Bachelor of Health Science

The Bachelor of Health Science is a distinctive science degree which will position you as a future leader in tackling health problems of national and global significance. This degree equips you with a broad understanding of the themes explored in advanced studies of medicine and offers an excellent pathway to the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) at ANU. The Bachelor of Health Science draws upon the world-leading strengths of ANU in medical education, biomedical science, population health, psychology, social science and public policy to prepare you for a future in medical, allied health and health-related professions.

ANU is ranked the best university in Australia¹ and is the only Australian university rated ‘well above world standard’ for public health and health service research in all three of the Excellence in Research for Australia evaluations. We have produced three Nobel Prize-winners in Physiology and Medicine and are home to Australia’s national medical research institute.

The Bachelor of Health Science can also be combined with the Master of Public Health as a Flexible Vertical Double Degree, allowing you to graduate with an undergraduate and postgraduate qualification.

^{1 - QS World University Rankings 2018}

A pathway to medicine at ANU

The Bachelor of Health Science offers a pathway to the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) at ANU without having to sit the GAMSAT. At the end of their second year in the Bachelor of Health Science up to 30 students will receive an offer of entry to the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD), contingent upon their grade point average (GPA), an interview process, and successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Science. Ten of the 30 places in the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) program are reserved for rural and Indigenous students from the Bachelor of Health Science.

Pathways to secondary teaching

By combining the Bachelor of Health Science degree from ANU with a Master of Secondary Teaching from UC, you will graduate with both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in only 5 years.

Career opportunities

With a Bachelor of Health Science, you can launch your career path in medicine, allied health, health organisations and the public service, including in hospitals, public health units, healthcare foundations and academia.

You will graduate with an impressive skillset that includes knowledge of the biomedical sciences, an understanding of the biological, social and economic factors contributing to health outcomes, and research skills related to biomedical science, population health and public health policy.

Additional selection criteria

Admission to the Bachelor of Health Science also requires a successful assessment of suitability based on responses included in the Bachelor of Health Science Supplementary Form. The form must be submitted by 31^st May for direct applications submitted to ANU and November 30^th in the year of application for UAC applications. Submission of this form is compulsory for all applicants.

There are 60 places available in each intake of the Bachelor of Health Science.

Of the 60 places available in the Bachelor of Health Science, 15 places are reserved for applicants from a rural background. Applicants from a rural background are asked to indicate this in their supplementary form and are required to submit supporting documentation with their application.

Places are also available in the Bachelor of Health Science for applicants who are of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Applicants are asked to indicate this in their supplementary form and are required to submit supporting documentation with their application.

Please see ANU Undergraduate – Additional Selection Criteria for further information.