The Australian Defence Force requires leaders with sound scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills. As a Bachelor of Science graduate from UNSW Canberra, you will possess the intellectual and analytical skills required to be an effective leader and have broad choices about where to take your ADF career.  

Science is also fundamental to defence specialties such as technology, computers, aircraft, ships, explosives, code-making and code-breaking.   

Expand your understanding and discover the world of science with a Bachelor of Science from UNSW Canberra.

ATAR indicative

75.00

Degree type

Undergraduate

Duration

3 years full-time

Commencing terms

Semester 1

Program code

4410

Delivery mode

On campus

Study at UNSW Canberra 

A Bachelor of Science degree from UNSW Canberra offers you a diverse understanding of the physical and social world, from chemistry and sub-atomic physics, to large-scale behaviours of oceans and planets, to contemporary transformations in social and cultural life, to computational techniques and data analysis.  

Studying science will develop your scientific literacy and deepen your science expertise in your chosen field of study. You can choose to specialise in:

  • Aviation
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Oceanography
  • Physics

The ADF is always looking for leaders with expertise in physical, environmental and mathematical sciences. Should you excel in your Bachelor of Science degree, you may have the opportunity to undertake an additional one-year Honours program – Bachelor of Science (Honours). This is subject to the needs of the individual Services.

World-class teaching & facilities

When you study Science with UNSW Canberra, you’ll join a unique and diverse community. Learning from leading academics and industry experts, your qualifications and skills will be highly sought after in Australia and abroad. Benefit from the best university teacher-to-student ratio in Australia and access world-class research materials and laboratories. 
 

What our students say

"I had a lot of flexibility in my degree choice at UNSW Canberra, as I was selected as a pilot for the RAAF. My degree is helping me to develop the way that I think and learn."
Max Pickering, Bachelor of Science student


Science & your Defence career

The UNSW Canberra Bachelor of Science degree develops skills in critical thinking, problem solving and communication. A science degree opens up a wide variety of ADF and non-defence career options.

As an Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Trainee Officer studying science, you will build lifelong skills in creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and communication. Your degree will equip you with a breadth of technical, strategic and logistical knowledge for a successful career as an Officer in the Navy, Army or Air Force.
 

Design your degree

Expand your potential by choosing specialisations that suit your passions and interests. As a student at UNSW Canberra at ADFA, you can select two discipline areas to major in. Detailed descriptions of these majors can be found in the UNSW Handbook.

    • Mathematics – Physics
    • Chemistry - Physics
    • Chemistry – Geography
    • Chemistry - Mathematics
    • Mathematics – Oceanography
    • Physics – Oceanography
    • Geography – Oceanography
    • Mathematics – Aviation
    • Physics – Aviation
    • Chemistry – Aviation
    • Geography – Aviation
    • Mathematics – Computer Science

    Current students can access Degree Plans for the above Double Major Combinations on the Student Hub.

  • Chief of the Defence Force Program

    The Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) programs offer the opportunity for students entering UNSW Canberra with a high Entrance Rank, and who maintain a high level of performance in their studies, to undertake research in a range of disciplines that will develop their critical thinking and independent research skills beyond that available in the standard bachelor degree programs.

    The range of CDF programs is characterised by the inclusion of specialist courses in critical analysis and/or research methods appropriate to the area of study. All programs also include discipline-specific research projects. The research projects will be supervised by academic staff from the relevant discipline. With the approval of the Head of School, multi- or cross-disciplinary projects may be undertaken. Students in the research courses may work independently or as part of a team, depending on the nature of the project undertaken, though all students will submit an individual assessment. The final assessment will be based on a written paper or report and oral presentations. 

    Throughout the program, students will be engaged in cohort activities so as to develop and maintain their interest and continuing involvement in the program via invited lectures, seminars, general reading and social events.

Key contacts

Student Enquiries

E: sascanberra@unsw.edu.au
T: (02) 5114 5000 

Available to
ADFA Trainee Officers
ADF Current Serving Members

Assumed knowledge
Mathematics

Additional selection criteria
Defence Force Recruiting process