Learn to research health issues in a clinical setting
Pursue your passion for health care in this honours program that has a strong focus on clinical practice. As part of this degree, you’ll develop your research capabilities through coursework and undertake a research project where you’ll learn more about a contemporary health issue that sparks your interest.
- Campus note: Moreton Bay program offered online
Pursue your passion for health care in this honours program that has a strong focus on clinical practice. As part of this degree, you’ll develop your research capabilities through coursework and undertake a research project where you’ll learn more about a contemporary health issue that sparks your interest.
There are opportunities to collaborate with experienced researchers in fields such as maternal and child health, acute and complex care of adults and health professional education.
Our program is designed to help you transition from being a registered nurse to an academic or professional role.
In this program you will:
- Undertake a research project of your choice
- Develop knowledge of research in health care and selected research methodologies and methods
- Learn about health care and research from experienced supervisors working in the industry
Admission requirements:
- AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Nursing Science award (or equivalent)
- Registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- English language requirements
- GPA of 5.0 over the second and third year of the degree program
Career opportunities:
- Registered nurse in a wide range of practice contexts and roles
- Nurse researcher
- Academic career pathway
Graduates are eligible to become members of:
- Australian College of Nursing
Program structure
Coursework component (4) 48 units
NUR713 Contemporary and Emerging Marketing Perspectives
NUR721 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
HLT701 Law Honours Thesis
PUB708 Independent Study
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
HLT701 Research in Health Care
NUR709 Qualitative Research: Approaches and Practice
PUB708 Quantitative Research Methods
Research component (4) 48 units
NUR731A Qualitative Research: Approaches and Practice
NUR731B Professional Internship
NUR731C Quantitative Research Methods
NUR731F Research Project A
Additional requirements
The class of Honours to be awarded to a student is dependent upon:
- the percentage results achieved by study in eight courses as specified in the table below;
- the student achieving a UP result in NUR709 (if completed); and
- the student achieving at least 50% in NUR731F Research Project.
USC courses |
HLT701 Research Project B |
NUR709 Research Project C |
NUR713 Research Project F |
NUR721 Qualitative Research: Approaches and Practice |
NUR731A Professional Internship |
NUR731B Independent Study |
NUR731C Research in Health Care |
NUR731F Research Project A |
PUB708 Research Project B |
A student must complete a minimum of 8 courses in the table, including the research project, for an honours grade to be awarded.
The minimum levels of achievement normally required for each class of honours are shown in the following table.
Honours results classification |
Overall Percentage attained in Specified Courses * |
Honours Class I |
80% - 100% |
Honours Class IIA |
70% - 79% |
Honours Class IIB |
60% - 69% |
Honours Class III |
50% - 59% |
* The percentage result shall be rounded up if ≥ 0.5 or rounded down if < 0.5.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 96
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 96 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.