Honours programs
School of Life Sciences research
Medical Science
Are you interested in solving today’s medical problems?
Researchers in the discipline of Medical Science in the School of Life Sciences investigate infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, cancer and neuroscience/neurological disorders.
Molecular Biotechnology
Are you interested in advancing biotechnology and biomedicine to improve the quality of our food, environment, health and medicines?
Researchers in the discipline of Molecular Biotechnology are identifying new and improved markers of disease and testing of new therapeutic interventions to provide greater accuracy, earlier detection and treatment options across a range of health conditions.
Environmental Sciences
Are you interested in working towards sustainable solutions to environmental problems?
Researchers in the Environmental Sciences discipline investigate flora and fauna across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, targeting climate change, environmental interactions with human health and the conservation of biodiversity.
Other Areas of Research
The School of Life Sciences is also affiliated with other research centres. These are:
Why study Honours?
An Honours degree can open the door for further research study, equipping you with the prerequisite research skills to undertake a research degree such as the PhD. Honours can also help you to gain a competitive edge for your employment prospects.
Our Honours course is a research-based program. It is a unique opportunity to explore your research potential. Independent research can be a life-changing opportunity to become an expert in a niche area. You’ll have the chance to develop significant insights and make your own meaningful contribution to a specific field of biological knowledge.
Through completion of Honours, you’ll develop valuable transferrable skills that will complement your Bachelor’s degree. These include:
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Time and project management skills
- Demonstration of independent investigation and achievement of more complex goals to employers
- Kickstarting your pathway to further research
How does Honours work?
Under the guidance of an academic supervisor and their research team, you’ll undertake research and ultimately write a thesis to document your research journey from proposal to conclusion. You’ll also deliver seminars explaining your research project.
You can undertake an Honours program as an Undergraduate student:
Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)
You can also undertake an Honours program as a Postgraduate student during your Master of Philosophy in Science.
How to apply for Honours
Usually honours needs to be completed in full-time study mode over one year. To be admitted to honours you need to meet specific entry requirements. You require a credit average (i.e. at least 65%) in second- and third-year core subjects. You also require a commitment from a supervisor that they have an independent research project for you and are willing to mentor you in completing the project over the Honours year.
Read about Honours projects available (PDF, 2.9MB)
Attend an Honours information session
Come along to the Honours information session and meet with potential honours supervisors. Upcoming sessions will be advertised on subject and course Canvas pages and on the Science Events page.
Find a supervisor and finalise a project and agreement for supervision
A supervisor is a researcher based in the Faculty of Science who mentors you throughout your Honours program. Honours projects can also be completed externally under the collaborative guidance of both an external and a Faculty supervisor.
How to submit your application
To apply for a Bachelor’s Honours course:
Local (Domestic) Students
- See application deadlines and further detail about the application process
- Apply directly via the My Student Portal.
International students
- Complete the International Students Science Supplementary Form (PDF, 173kB). Add this form as supporting documentation in the UTS International Online Application System. Application closing dates are indicated on the application information page.
- Apply via the UTS International Online Application System.
To apply for Master of Philosophy
C04267 Master of Philosophy in Science
C04389 Master of Philosophy in Medical Biotechnology
C04393 Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science
Local (Domestic) Students and International Students apply directly via the My Student Portal.
Key Dates for Current and Future Honours Students
| Assessment Task | Weight | Week | AUTUMN 2024 (commence 05/02/24) | SPRING 2024 (commence 29/07/24) | AUTUMN 2025 (commence 17/02/25) Applications close 26/01/2025 |
| Proposal Seminar | 5% | 8 | 30/09/24 | 08-10/04/25 | |
| Project Proposal | 10% | 10 | 11/10/24 | 28/04/25 | |
| Final Seminar | 15% | 34 | 8-10/10/24 | 08/04/25 | 7-9/10/25 |
| Thesis | 70% | 37 | 01/11/24 | 02/05/25 | 03/11/25 |
Further information
If you would like more information on Honours projects or the enrolment process, please contact the School of Life Sciences Honours Committee.
