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Our Bachelor of Health Science combines study with hands-on experience and allows you to major in one or two specialisations in the areas of health promotion, health services management, recreational therapy, clinical sciences and public health. The program is designed to give you the skills you need to work with clients and develop great services which promote health and well-being.
Study options
FULL TIME
3 years
PART TIME
6 years
Start times
Spring
July
(2023)
Autumn
March
(2024)
Please note: Sydney City start times are March, July and November.
Explore Western | 29 May-10 June
Get a head-start on your future with the wide range of programs available for mid-year entry at Western.
Chat to us one-on-one to explore your options so you can start your degree in 2023.
Advance human health
The Bachelor of Health Science gives you practical, hands-on experience in the field of health science. With the flexibility to switch between majors at the end of your first year. Studying health science is also an ideal pathway to a range of other health degrees through Western’s internal program transfer. As part of the program, you will gain real-world experience through work placements in a diverse range of health settings, allowing you to increase your expertise and employability.
There are a number of pathways into a career in health science. Get ready to make the world a better place.
Design your degree with the end in mind
To graduate with an undergraduate degree in Health Science you are required to complete enough subjects to earn 240 credit points, in most cases subjects are worth 10 credit points each. If you have completed prior diploma or university study in another program this can be credited towards this total, reducing the number of subjects you will need to complete to graduate.
Health Science is made up of a core group of 8 subjects worth 80 credit points that focus on the foundation knowledge and skills required by all health professionals. These subjects focus on population health, health professional competencies, communication, anatomy and physiology, human development across the lifespan, diseases, psychology, research and evidence and project development and management. All Health Science students share the same core subjects and some of these are also shared with students from our clinical health programs.
You need to choose a testamur major. This is the primary focus of your degree and what is written on your degree at graduation. Choosing the testamur major is an important step as it will determine the types of roles you will be eligible for after graduation. Health Science has 5 testamur majors. Four of these are industry-based health professional roles which will qualify you to enter the workforce once you graduate. These testamur majors are public health, health promotion, health services management and recreational therapy. Alternately, the clinical sciences testamur major has been designed as a pathway degree, to help you progress to post graduate study in clinical health areas. It has been designed specifically to ensure foundation skills and presumed knowledge areas are covered.
Each testamur majors adds an additional 80 credit points to your program, except for recreational therapy which adds 120 credit points. So, if you choose:
- Public Health: 80 core + 80 testamur major =160cp
- Health Promotion: 80 core + 80 testamur major = 160cp
- Health Services Management: 80cp core + 80 testamur major = 160cp
- Clinical Sciences: 80 core + 80 testamur major = 160cp
- Recreational Therapy: 80 core + 120 testamur major = 200cp
Most Health Science students will still need 80 credit points to graduate, with recreational therapy students needing 40. At this point you choose what to do with the remaining credit points. You could choose a second non-testamur major (80cp), two minors (40cp each), one minor (40cp) and 4 electives (40cp). You are recommended to choose majors that complement your testamur major. Think with the end in mind and strategically choose majors that will give you the additional knowledge and skill required for the role you wish to enter after graduation. Offering so much choice can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you should use this to your advantage to make sure you are studying a program that interests you and offers enough differentiation from other graduates. The key is that everything needs to add up to 240cp.
Feel like you still need help deciding the direction you want to take through Health Science? Be sure to contact our friendly staff at the Contact Service Centre.
Program structure
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
In the Health Promotion Specialisation, you will learn how to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
In our Health Services Management specialisation, you will learn how to contribute to the organisation, development and management of healthcare services.
In our Recreational Therapy Specialisation, you will discover the link between recreation and improved quality of life, making the world a better place.
In our Public Health specialisation, you will find out how social, physical and environmental factors affect health, shaping a better tomorrow.
Our Clinical Sciences specialisation offers study in a suite of clinical health sciences subjects, supporting future study in a clinical health career like occupational therapy, podiatric medicine and speech pathology via graduate entry study.
Related Programs:
Fees and delivery
Fees: Varies depending on subjects selected. View available subjects in our handbook.
For further information on University fees, please visit Fees and University Costs.
Delivery: On campus and online
Fees: AUD $29,488*
Delivery: On campus
Start your unlimited journey today.
See where a bachelor of health science can take you
Joana Andre Garrido completed the Diploma in Health Science at The College in 2015 before moving onto the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Health Services Management) at Western Sydney University in 2017.
She was the successful recipient of ACHSM Health Management Internship 2018-2019 and completed a Master in Health Management at UNE before returning to Western Sydney University, where she is currently studying a Master of Health Science (Digital Health). Joana is currently working as a Patient and Carer Experience Officer, Clinical Governance in the Western Sydney Local Health District.
Health Services Management Major
Health Services Management plays a vital role in society ensuring investment in health is well spent, and health services are effective, efficient and sustainable. It puts management studies in the distinctive context of the health sector to integrate clinical understanding, business management skills and knowledge of the health care system and policy development. As a Health Services Management graduate, you can work in quality improvement, project and resource management, and digital health.
Our program offers 280 hours of Work Integrated Learning and is accredited by the Australasian College of Health Service Management.
You will have the opportunity to study health, informatics, human resources and occupational safety to extend your interdisciplinary knowledge and skills and ensure a readiness for the health management workforce.
You can combine this testamur major in health services management with a non-testamur major or minor in public health or health promotion, human resources development, physical activity, sport development, recreation and health, health informatics, or choose up to 80 credit points of electives based on your interests.
Health Services Management career opportunities include:
Health Service Manager
Health service managers plan, lead, organise and coordinate health services.
Project Manager
Project managers coordinate and ensure smooth implementation of health related projects.
Health Administrator
Health administrators direct the service operations of hospitals, health systems and other organisations.
Choose your campus
Professional Accreditation
Health Services Management graduates are eligible for membership of the Australasian College of Health Service Management.
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Health Promotion Major
Health Promotion extends beyond raising awareness of healthcare issues. It also involves developing and implementing strategies for communities, individuals and policy makers to support good health and wellbeing. Health Promotion graduates help address health inequities in communities, link individuals and communities with healthcare, and assist individuals and communities to follow healthy behaviours, working across sectors and engaging collaboratively with communities to do so. Health promotion projects are as diverse as injury prevention, skin cancer prevention, HIV/AIDS awareness and community development. Health promotion professionals work in diverse settings including healthcare, workplace and educational facilities, community, local, state and federal government, private industry and not-for profit organisations. The program combines studies of health politics and planning, health promotion practice and public health with a comprehensive foundation in the health sciences to develop the professional competencies important for ethical and safe practice. Students will develop the skills required to work in multidisciplinary teams. Evidence-based practice is one of the most important trends in healthcare today and a strong feature of the program.
Students may combine this testamur major in health promotion with a non-testamur major or minor in public health, physical activity, sport development, recreation and health, human nutrition or the option to choose up to 80cp of electives based on the student’s interest.
The program includes 140 hours of professional practice placement.
Health Promotion career opportunities include:
Local Health District Health Promotion Officer
Local Health District Health Promotion Officers are responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating community-based programs.
Digital Engagement Officer
Digital Engagement Officers use innovative digital approaches and solutions to promote health.
Community Engagement & Development Project Officer
Community engagement and development project officers work with communities to facilitate health promotion initiatives.
Choose your campus
Study health promotion online
Be in control of your degree. Study in an environment that suits your needs at your own pace with Health Promotion also offered online.
"By empowering communities, our goal is to embed this program into the health care system and sustain it."
Western Sydney Research: Empowering People Across The Globe
Read about Freya’s research in diabetes prevention with the Samoan community in South Western Sydney in Future Makers.
See where a bachelor of health science can take you
Adam Wilson graduated from his Recreational Therapy program in 2019. Prior to this he completed a Sports and Exercise Science degree. He pursued Recreational Therapy after being exposed to and identifying the benefits of this role at his workplace. As a recreational therapist at Royal Rehab, Adam focuses on increasing the physical function and mental wellbeing of people with spinal cord injuries through their leisure pursuits. He does this by using assistive technology and adaptive techniques.
Recreational Therapy Major
Recreational Therapy links leisure and health improvement. As a Recreational Therapy graduate you will work with patients to use leisure activities to improve health and life quality in rehabilitation centres, psychiatric subjects, special schools, day care centres, aged care facilities, schools, correctional centres, private practice and in a range of local government or community services settings.
Recreational Therapy combines theory and practice in learning, education programming, aged care, disability and mental health, with a comprehensive foundation in the health sciences. You will develop the professional skills important for ethical and safe practice and high-quality care. Evidence-based practice is one of the most important trends in healthcare today and is a strong feature of the program.
The recreational therapy program is offered on campus or fully online. You can combine this testamur major in Recreational Therapy with a minor called Leisure for Diverse Groups (recommended), or health promotion, public health, physical activity, or choose up to 40 credit points of electives based on your interests.
The program includes a total of 720 hours fieldwork placement to attain valuable practice-based experience. This is made up of 160 hours of compulsory practical placement in second year and a third-year internship of 560 hours
Recreational therapy career opportunities include:
Recreational, Diversional or Leisure Therapist
Recreational, Diversional or Leisure Therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs.
Recreation Officer
Recreation Officers work with communities to facilitate health using recreation.
Recreation Assistant & Lifestyle Co-ordinator
Recreation Assistant & Lifestyle Co-ordinators implement recreation based programs.
Choose your campus
Study recreational therapy online
Be in control of your degree. Study in an environment that suits your needs at your own pace with Recreational Therapy also offered online.
Professional Accreditation
Therapeutic Recreation graduates are eligible for membership of Diversional and Recreation Therapy Australia.
See where a bachelor of health science can take you
Patricia Fleming is a proud aboriginal woman of the Gamilaroi and Wailwan people of NSW. She gained entry via a TAFE diploma pathway and completed the Bachelor of Health Science with a double major in Public Health and Health Services Management.
In 2019, she won the Grace Saleau Prize from the Australasian College of Health Services Management for the best grade point average in a health services management undergraduate program in Australia. She was successful in being offered a 3 year graduate internship as an Aboriginal Population Health Trainee for SWSLHD. She is currently enrolled in a Master of Public Health.
Public Health Major
Public health is the science of improving health for individuals and their communities through disease prevention. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease prevention, conducting population health assessment and measurement, improving environmental health, engaging the community and detecting, preventing and responding to infectious diseases. As a Public Health graduate, you will get to work in a variety of settings, including national and state health departments, community organisations and the global health sector. The Public Health major builds your knowledge of the biological, social, cultural, economic and physical factors that underpin the health of a population and how to promote health for all. You will also develop and use skills in epidemiology and biostatistics, surveillance and prevention, and public health policy.
The program includes 140 hours of professional practice placement.
You can combine this testamur major in public health with a non-testamur major or minor in health promotion, physical activity, sport development, recreation and health, health informatics, human nutrition, health practice management or choose up to 80 credit points of electives based on your interests.
Public health career opportunities include:
Public Health Officer
Public Health Officers identify, investigate and address health issues for different populations.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers provide preventive health care to specific communities.
Public Health Policy Officer
Public Health Policy Officers develop and advise on policies related to public health.
Choose your campus
Study public health online
Be in control of your degree. Study in an environment that suits your needs at your own pace with Public Health also offered online.
"When unhealthy foods are the only choices around, there is no choice."
Western Sydney Research: Empowering People Across The Globe
Read about Catharine’s research on adolescent food literacy in Future Makers.
Clinical Sciences Major
The Clinical Sciences major provides you with an opportunity to study a range of clinical health sciences subjects, providing a pathway into a clinical health career.
The subjects have been specifically selected to allow you to obtain the assumed knowledge requirements of undergraduate clinical health programs such as occupational therapy, podiatric medicine and speech pathology. Completion of the Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Sciences) provides eligibility for admission, to most post-graduate health programs. The Clinical Sciences major focusses study on anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, neuroanatomy, functional anatomy, abnormal psychology, motor skill acquisition and professional reasoning.
You will study a range of core subjects that focus on professional and ethical conduct, social determinants of health, psychology and evidence-based practice. This ensures a comprehensive foundation for practice in the health sector. You will also complete 80 credit points of electives which can be used to pick up a second major, or minors in public health, recreation, exercise and sports development or health management. These flexible study options help diversify your knowledge base and skill set. The health science core subjects and electives may be available to students online. The program is interdisciplinary in nature and travel between campuses for classes may be required.
You can combine this testamur major in clinical sciences with a non-testamur major or minor in public health, health promotion or health services management, physical activity, sports development, recreation and health, health informatics, or choose up to 80 credit point of electives based on your interests.
Choose your campus
Pathways into the Bachelor of Health Science
Students who have completed diploma studies at TAFE or an approved college provider may be eligible for up to 60cp in place of their electives.Student who have completed the Diploma of Leisure and Health may receive credit for the Recreational Therapy program. Student who have completed the Diploma of Management, Business or Leadership may receive credit for the Health Services Management program.
Pathways from The College
Students who enrol into the Integrated Diploma/Bachelor of Health Science at the College receive 80cp credit toward the bachelor degree. They commence the program at The College and then transition to the university campus in their second year.
Health Science as a pathway
This program may also be used as a pathway to selected programs via internal university program transfer. Using Health Science as a pathway is competitive and does not guarantee you will be accepted into the desired pathway.
Pathway options:
Apply now and start your unlimited journey.
Overseas experiences
Our Health Science students have a wide range of opportunities to further their studies and gain valuable experience by studying abroad. Popular experiences include the 3-week Public Health Study Tours in Indonesia and Mexico, Community Development Programs in the Philippines and Malaysia and full exchange study semesters in the US, Italy, London and New Zealand.
*The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.
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