Bachelor
Find your place at UNSW and join the forefront of scientific discovery and social progress.
Find your place at UNSW and join the forefront of scientific discovery and social progress. This globally recognised double degree offers a broad and flexible education that you can tailor to your passions and career goals.
In the Bachelor of Science, you'll gain in-demand transferable skills you can apply to almost any industry. A science degree unlocks a world of stimulating career possibilities from earth science to psychology, mathematics to biotech.
In your Bachelor of Social Sciences degree, you'll explore a broad range of political, international, social, environmental and economic challenges that make real-world impact. You'll gain the powerful knowledge and skills to inform public debate and shape societal policies.
With sought-after expertise across two disciplines, this double degree will expand your skill set and multiply your career possibilities.
Build a degree around your passions and aspirations
This double degree gives you the flexibility and variety to explore a range of study areas to find a career-enhancing path that's right for you. In the Bachelor of Science, you'll choose from 27 majors across the physical, natural and human sciences. In the Bachelor of Social Sciences, you can choose from 13 specialisations such as business, policy, environment, sociology, media and international studies.
Gain vital practical experience, here and overseas
Choose from various internship opportunities (including the SCIF3199 Science Work Placement course and the POLS5100 International Relations Internship) and exciting international exchange opportunities with our industry partners. Through real-world work experiences, you'll gain vital skills in communication, analysis, ethical decision-making and teamwork to bolster your career.
Double your employability and multiply your opportunities
Combine your interests and gain a competitive advantage in the graduate job market with this globally recognised double degree. By approaching your studies with the added perspective of a second discipline, you'll develop a richer understanding of your subject matter and graduate with a specialised skill set that will set you apart.
Despite the name, a double degree doesn't mean double the time or workload. By combining the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Social Sciences into a double degree, you'll study focused courses in each program, allowing you to complete the two degrees faster.
Explore your career possibilities through research and work integrated learning
Take advantage of our Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Research Integrated Learning (RIL) opportunities to explore potential career paths. These experiences allow you to apply your skills in a professional context and learn alongside world-leading academics.
As one of the world's top 20 universities*, we're guiding the future leaders of science in Australia and overseas.UNSW Science has eight study areas ranked in the top 50 globally**, including psychology (#30), environmental sciences (#33) and earth and marine sciences (#33). We're ranked 1st in Australia for research output in chemistry and physical sciences and 2nd in Australia for research output in earth and environmental sciences.^
*AFR BOSS 2023 Best Business School Rankings
**QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
^Nature Index Institution Outputs, 1 Dec 2019 - 30 Nov 2020
At UNSW, we balance theoretical and hands-on learning to prepare students to hit the ground running after graduation. For that reason, UNSW was named the 'AFR Most Employable University' at the 2023 Top 100 Future Leaders Awards.
We've built hands-on learning and research experiences into both degrees to ensure you have the tools to thrive in your future career. Not only that, you'll be learning in world-class laboratories, clinics and simulators. You can join the STEM Career Launchpad - an extra-curricular program that helps you prepare for your career, explore different STEM careers and expand your professional network.
At UNSW, you'll join a cohort of passionate students, academics and professionals, all working together to shape a better future. From peer mentoring and student support services to the 300+ clubs and societies across UNSW, you'll connect with open-minded students whose perspectives will expand your worldview.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 (depending on chosen area of study) plus one or more of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
| Qualifications | Direct entry requirement |
|---|---|
|
International ATAR
|
75
|
| UNSW Foundation Studies GPA |
6.9
|
|
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
|
10
All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1. |
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
|
26
Results based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2019 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For more details, visit www.uac.edu.au |
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
|
1130
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies. |
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
This exciting double degree will give you the optimal balance of theoretical and hands-on learning to prepare you for tomorrow's workforce. You'll develop transferable skills that you can apply to almost any industry. You'll gain a strong foundation in logical, analytical and critical thinking, as well as vital skills in teamwork and communication.
Pursuing a career in science could land you roles in research institutes, government agencies, NGOs and private sector organisations working to solve tomorrow's problems through a science-based approach.
On the social sciences side, you might use your expertise to work as a policy adviser, research consultant, advocate, government or United Nations official - the opportunities are boundless.
Explore our study areas below to discover the range of potential career paths available across the fields of science and social sciences.
A double degree expands your career possibilities as you'll have expertise across two (or more) fields. Both degrees offer a wide variety of majors and specialisations, which allow you to tailor your education to your career goals.
Psychologist
Pilot
Environmental scientist
Data scientist
Materials scientist
Clinical coder
Biotechnologist
Teacher
Neuroscientist
Genetic counsellor
Mathematician
Medical technician
Biologist
Food scientist
Laboratory technician
Campaign manager
Advocate
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade official
International business consultant
Local government official
Non-government organisation official
Policy analyst
Political adviser
Political journalist
Project officer
Program manager
Research consultant
Research officer
Tourism and trade adviser
United Nations official