Diploma in Health Sciences

On completion of the course you will be able to:

1. Understand social and psychological theories through both local and global social health perspectives
2. Analyse health science research to develop, implement and evaluate innovative solutions to contemporary health issues
3. Identify ethical, legal and research concepts to professional practice
4. Effectively communicate disciplinary knowledge across a variety of public contexts
5. Engage in reflective practice supporting ongoing self-development and enabling articulation of one’s own values and respect for others
6. Demonstrate knowledge of impacts of the social determinants of health on Indigenous and other cultural groups

Build the foundations for a rewarding career in health with the Diploma in Health Sciences from Flinders University. This fully online one-year course introduces you to key concepts in human biology, public health, and the Australian health system while developing the academic skills you need to succeed at university level.

Designed for students starting their study journey or returning after time away, the diploma provides a supported pathway into nursing, public health, allied health and health science bachelor degrees. You’ll learn from specialist educators, develop confidence in scientific thinking and communication, and gain clarity around your future direction in the health sector.

Recommended study pattern

You'll study 8 topics covering in-demand health skills relevant to healthcare settings. You can tailor your studies to suit your career goals with options in nutrition, molecular biology, health promotion or digital health.

Core Topics you'll study include:

First half of the year:

• Research and Study Skills
• Interpersonal and Interprofessional Communication

Second half of the year:

• Human Bioscience
• Strengths-based Approaches to Health: Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
• Understanding Health, Illness, and Health and Social Care in Australia

Option Topics you'll study may include:

• Managing in Modern Organisations
• Digital and Social Media
• Health Promotion for Health Professionals
• Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health
• Molecular Biology
• Influencing the Experience of Ageing
• Chemistry
• Perspectives on Disability
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy

Award requirements

To qualify for the Diploma in Digital Content Creation, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of Pass (P) or Non-Graded Pass (NGP) or better in each topic, following the program of study detailed in the course handbook.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $12,192

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

Explore Flinders courses.

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

22

Grade Point Average (GPA): Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 4.00 from prior higher education studies.

Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR): A minimum of 60.00 is required for entry into this program.

Minimum Qualification: Completion of a Certificate IV or higher from a registered training organisation (RTO).

Flinders Foundation Studies Program: Successful completion of this bridging program qualifies for admission.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT): An overall score of 150 or higher may be used for entry if no other formal qualifications apply.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• First language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language).
• Completed secondary schooling in Australia.
• Completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution).
• Completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution. 
• Completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program. 
• Performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements. 
• Registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia).
• Achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university.
• Completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.