Rank thresholdATAR: 60 SR: 60
Duration3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Location
Online and Rockhampton
Next start termTerm 2, 2024
Study modeOn Campus, Online
Course codeCB66
First-year fee
$11,710 (Indicative) (CSP)
From Term 1, 2025, the Bachelor of Allied Health name will change to the Bachelor of Health Science.
Allied Health students in a training hospital working with patients

Overview

Studying the Bachelor of Health Science (formerly Bachelor of Allied Health) prepares you for a diverse and rewarding career in emerging health roles. Completing the Bachelor of Health Science equips you with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference within the health sector.

In this course, you will develop fundamental knowledge across a range of health-related topics, including anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology, evidence-based practice, health psychology, and rural health. In addition to the core units, you can choose two minors or specialise with a major in areas such as strategic communications, public health, or human and community well-being. 

This course will provide you with opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills in rich and authentic learning environments through laboratory activities, research projects and work-integrated learning, where you will be engaged in genuine, real-life professional experiences. With an embedded vocational award HLT43015 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, you will have the option to commence your career in the health sector while completing your tertiary education. 

At the completion of your studies, you will be well-placed to find employment and follow your chosen career path within the wider health sector and/or to continue with further studies at an honours or postgraduate level.

Study experience

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Health Science, you will have the expertise to enter a wide range of relevant allied health employment fields throughout Australia. You will be prepared to pursue employment opportunities in areas such as aged care, Indigenous health, community health, health promotion, public health, and health research and to articulate into other health education courses. 

The Bachelor of Health Science also provides you with the necessary skill set to apply for entry to graduate entry masters courses in areas such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, and speech pathology.

Structure & Availability

Term 1, 2025, Course Structure

This course has a refreshed course structure commencing in Term 1, 2025. You are required to complete 16 units and either one eight-unit major or two four-unit minors. You can choose from the following options:

Four-unit minors

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
  • Human and Community Wellbeing
  • Introduction to Occupational Therapy
  • Introduction to Physiotherapy
  • Introduction to Podiatry
  • Introduction to Speech Pathology
  • Project Management
  • Psychology for Health
  • Public Health 
  • Strategic Communications

Eight-unit majors

  • Human and Community Wellbeing
  • Public Health
  • Strategic Communications

Term 2, 2024 Course Structure

If you're interested in applying for Term 2, 2024, you are required to complete 16 units and two minors. You can choose from the following minors:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
  • Allied Health Liberal Studies
  • Community and Public Health
  • Introduction to Occupational Therapy
  • Introduction to Physiotherapy
  • Introduction to Speech Pathology
  • Psychology for Health

If you commence in Term 2, 2024, our course advisors will work with you to make sure you're on an up-to-date study plan. 

Unit information

For information on the units you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.

Credit transfer information

If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

On-Campus Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2023Rockhampton
Term 2, 2023Rockhampton
Term 1, 2024Rockhampton
Term 2, 2024Rockhampton
Term 1, 2025Rockhampton
Term 2, 2025Rockhampton

Online Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2023Available Online
Term 2, 2023Available Online
Term 1, 2024Available Online
Term 2, 2024Available Online
Term 1, 2025Available Online
Term 2, 2025Available Online

Four-Unit Minors

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies minor

Many Indigenous Australians experience poorer health than other Australians, especially in rural, regional and remote communities. As such, they require care that is contextualised within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander systems of kinship, reciprocity and spirituality and which acknowledges the intergenerational effects of past government policies, discrimination and racism on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians. In this minor, you will engage with colonialism taking you into the national context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and perspectives in interface with non-Indigenous power and authority. You are enabled to make connections to the international, global, and colonial context. You will develop skill sets to critically investigate, argue and interpret issues around identity, nationalism and power, and to question issues and approaches that purport to be about ‘reconciliation’. You will develop your critical and ethical thinking skills and be enabled to be a transformative citizen skilled in the struggle for social justice.

Human and Community Wellbeing Minor (available from Term 1, 2025)

With an ageing population and an increase in services for people with disability, there is an unprecedented opportunity for professionals to work within the human service sector in Australia. This minor will introduce you to the human services sector in Australia and the concepts of social justice, inequality and disadvantage. You will gain practical skills in active listening and cross-cultural communication, and critically analyse different contexts for community work. You will gain an understanding of different organisational theoretical models to analyse and creatively consider organisational and system change. 

Introduction to Occupational Therapy minor

This minor is designed to introduce you to the profession of occupational therapy, including occupational, biomedical, and social foundations. Occupational therapists support people of all ages and their families to engage in their desired and required occupations and activities of daily life, optimising physical and mental health and wellbeing. During this minor you will be introduced to: the scope of contemporary occupational therapy practice; the history of occupational therapy; occupational therapy theories and models; foundational professional skills, including interviewing; how personal, environmental, and occupational factors can represent strengths and barriers to occupational engagement; and the support occupational therapists provide to people to achieve their goals. This minor is subject to quota availability.

Introduction to Physiotherapy minor

Physiotherapy is an exciting and rewarding allied health profession that has employment opportunities in hospital, community, sports and occupational settings. Physiotherapists work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to improve the quality of life for individuals with health and/or movement disorders. In this minor, you will develop an understanding of the ethical, legal and professional frameworks that underpin physiotherapy practice, including evidence-based and inter-professional healthcare. You will acquire basic knowledge and skills in the assessment of posture and movement, and the safe use of therapeutic massage, manual handling, and mobility aids in the context of physiotherapy practice. You will also be introduced to the physiological and biochemical determinants of exercise performance and develop basic skills in the assessment and prescription of exercise for healthy individuals. This minor is subject to quota availability.

Introduction to Podiatry minor (available from Term 1, 2025)

Podiatry is a specialised allied health profession focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions related to the lower limb. This minor will introduce you to foundational aspects of podiatry practice including the standards and codes of practice for a podiatrist. You will gain knowledge in functional anatomy and biomechanics of the lower limb, learn how to set up a clinical workspace, apply infection control principles and conduct general assessments of the foot and lower limb.

Introduction to Speech Pathology minor

Speech Pathology is an exciting field that helps people overcome communication difficulties that prevent them from fully engaging with people around them. In this minor, you will develop an understanding and appreciation of how communication disorders across the lifespan create barriers to participation in community, education and employment. Strategies to facilitate the development of language in children and improved understanding and use of language to promote better health outcomes will also be explored. This minor is subject to quota availability.

Project Management minor (available from Term 1, 2025)

Effective project management is crucial in the health sector to ensure the successful execution of complex initiatives. This minor will introduce you to fundamental project management principles, provide skills in planning and managing project scope, risk and quality and an understanding of the project life cycle including initiation, planning, implementation, and project closing phases.

Psychology for Health minor

In this minor, you will be introduced to the social and cultural bases of human behaviour and the theory behind the skills and interventions that are commonly implemented with clients in applied health and sports settings. You will examine human lifespan development, including cognitive and social development, and investigate social psychology as well as abnormal psychology. Additionally, you will analyse individual and societal attitudes to psychoactive drug use by exploring the history of its use, drug policy, public health responses and current media representations.

Public Health minor (available from Term 1, 2025)

Public health is a dynamic field dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the health of entire populations. The discipline of public health involves the study and application of various strategies to identify health-related concerns, prevent diseases, prolong life, and promote health on a community and global level. Within this minor, you will examine social determinants of health on both community and global scales. You will be introduced to different types of community assets and needs assessments, and apply fundamental health promotion concepts that can be applied in communities. You will also explore prominent public health issues that arise during and after disasters and compare and contrast traditional and contemporary community-based disaster management frameworks.

Strategic Communications minor (available from Term 1, 2025)

Strategic communication involves using contemporary communication approaches to reach diverse audiences. In the context of health, this may involve translating complex health information to diverse population groups. In this minor, you will become a critical consumer of information and learn how information is created, distorted, and shared in contemporary (online) environments. You will examine crisis management from a communications perspective, learn the processes involved in a successful communications campaign, and develop the skills required to create impact with individuals, organisations and the wider population. 

Eight-Unit Majors

Human and Community Wellbeing major (available from Term 1, 2025)

With an ageing population and an increase in services for people with disability, there is an unprecedented opportunity for professionals to work within the human service sector in Australia. With a focus on social justice, inclusivity and person-centred support, this major will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to communicate, engage and work with diverse population groups in your community. You will gain an understanding of social justice, inequality and disadvantage in Australia and how these principles underpin work in human services in Australia. You will gain practical skills in active listening, cross-cultural communication, case management and evidence-based practice. You will critically analyse different contexts for community work and develop strategic responses to a range of differing community contexts. This major will prepare you for employment within the human service sector and/or for future postgraduate studies.

Public Health major (available from Term 1, 2025)

Public health is a dynamic field dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the health of entire populations. The discipline of public health involves the study and application of various strategies to identify health-related concerns, prevent diseases, prolong life, and promote health on a community and global level. Within this major, you will examine social determinants of health on both community and global scales and identify risk factors for lifestyle-related chronic conditions. You will be introduced to different types of community assets and needs assessments, and apply fundamental health promotion concepts that can be applied in communities. You will also appraise evidence from epidemiological investigations to understand the distribution of health outcomes in diverse populations and understand influential factors that determine this distribution.

Strategic Communications major (available from Term 1, 2025)

Strategic communication involves using contemporary communication approaches to reach diverse audiences. In the context of health, this may involve translating complex health information to diverse population groups. In this major, you will become a critical consumer of information and learn how information is created, distorted, and shared in contemporary (online) environments, and develop a critical awareness of new communication technologies and their impact on a global scale. You will learn the processes involved in a successful strategic communications campaign and work on real-world scenarios, enabling you to develop clear knowledge about how to communicate effectively, devise and implement strategies, and maintain relationships with stakeholders. You will examine crisis management from a communications perspective and develop skills for managing intense media scrutiny. The major will prepare you for employment within the health-related strategic communications sector.

All students will be required to attend a compulsory Residential School for ALLH11010 Skills for Allied Health Assistants, regardless of study mode. Students may also be required to attend additional compulsory Residential Schools throughout their study if they choose to study Online via Distance, or select a major or minor with a Residential School component.
Skills for Allied Health Assistants - ALLH11010

Students will be required to undertake approximately 120 hours of professional placement in an allied health setting. During this placement, students will be required to undertake and perform duties typical of an individual seeking their vocational award Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance. Whilst every effort will be made to arrange placement within the student's community, this is not guaranteed, which may mean that students are required to travel for their professional placement.

Work-Integrated Learning for Health Professionals - ALLH13009

Students will be required to undertake approximately 60 hours of professional placement in a health setting relevant to their major or minor study area. During this placement, students will be required to undertake and perform duties typical of a work-ready professional in the health sector. Whilst every effort will be made to arrange placement within the student's community, this is not guaranteed, which may mean that students are required to travel for their professional placement.

Requirements

Recommended study

Biology (Unit 3 & 4 C) or equivalent, or Chemistry (Unit 3 & 4 C) or equivalent, or Physics (Unit 3 & 4 C) or equivalent.

When applying, you must demonstrate that you have met the listed Entry Requirements and English Language Proficiency requirements. 

After you have applied and enrolled in this course, you will need to be able to meet the Security and Health Requirements, as these generally relate to work-integrated learning activities that form part of your course. You will be provided with more information about security and health requirements after enrolling in the relevant units that these relate to. 

Entry Requirements

English (Unit 3 & 4 C) or equivalent

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

Applicants are required to provide documentation confirming completion of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
  • An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV qualification, or
  • An AQF Diploma level qualification, or
  • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you are an international student, additional requirements may apply, please visit international student information for more details.

If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT - Requires 75 or better overall and no score less than 17; or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

Each student will be assessed individually.

COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for students attending WIL placements in the healthcare industry. This vaccination may be mandatory for some placement providers.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements apply to this course and as such, students are subject to compulsory pre-placement conditions referred to as mandatory checks. Mandatory checks are outlined in the health, security and other compulsory requirements sections. Mandatory checks are determined by industry, organisations, legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. To be eligible for a WIL placement, students must first achieve compliance with mandatory checks by each closing date prior to a WIL placement, and maintain current evidence for the duration of the course. 

Mandatory health requirements may include immunisation and vaccination evidence (and serology where required) for the following diseases: COVID-19, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis screening. Additional vaccinations or screenings will be subject to the site or state health authority. 

Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance, working with children check, and NDIS worker screening clearance. 

Other mandatory requirements may include a First Aid and CPR certificate, student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, fitness to participate in WIL student declaration, jurisdictional and site-specific compulsory requirements, other training modules relevant to the placement site, and Respirator mask fit testing if required by the placement site. 

You will have to meet this course's inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes.

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative Fees

Fee TypeFees
Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee$11,710
Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee$23,127

How to apply

StateAdmission Code
New South WalesOnline: 160481
South AustraliaOnline: 150481
TasmaniaOnline: 150481
VictoriaOnline: 150481
QueenslandOnline: 850515; Rockhampton: 850511
Western AustraliaOnline: 150481
Northern TerritoryOnline: 150481
Australian Capital TerritoryOnline: 160481