Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 6 locations

Duration
1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
061896E
IELTS
Overall score: 7.0 Individual score of: 7.0 in all test sittings
Fees (first year)*
$32736
Start dates
February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027

Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) is a one-year degree for high-achieving students who have already completed the Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent. The honours degree allows students to build upon the knowledge gained in their past degree, develop research skills that will equip them for future study at a higher degree level and work closely with an academic expert to contribute to a particular area of interest. The main focus of the degree is to produce a research thesis under supervision from experienced academic staff.

Importantly, this degree does not lead to nurse registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Honours scholarships are available to suitably qualified candidates for 2023 commencement. Please see the below Scholarships section, under Fees.

Supervision arrangements

Your thesis will be prepared under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the School Committee on the advice of the Head of School.

On completion of the course of study and research you will submit a written thesis based on work carried out during the period of study and research. Examination and assessment of the thesis will be congruent with the current Faculty Policy Pertaining to Students Undertaking Honours. You will be required to attend and participate in graduate seminars organised by the school.

Careers

Completion of an honours degree equips graduates with important skills in research, data analysis and interpretation, and project management. It is the most efficient pathway to doctoral studies. An honours degree also provides graduates with greater knowledge of research and interpretation, which can be usefully applied in the clinical setting.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1 - Full-time (1 year)

  • Coursework UnitsHLSC406Research Methods in Biomedical and Health Sciences Research

    ONLINE SCHEDULED

    10 cp
  • Coursework UnitsHLSC407Communicating Research in Biomedical and Health Sciences

    ONLINE SCHEDULED

    10 cp
  • Coursework UnitsHLSC408 Qualitative Research Methods in Health Science OR Coursework UnitsHLSC409 Statistics for Biomedical and Health Sciences Research

    HLSC408 & HLSC409 are ONLINE SCHEDULED.

    10 cp
  • Thesis Units - Thesis UnitsNRSG412Honours Thesis (Part A)

    MULTI-MODE

    10 cp
  • Thesis Units - Thesis Units - Full-time studentsNRSG413Honours Thesis (Part B)

    MULTI-MODE. (Pre: NRSG412)

    40 cp

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time (1.5 years)

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time (2 years)

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Commencing Semester 2 - Full-time (1 year)

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Commencing Semester 2 - Part-time (2 years)

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor Honours - AQF Level 8

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible to apply for admission to the course, a student must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing and attained a GPA of at least 5.50.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

View transparency admission information

International applicants

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing and attained a GPA equivalent of at least 5.5 on the ACU seven-point scale in that degree. Applicants must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy and require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 6.5 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit. Learn more about inherent requirements and how they affect you, and explore the requirements for your course.

Pathways

Further study

Graduates may be eligible to progress to a postgraduate coursework degree in nursing. Specialties include mental health nursing, clinical nursing, clinical education and health administration. Graduates may also be eligible to undertake a Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy.

The Faculty of Health Sciences also offers the National Immunisation Education Program for Health Professionals.

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $4092
  • Average first year fee: $32736
  • Estimate total cost: $32736

The tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

Honours Scholarships

ACU is offering honours scholarships of $10,000 (pro-rata payment for part-time enrolment) to the top 10 applicants to the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours), (ranked by GPA at the time of application). Scholarships are open to current ACU final-year Bachelor students, for ACU graduates from previous years, and eligible graduates from other institutions.

For further details and instructions on how to apply, visit: ACU Nursing Honours Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.

Search our scholarships

How to apply

International applicants

Ballarat

Apply through

code

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

No deferment available.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

 

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