Health sciences
Why study Health sciences?
The Bachelor of Health Sciences provides a range of exciting opportunities. If you want to work in health, but are unsure of which health profession, this course can help you discover your passion in a specific health profession or in other areas in the rapidly expanding and growing health sector. We help you to develop an understanding of health and disability, and how best to improve health, considering our bodies, our communities, and our workplaces. The Bachelor of Health Sciences offers majors in the following areas:
- Human Physiology and Anatomy (Melbourne campus)
- Public Health (Melbourne and Bendigo campus)
- Rehabilitation Counselling (Melbourne campus).
Career opportunities
Job prospects are excellent for health sciences graduates.
Public Health at La Trobe
Learn about the Public Health major in the Bachelor of Health Sciences
Studies in Public Health can lead to employment in public health and health promotion in government departments, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, geriatric care agencies and private health service organisations.
Human Physiology and Anatomy at La Trobe
Learn about the Human Phsyiology and Anatomy major in the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
Rehabilitation Counselling at La Trobe
Learn about the Rehabilitation Counselling major in the Bachelor of Health Sciences.
Studies in Rehabilitation Counselling can lead to careers which include health promotion, research and evaluation, specialist occupational health and safety and occupational rehabilitation fields, and non-clinical aspects of client management including community-based rehabilitation and case management.
Courses
Local students
2013
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Duration :
- 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (February)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Melbourne 75.6
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This course allows students to create a program that best represents their interests and needs in arts and health sciences disciplines - providing many different career options. Some study combinations might include politics, society and public health, legal studies and health administration, human biosciences and archaeology, gender, sexuality and diversity studies and health promotion and/or public health.
- Prerequisite
- VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English, and at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (any), Physics, or Physical Education.
- Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice, and/or an essay.
If you didnt get the ATAR there are other ways to get into this course.
Non Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - Middle band
- Re-ranking is based on performance in English (any), Humanities (any), LOTE (any), Drama, Theatre Studies, Legal Studies and Psychology. Consideration is also given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria.
- Fee amount
- Indicative (2010): CSP student contribution between $5,310 and $7,567 (per 120 credit points).
- How to apply
- VTAC or Late Direct Application.
- Full course details
- Arts/Health Sciences Melbourne
Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Duration :
- 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Bendigo 60.15
- Melbourne 63.4
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This highly flexible course aims to give students a broad understanding of the field of health sciences while pursuing areas of interest within the human biosciences, rehabilitation or public health domains. It can also provide provide a pathway into La Trobe's specialist health sciences courses.
- Prerequisite
- VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 25 in English (any), or 30 in English (ESL), and at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (any), Physical Education or Physics.
- Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - Middle band
- Re-ranking is based on relevant employment or work experience. Consideration is also given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
- How to apply
- VTAC
- Full course details
- Health SciencesMelbourne
Health SciencesBendigo
Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Business
- Duration :
- 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Melbourne 65.25
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- The healthcare sector has an increasing need for graduates with skills and knowledge in health sciences and business. This is due partly to Australia's traditionally strong private-sector involvement in healthcare service delivery, supply and financing, but also to new accountability requirements in the healthcare sector. Designed in response to current needs, this course offers a comprehensive foundation in business studies combined with the choice of a number of health specialisations.
- Prerequisite
- VCE Units 1 & 2: two units (any study combination) from general mathematics or mathematical methods (CAS). Units 3 & 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English, and at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (any), Physical education or Physics.
- Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - Middle band
- Re-ranking is based on relevant employment or work experience and criteria associated with the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS).
- How to apply
- Apply direct to the University for Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2013.
- Professional recognition
- Marketing graduates are eligible to join the Australian Marketing Institute or the Australian Market and Social Research Society as associate members.
- Full course details
- Health Sciences/Business Melbourne
Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of International Development
- Duration :
- 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Melbourne 65.25
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Combining studies in these two disciplines is likely to open the door to many careers in which graduates can make a positive contribution to communities in developing countries. This course aims to give students specific skills in health administration, health policy and health services management, and an understanding of the issues involved in social, economic and political areas in developing nations. It strongly emphasises knowledge and skills relevant to the planning and delivery of health services in developing countries.
- Prerequisite
- VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 25 in English (any) or 30 in English (ESL) and 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (any), Physical Education or Physics.
- Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - Middle band
- Re-ranking is based on relevant employment or work experience and Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria.
- Additional information
- How to apply
- VTAC
- Full course details
- Health Sciences/International DevelopmentMelbourne
Diploma in Health Sciences
- Duration :
- 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (February)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Bendigo n/a
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This course suits students people interested in a career in health sciences. It is a pathway into many of La Trobe's undergraduate degree programs in health sciences. The curriculum covers key aspects of science related to health, and environmental and socially responsible considerations around professional healthcare.
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Year 12 plus recommendation from student's secondary school. Applicants may be asked to complete a piece of written work indicating interest in the program and which will be used to assess academic skill.
- Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Mature-age applicants are normally expected to have completed Year 12 studies or equivalent, and to provide a recommendation from an employer.
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - Additional information
- All applicants must complete a piece of written work outlining their reasons for interest in the program.
- How to apply
- Apply directly to the University. See contact details below.
- Professional recognition
- Please note the course does not lead to accreditation with any health science registration boards.
- Full course details
- Health Sciences (Diploma)Bendigo
Want to know more?
Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.
Fees and scholarships
Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.
There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students.
International students
2013
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences (025959E)
- Duration :
- 4 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 25 220
- Campus
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This course allows students to create a program that best represents their interests and needs in arts and health sciences disciplines - providing many different career options. Some study combinations might include politics, society and public health, legal studies and health administration, human biosciences and archaeology, gender, sexuality and diversity studies and health promotion and/or public health. Melbourne
- English Language Requirements
- Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at undergraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
or approved international equivalent. Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- LTM Foundation Studies - 75
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 71.5 Melbourne campus
International Baccalaureate - 25
GCE A Levels - 9
Hong Kong A Levels - 7
HKDSE - 3 x Level 4
Sri Lankan A Levels- BCC
STPM - 9
MICSS (UEC) - 4
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 75
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 75
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8
Indonesia (SMA) - 8
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.6
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. Melbourne - Subject prerequisite
- One of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Year 12 Mathematics. Melbourne
- Full course details
- Arts/Health Sciences Melbourne
Bachelor of Health Sciences (062598G)
- Duration :
- 3 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 25 010
- Campus
- Bendigo, Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- This highly flexible course aims to give students a broad understanding of the field of health sciences while pursuing areas of interest within the human biosciences, rehabilitation or public health domains. It can also provide provide a pathway into La Trobe's specialist health sciences courses. Bendigo, Melbourne
- English Language Requirements
- Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
or approved international equivalent. Bendigo, Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- LTM Foundation Studies - 65
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 51.05
International Baccalaureate - 24
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 6
HKDSE - 2x Level 4
Sri Lankan A Levels - CCB
STPM - 8
MICSS (UEC) - 5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 65
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.5
Sweden Slutbetyg - G
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 65
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8
Indonesia (SMA) - 8
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.3
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. Bendigo, Melbourne - Subject prerequisite
- One of Biology, Chemistry, Year 12 Mathematics or Physics. Bendigo, Melbourne
- Full course details
- Health SciencesMelbourne
Health SciencesBendigo
Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Business (043552A)
- Duration :
- 4 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 24 470
- Campus
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- The healthcare sector has an increasing need for graduates with skills and knowledge in health sciences and business. This is due partly to Australia's traditionally strong private-sector involvement in healthcare service delivery, supply and financing, but also to new accountability requirements in the healthcare sector. Designed in response to current needs, this course offers a comprehensive foundation in business studies combined with the choice of a number of health specialisations. Melbourne
- English Language Requirements
- Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
or approved international equivalent. Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- LTM Foundation Studies - 70
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 65.40
International Baccalaureate - 25
GCE A Levels - 10
Hong Kong A Levels - 7
HKDSE - 3 x Level 4
Sri Lankan A Levels - BBC
STPM - 8.67
MICSS (UEC) - 4.5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 70
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 70
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.2
Indonesia (SMA) - 8.2
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.6
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. Melbourne - Subject prerequisite
- One of Biology, Chemistry, Year 12 Mathematics or Physics. Melbourne
- Professional recognition
- Successful completion of the marketing major in the Bachelor of Business leads to membership of the Australian Marketing Institute or the Marketing Research Society of Australia as associate members. Melbourne
- Full course details
- Health Sciences/Business Melbourne
Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of International Development (065929B)
- Duration :
- 4 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 24 470
- Campus
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Combining studies in these two disciplines is likely to open the door to many careers in which graduates can make a positive contribution to communities in developing countries. This course aims to give students specific skills in health administration, health policy and health services management, and an understanding of the issues involved in social, economic and political areas in developing nations. It strongly emphasises knowledge and skills relevant to the planning and delivery of health services in developing countries.
- English Language Requirements
- Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
or approved international equivalent. Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- LTM Foundation Studies -70
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 63.25
International Baccalaureate - 25
GCE A Levels - 10
Hong Kong A Levels - 7
HKDSE - 3 x Level 4
Sri Lankan A Levels - BBC
STPM - 8.67
MICSS (UEC) - 4.5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 70
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 70
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.2
Indonesia (SMA) - 8.2
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.6
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. Melbourne - Subject prerequisite
- One of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Year 12 Mathematics. Melbourne
- Full course details
- Health Sciences/International DevelopmentMelbourne
How to apply?
Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Your study experience
Alternative pathways
Diploma of Health Sciences (Bendigo)
Public health placements
The course does not provide one on one clinical practice, but takes a population health approach, with field placements in the public health and rehabilitation counselling majors.
What is a health scientist?
What is a health scientist booklet (PDF 56KB)
Overseas study opportunities
You may be eligible for our student exchange program.
Student profiles
Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.
About the academic staff
You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences or focus on staff in Health sciences.


