Bachelor of Health Science

Adelaide University’s 100% online Bachelor of Health Science covers foundational topics related to the human body and healthcare in Australia.  

Learn key theories about the body and how it responds in both sickness and in health. Build your understanding of bodily systems by studying anatomy, biology, pharmacology and physiology. Then learn how these health skills apply in practice by studying health systems and services in Australia, research methods, project management, health law and ethics. 

Engage with practical projects which apply to real-world scenarios. You can also choose from a variety of electives to match your career outcomes, ranging from nutrition and exercise to digital marketing and public health.  

This 100% online Health Science degree is your introduction to working and making a difference in the Australian healthcare system.  

This generalist health degree will equip you with the skills to step into many different healthcare roles. You’ll develop an understanding of how the human body works, the systems that facilitate good health, and how to promote healthier lifestyles for individuals and communities.  

You’ll also get to engage with practical projects and choose from electives tailored to your career goals – whether you’re interested in promoting nutrition through digital marketing, or using exercise to develop community-wide health policies.  

Graduate with the confidence to move into the healthcare system, using industry best practice and informed strategies to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.

Recommended study pattern

Year1

UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning (SOCI3014) Or program elective

UO Health Systems and Services (PUBH1009)

UO Foundations of Human Biology 1 (BIOL1028)

UO Health and Society (PUBH1008)

UO Foundations of Human Biology 2 (BIOL1029)

UO Research Methods for Public Health (PUBH1011)

UO Psychology Concepts (PSYC1017)

UO First Peoples' Health (PUBH1007)

Year2

UO Physiology (PHAR2019)

UO Anatomy 1 (HLTH2019)

UO Pathophysiology (PHAR2017)

UO Fundamentals of Pharmacology (PHAR2018)

Program elective course

Program elective course

Program elective course

Program elective course

Year3

UO Health Law, Ethics and Policy (HLTH2011)

UO Project Management for Health and Wellness (HLTH3020)

UO Global Change and Human Health (BIOL3043)

UO Health Practice Project 1 (PUBH3010)

UO Health Practice Project 2 (PUBH3011)

Program elective course

Program elective course

Program elective course

Major courses:

UO Social Connectivity to Support Healthy Ageing (HLTH2020)

UO Supporting Dignity through Enablement (HLTH3018)

UO Nutrition and Food for Healthy Ageing (NUTR2006)

UO Ageing and Wellbeing in Aboriginal Australians (PUBH3013)

UO Ageing and Disability Friendly Environments (SOCI2011)

UO Innovation, Creativity and Social Roles in Healthy Ageing (SOCI2016)

UO Disability and Ageing: Diversity and Discrimination (SOCI3016)

UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care (SOCI3036)

Program electives:

UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning (SOCI3014)

UO Promotional Communication: Advertising, Publicity and Marketing (COMM3004)

UO Social Media Engagement (COMM3005)

UO The Psychology of Crime and Violence (CRIM3005)

UO Anatomy 2 (HBIO3013)

UO Supporting Dignity through Enablement (HLTH3018)

UO Transition to Employment (HLTH3019)

UO Adapted Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport (HUMV3006)

UO Digital Marketing (MARK3013)

UO Web Design (MDIA3011)

UO Food as Medicine (NUTR3004)

UO Food Safety, Quality and Security (NUTR3005)

UO Nutrition for Exercise and Performance (NUTR3006)

UO Clinical and Abnormal Psychology (PSYC3028)

UO Work and Organisational Psychology (PSYC3029)

UO Public Health (PUBH3007)

UO Epidemiological Principles and Methods (PUBH3008)

UO Disability and Ageing: Diversity and Discrimination (SOCI3016)

UO Professional Practice in Public Health (PUBH3012)

UO Ageing and Wellbeing in Aboriginal Australians (PUBH3013)

UO Applications in Nutrition and Exercise (SOCI3018)

UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care (SOCI3036)

- Students are advised that 3rd year level (or greater) courses need to be selected when choosing Advanced Electives.

Award requirements

Students must complete 24 subjects including 8 major courses and 1 to 8 elective or 1 to 8 electives.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students have the option of completing a Healthy Ageing Major. Students who elect this Major MUST complete the courses listed below:

UO Nutrition and Food for Healthy Ageing (NUTR2006)

UO Innovation, Creativity and Social Roles in Healthy Ageing (SOCI2016)

UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care (SOCI3036)

UO Ageing and Wellbeing in Aboriginal Australians (PUBH3013)

UO Disability and Ageing: Diversity and Discrimination (SOCI3016)

UO Social Connectivity to Support Healthy Ageing (HLTH2020)

UO Ageing and Disability Friendly Environments (SOCI2011)

UO Supporting Dignity through Enablement (HLTH3018)

Electives

Students who elect the Unspecified Major can select any of the Electives listed below Or any course from the Healthy Ageing Major list:

UO Anatomy 2 (HBIO3013)

UO Work and Organisational Psychology (PSYC3029)

UO Transition to Employment (HLTH3019)

UO Supporting Dignity through Enablement (HLTH3018)

UO Applications in Nutrition and Exercise (SOCI3018)

UO Disability and Ageing: Diversity and Discrimination (SOCI3016)

UO Public Health (PUBH3007)

UO Food as Medicine (NUTR3004)

UO Promotional Communication: Advertising, Publicity and Marketing (COMM3004)

UO Professional Practice in Public Health (PUBH3012)

UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning (SOCI3014)

UO Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care (SOCI3036)

UO Web Design (MDIA3011)

UO Nutrition for Exercise and Performance (NUTR3006)

UO Food Safety, Quality and Security (NUTR3005)

UO Ageing and Wellbeing in Aboriginal Australians (PUBH3013)

UO Epidemiological Principles and Methods (PUBH3008)

UO Social Media Engagement (COMM3005)

UO Digital Marketing (MARK3013)

UO Adapted Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport (HUMV3006)

UO The Psychology of Crime and Violence (CRIM3005)

UO Clinical and Abnormal Psychology (PSYC3028)

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $34,109

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Adelaide University is Australia’s new major university, delivering an accessible, contemporary and future-focused teaching and learning experience.

Adelaide University’s range of 100% online undergraduate and postgraduate programs is designed by experts and shaped by industry, with world-class research informing your learning. Experience flexible study, tailored student support when you need it, and on-demand learning resources. Join a vibrant community of online learners and launch your next move.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

8

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

10

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

• Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
• A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
• Successful completion of an Adelaide University online literacy and numeracy test and have relevant work experience; OR
• Qualify for special entry.

English language entry requirements for International students only.

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5

IELTS Reading 6

IELTS Listening 6

IELTS Speaking 6

IELTS Writing 6

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