knowledge in a variety of areas within science along with integrative perspectives to develop solutions to complex scientific problems.
- Professional employment skills – you’ll develop the skills that employers are looking for in the workforce so that you can take advantage of the higher salaries typically available to those with science qualifications.
- Project planning and implementation – during this course you will have the opportunity to take the role of a freelancing scientist working for a client to solve a complex but practical scientific project.
Program plans
Download a program plan for further details on your degree's structure and what courses you will study.
These program plans are applicable to new students. Current students should refer to the program handbook to access the plan relevant to the year they commenced.
Career
Career opportunities
Some typical roles include:
- Animal Biologist
- Botanist
- Chemist
- Geologist
- Mathematician
- Physicist
- Statistician
Because the Bachelor of Science emphasises problem-solving, teamwork and critical thinking, graduates are sought after across a range of sectors.
10 types of scientists
Need some inspiration? Here are 10 types of scientists in the world today.
Communicators share science with the world. They find creative, targeting way to communicate information to a wide range of audiences, and work across diverse industries like TV, advertising, public affairs, museums and cultural institutions.
Entrepreneurs make big ideas a reality. They combine their knowledge of science and business with an entrepreneurial flair, embracing every opportunity to bring new innovations to the world.
Investigators are experts at finding connections between ideas and information, and using this to map the scientific landscape. By working in a team to plot the bigger picture, they allow others to find their way more easily.
Policy Makers use their scientific knowledge and understanding to help shape government policy. Through excellent communication and negotiating skills, they ensure decisions are grounded in sound, scientific evidence.
Regulators are all about safety. They ensure that new science and technology is safe and secure. They require excellent communication skills and must build trust and confidence among other scientists and the public. For example, Regulators check that our food is safe to eat.
Developers take other people’s discoveries and transform them into something practical – like a new product, service or technology. They are practical problem-solvers who embrace challenges with fresh eyes and new ideas.
Explorers take risks. They embrace a bold approach to research in pursuit of new scientific discovery. They aspire to break new ground across a diverse range scientific fields, and it’s hard to know what they might find. Whatever it is, there’s a good chance it’s never been found before.
Some might say the Technician represents the most traditional picture of a scientist. Lab coat, test tubes, experiments – Technicians work in specialised laboratories to carry out crucial scientific tasks. Their findings are essential to a huge range of areas like crime scene investigation, food science, health service, education and research.
Business Scientists combine their understanding of science, technology and business to excel across all industries. They’re not only in demand in obvious fields like pharmaceuticals or IT, but also finance, insurance, marketing, product development and many more.
Educators share their passion and knowledge of science with the world. They help students in schools, colleges, universities, and other institutions like museums, to understand scientific concepts, and inspire them to use their new knowledge to make the world better. They also develop tools and methods to improve the way science is taught, and information is received.
Professional recognition
As part of the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) program, you will receive close mentoring from leading academics to guide you through the advanced course materials. To prepare you for engagement with the wider scientific community, you’ll have the opportunity to attend seminars, present research and build a diverse network of professional relationships.
The Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Physics major) is currently seeking reaccreditation by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP). Students will be able to become an associate member of the institute while studying, and a full member upon graduation.
The Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Statistics major) is currently seeking reaccreditation by the Statistical Society of Australia. Students will be able to become an associate member of the institute while studying, and a full member upon graduation.
Practical experience
Throughout your degree you'll participate in lab work to help develop your analytical, research and communication skills. First-year lab work is usually undertaken in small groups or pairs. As you progress through the science degree and learn more, the type of lab work you do will build in complexity.
Depending on the majors you choose, you will also be able to take part in field trips, seminar presentations and workshops. All of this is designed to enhance the theory you learn in the classroom so that you can apply it to real-life situations and build on your experience.
Additional work integrated learning and research integrated learning opportunities may include cross-institutional collaboration and volunteer work with Oakvale Wildlife Park and the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre (CCMDC), a community initiative that aims to promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our coasts and oceans. Roles may involve supporting displays, special events, education programs and fun activities for the community.
Study with us
Hear from our students
Listen to our students talk about their degree and life at the University of Newcastle.
How to apply
Applying for Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Let's just check you are eligible
Pick your situation from the list below for more information.
If you are an international student, read the information below before completing an application.
As someone who recently completed secondary education, either at high school, TAFE or another VET provider, you will generally be considered for entry based on your Selection Rank (SR). Some degrees have additional entry requirements such as auditions or interviews and where required you will find these listed on the relevant degree page.
Try to choose what you are most interested in and then research some back up options with lower Selection Ranks (SR) to put as your later choices. A good tip is to look at degrees that may have similar first year subjects. This will help you reduce your overall study time if you want to apply to transfer to your degree of choice after the first year. We also recommend choosing one of our free pathway programs as a backup option as your fifth preference on your UAC application. Selection Ranks (SR) requirements for our degrees do change from year to year so only use the Selection Rank (SR) as a guide.
You should start planning your way into uni from Year 10 onwards. Think about:
- Using our study areas to narrow down study options based on what you are interested in
- Come and speak to us at events like Open Day, Schools Visit Day and campus tours
- Check the Assumed Knowledge and Recommended Studies of the degrees you are interested in
- If you are a high performer you can get a head start by completing some uni subjects while still at school
- Sign up to our mailing list for regular updates
- Have a look at adjustment points and other entry schemes that may give you an extra boost
- Decide on some back up options like Open Foundation and other entry pathways if you don't get the required marks
- See our Application FAQs .
- Have questions? Ask a student. We know you must have heaps of questions about university life – what’s needed to get into your degree, where to go for support, what on-campus accommodation is available and of course, where to find the best coffee. Jump on our website to chat to one of our Student Ambassadors.
Secondary results don’t have a use-by date, so even if you completed high school 20 years ago, these results may be used to apply to the University of Newcastle. You can use your ATAR or equivalent (UAI, TER etc) to apply irrespective of when you completed Year 12.
It can be complicated to calculate your Selection Rank (SR) based on high school results prior to the introduction of the ATAR in 2009. Contact us at 1300 275 866 and let us do the calculating for you.
If you don’t think you will meet the Selection Rank (SR) for admission there are other options to get in depending on your situation:
- Open Foundation
- Complete this program full-time (in a single semester) or part-time (up to 2 years) to get guaranteed entry to over 40+ degrees or to receive a new University Selection Rank.
- Yapug
- Complete this program full-time (in two semesters) or part-time (up to 2 years) to gain entry into an undergraduate degree at the University of Newcastle.
- Diploma in Engineering
- Complete this program full-time (in one year) or part-time (up to 4 years) to get entry into one of our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degrees.
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Complete this program full-time (in a single semester) or part-time (two semesters) you can gain up to 40 units of credit and receive guaranteed entry into a number of related degree programs.
- Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Admission Scheme
- Get entry help by identifying you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
- Elite Athlete Program
- Get adjustment points and support by applying as an elite athlete.
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test
- Complete this test for a mark for entry into some of our degrees.
For advice on these other options please contact us by calling 1300 275 866.
If you studied vocational education and training, the type of qualification, whether or not you completed it, and if it was graded or competency-based will all be taken into consideration to assess your eligibility for admission. TAFE and private providers, as well as some universities, typically offer Certificate III, IV and Diploma Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) awards. Some also offer Advanced Diploma and Associate Degrees.
For admission purposes, and to ensure fairness and transparency among applicants with different types of qualifications, all assessable qualifications are converted to a selection rank. Selection ranks from different individual qualifications are not combined or added together to form a rank. The highest of the two numbers will be the one used to assess your eligibility for admission. Different selection ranks are assigned to VET courses with graded assessment and competency based (ungraded) assessment. The tables below provide information on how to assess your selection rank based on your AQF qualification.
TAFE Guaranteed Entry
Many of our students come to us after completing TAFE studies. You can gain guaranteed entry into many of our 2021 undergraduate programs if you have previously completed an accredited Certificate IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma at TAFE or another registered training organisation (RTO).
Complete Graded AQF Diploma or AQF Advanced Diploma
| Grade Point Average | Rank - AQF Diploma | Rank - AQF Advanced Diploma |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5+ | 95 | 96.95 |
| 6.25-6.49 | 93 | 95.25 |
| 6.00-6.24 | 90 | 93 |
| 5.75-5.99 | 88 | 91 |
| 5.50-5.74 | 86 | 89 |
| 5.25-5.49 | 83 | 86 |
| 5.00-5.24 | 81 | 83 |
| 4.75-4.99 | 78 | 80 |
| 4.00-4.74 | 75 | 76 |
Complete and Incomplete Ungraded AQF Diploma or AQF Advanced Diploma
| Rank - AQF Advanced Diploma | Rank - AQF Diploma |
|---|---|
| 76 | 75 |
Complete Graded AQF Certificate III or AQF Certificate IV
Please note: Certificate III qualifications and below are not accepted for the Bachelor of Nursing program.
| Grade Point Average | Rank - AQF Certificate III | Rank - AQF Certificate IV |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5+ | 78 | 90 |
| 6.25-6.49 | 78 | 88 |
| 6.00-6.24 | 77 | 86 |
| 5.75-5.99 | 76 | 84 |
| 5.50-5.74 | 75 | 82 |
| 5.25-5.49 | 73 | 80 |
| 5.00-5.24 | 71 | 78 |
| 4.75-4.99 | 69 | 75 |
| 4.00-4.74 | 67 | 73 |
Complete Ungraded AQF Certificate III and AQF Certificate IV
| Rank - AQF Certificate III | Rank - AQF Certificate IV |
|---|---|
| 67 | 73 |
Note: Incomplete VET studies must be AQF Diploma level or above and more than 0.2 of a full time student (FTE) to be considered for admission.
It is probably best to contact our Enquiry Centre on 1300 275 866 to discuss your qualifications and grades. Our team are happy to advise you on your options.
Your previous qualifications may also make you eligible for credit to your degree. This will cut down on your study time. You can apply for credit before you start. See our credit page for more information.
If you don’t think you will meet the requirements for admission there are other options to get in depending on your situation:
- Open Foundation
Complete this program full-time (in a single semester) or part-time (up to 2 years) to get guaranteed entry to over 40+ degrees or to receive a new University Selection Rank. - Yapug Complete this program full-time (in a single year) or part-time (up to 2 years) to gain entry into an undergraduate degree at the University of Newcastle.
- Undergraduate Certificates Complete this program full-time (in a single semester), or part-time ( up to 2 semesters) to receive up to 40 units of credit and gain entry into a number of related undergraduate degrees.
- Diploma in Engineering Complete this program full-time (in 1 year) or part-time (up to 4 years) to gain entry into a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree at the University of Newcastle.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admission Scheme
Get entry help by identifying you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. - Educational Access Scheme
Get up to four points if you have experienced educational or other disadvantage. - Elite Athlete Program
Get adjustment points and support by applying as an elite athlete. - Special Tertiary Admissions Test
Complete this test for a mark for entry into some of our degrees.
If you completed higher education or partial higher education studies your grade point average (GPA) (or Grade Average as a percentage for pathway programs like Open Foundation or Yapug) can be converted to a selection rank to be used for admission purposes. To ensure fairness and transparency among applicants with different types of qualifications, all assessable qualifications are converted to a selection rank. The selection rank from this qualification is not added to your ATAR. The highest of the two numbers will be the one used to assess your eligibility for admission.
If you have completed a degree and want to move onto postgraduate study please see our Postgraduate website.
Bachelor degree studies
| Min GPA (>0.5FTE*) | Selection Rank |
|---|---|
| 6.5+ | 97.30 |
| 6 | 93.40 |
| 5 | 86.30 |
| 4 | 77.65 |
| 3 | 67.25 |
*Your GPA can only be calculated if you have completed at least 20 units of study. A full-time study (FTE) load is usually 80 units per year.
Completed pathway (also known as enabling or tertiary preparation) programs
| Overall Grade Average | Selection Rank |
|---|---|
| >97 | 99.55 |
| 80 | 84 |
| 70 | 77 |
| 60 | 70 |
| 50 | 65 |
If you are currently studying a degree at the University of Newcastle and want to transfer across to another degree, please see our Internal Transfers page for current students for more information.
If you have completed or are soon to complete an Enabling Pathways program (Open Foundation or Yapug) you can apply with us directly for free for most degrees. Please visit the Your Next Move website for more information.
If you want to transfer or complete a tertiary preparation program at another university you will need to apply through UAC. Please contact our Enquiry Centre 1300 275 866 for information and advice.
If you think you may be eligible for credit please visit our credit section.
If you’re applying on the basis of overseas secondary qualifications, there are some that are considered as equivalent to an Australian Year 12 qualification. Note that equivalence of qualifications alone does not guarantee entry into programs. For admission purposes, and to ensure fairness and transparency among applicants with different types of qualifications, your overseas qualification will be converted to a selection rank so you can be compared to other applicants.
For advice on your options please contact us by calling 1300 275 866 or visit AskUON.
If you haven’t completed any formal secondary, VET or higher education studies we offer a range of options to get you on the pathway to your dream degree. Our recommended pathways are:
Pathway programs (Open Foundation and Yapug)
The University of Newcastle is the largest provider of pathway programs in Australia. If you haven’t studied for a while, or your high school results weren’t what you expected, you can start at university with one of our pathway programs. Our pathway programs offer guaranteed entry to over 40+ University of Newcastle degrees. When you complete this program your Grade Point Average as a percentage can be converted to a selection rank to be used for admission purposes. The programs on offer are:
- Open Foundation
Completing our Open Foundation pathway program will award you a new rank to apply to uni. Finish Open Foundation in just a single semester or take your time - up to 2 years. Flexible study supports you to learn at your own pace, including online, part-time or full-time options. - Yapug
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student you could complete our one year Yapug pathway program. - Diploma in Engineering
Complete this program full-time (in one year) or part-time (up to 4 years) to get entry into one of our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degrees. - Undergraduate Certificates
Complete this program full-time (in a single semester) or part-time (two semesters) you can gain up to 40 units of credit and receive guaranteed entry into a number of related degree programs.
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Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test or STAT is an aptitude test, organised through the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. If you are over 18 and not a current Year 12 student, results from the STAT multiple-choice test can be used for entry into some (but not all) of the degrees offered at the University of Newcastle. Make sure you look into which degrees accept STAT for entry.
If your qualification is not listed and you are unsure whether you can use it to gain entry please contact us on 1300 275 866 or AskUON.
If your qualification is not listed and you are unsure whether you can use it to gain entry please contact us on 1300 275 866 or AskUON.
Non-Award Admission
If you want to do one or two subjects at the University of Newcastle but not a full degree you can apply for non-award admission. You may want to do this for preliminary work for a higher degree, professional requirements or because of an interest in the area.
Find out more and apply by visiting Non-Award Admission.
Cross-Institutional Study
If you are currently at another university and want to do one or more subjects at the University of Newcastle for credit you can apply for Cross-Institutional Study.
Find out more and apply by visiting Cross-Institutional Study.
If you have more than one of the qualifications listed above they may all count towards your application. We are always happy to provide advice and discuss your circumstances so please contact us by calling 1300 275 866 or by submitting a question using AskUON. Otherwise check out our application FAQ.
Senior secondary school qualification
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools. To check if your qualification is recognised for direct entry into the University of Newcastle, please refer to the entry requirements below.
Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.
The Australian Government operates a student visa program that enables people who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents to undertake study in Australia. A person who wants to undertake a course of study under the student visa programme must obtain a student visa before they can commence a course of study in Australia. A successful applicant must be both a genuine temporary entrant and a genuine student.
An applicant who is a genuine temporary entrant will have circumstances that support a genuine intention to temporarily enter and remain in Australia, notwithstanding the potential for this intention to change over time to an intention to utilise lawful means to remain in Australia for an extended period of time or permanently. All Australian education providers must have strategies and arrangements in place to ensure that all students and prospective students meet the requirements with Direction 69 as a condition of admission to the institution.
When your application for admission is received, the University of Newcastle will assess this against university entrance requirements including: minimum age, English and academic entry requirements. To comply with Australian law your application will also be assessed to check that you are genuinely seeking temporary entry to Australia to study. You may be asked to provide the University of Newcastle with evidence addressing Ministerial Direction 69 as part of finalising your admission. If the University forms the opinion that you are not a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) it may refuse to assess your application, withdraw an offer of a place, or cancel your confirmation of enrolment.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection in Australia will also assess each application for a student visa (subclass 500) against the applicant’s intention to stay temporarily in Australia as a genuine student. The criteria for this assessment are outlined in Ministerial Direction 69. Applicants that don’t satisfy the criteria under Direction 69 will not be granted a student visa.
For more information, please refer to the following areas of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website:
Other things to consider
Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:
Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and International students. Admission information for Australian students and residents is available online here. Admission information for International students can be found here. During the admission process adjustment factors may be applied to your Selection Rank. Please visit our website to see if you are eligible.
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
- Previous Studies - An admission rank cut-off of 95.00, or equivalent.
HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent
HSC Biology and/or Chemistry and/or Physics and/or Earth & Environmental Science would be a strong advantage in this program, depending on the Major you choose.
HSC Biology or equivalent, and/or HSC Chemistry or equivalent, and/or HSC Physics or equivalent, and/or HSC Earth and Environmental Science, would be a strong advantage in this program depending on the major/s you intend to complete.
You can look at NUPrep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
You should also think about degree add-ons like combined options or a Diploma in Languages. If you would like to learn an additional language alongside your main bachelor degree, then this program is for you. Languages offered include: Australian Sign Language (Auslan), Chinese, French, German and Japanese.
Ok, great, let's go!
Apply to study this degree through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
You can select up to five preferences in your UAC application, so have a look around and select some back-up options. Put the degree you are most interested in first.
Apply to study in Australia
Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.