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Diploma in Science

UndergraduateUNE-DSC-DIP2025

Discover the basic methods, techniques, and tools of science

Engage your curiosity about the natural world with this online science course. Build a solid and broad foundation of scientific knowledge, starting with core subjects including physics and chemistry. Focus on a specialisation such as maths or biology.

Start studying now

Start small with no entry requirements

Enrol in single subjects by 15 June for classes starting 23 June.

Study method: Online & on-campus
Assessments: 100% online
Applications close: 19 June 2025,; 12 Oct 2025
Credit available: Yes
Duration: 1 year full time or part time equivalent
Total subjects: 8

Indicative total fee: $18,808; Fee details
Available loans: Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)

Diploma in Science

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About this degree

The Diploma in Science aims to graduate students to have an understanding that:
Science encompasses both a body of knowledge and a reliable process of discovery. It is founded upon the recognition of fundamental laws that make nature systematic and reproducible.
1. Scientists observe, measure, classify and perform experiments upon the natural world. They employ scientific methods to test hypotheses and use empirical evidence to support or refute their hypotheses. The natural variability or uncertainty, inherent in the natural world means that scientific conclusions are reliable but contestable: they may be revised or modified as new evidence emerges. Scientists are curious about the natural world and are creative in formulating hypotheses and in designing approaches to problem-solving.
2. Mathematics is used in science to model real-world systems and scientific data are often analysed using statistical methods.
3. Science operates within a paradigm of peer review and replication that provides a collective responsibility for the reliability of scientific knowledge. Scientists have a responsibility to communicate the outcomes of their work accurately and without bias to their peers and to society.
4. Science is embedded within a context that reflects both the history of scientific endeavour and the culture of present society. Scientists generate and build knowledge, develop technologies, investigate and solve problems.
Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate current, technical and theoretical knowledge of science, including the creative endeavour involved in acquiring knowledge, and the contestable and testable nature of scientific knowledge;
2. use and apply recognised methods of science, appropriate practical techniques and tools for processes of discovery and inquiry;
3. use scientific literacy to demonstrate an understanding of, and to explain scientific issues to, peers, scientific non-experts and the general community;
4. demonstrate personal and social responsibility through an awareness of the ethical frameworks, by working safely and responsibly in individual and team environments; and
5. transfer knowledge and specialised skills to others and demonstrate an understanding of knowledge.
Recommended study pattern
Complete the following four Core subjects:
- PHYS100 - Introductory Physics
- SCI100 - Science in Practice
- CHEM100 -Introductory Chemistry
- MTHS100 - Introduction to Quantitative Skills
Complete four Elective subjects.
To access the course rules and plans go to the UNE Course Handbook.
Award requirements
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass subjects to the value of 48 credit points (8 subjects) from the OUA Program.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $18,808
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.

Entry requirements

Start small with no entry requirements

Yes, you can get into this diploma!

Gain entry through single subjects, regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:

Single subjects

Start with subjects
Enrol and pass subjects from this diploma. You can get access to HELP loans if you’re eligible. This enrolment option is only available through Open Universities Australia.
We’ll recommend the next available subjects for you when you enrol.
Enrol in single subjects
Continue to the Diploma in Science
Enter the degree with full credits from your subjects. You’ll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.

This is a restricted Diploma. Students must complete the 4 Open Enrolment Core subjects before advancing.

Students must complete the following four Open Access (core) subjects in order to gain admission into the Diploma in Science and continue with elective subjects:
- PHYS100 - Introductory Physics
- SCI100 - Science in Practice
- CHEM100 -Introductory Chemistry
- MTHS100 - Introduction to Quantitative Skills
At least one of the following criteria must be met:
1. English is the applicant's first language; or
2. Satisfactory completion, within five years of the date of application for admission to UNE, of at least one year of full-time or equivalent full-time study at senior secondary, post-secondary or tertiary level in a country in which English is the primary official language or co-official language and in which English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment for the particular period of study claimed, resulting in an AQF award or an award recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR); or
3. A pass grade or better in an English language subject at Australian Year 12 level or overseas equivalent; or
4. An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.0 with no sub-band less than 5.5; or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 213 in the computer-based test; or at least 79 in the internet-based test with no less than 22 in the written component; or a PTE Academic minimum overall score of 57 with no skill less than 50; or
5. Satisfactory completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program:
  1. at the University of New England English Language Centre; or
  2. an equivalent EAP program at an Australian university NEAS-accredited English Language Centre (subject to certification from the university concerned that satisfactory completion of that university's EAP program would entitle the applicant to be accepted into a comparable award-bearing program at that university); or
  3. at a non-university NEAS-accredited English Language Provider that has a formal agreement with UNE under which it provides an equivalent EAP Program; or
  4. a NEAS-accredited TAFE NSW EAP Program.
More detailed information regarding these requirements can be viewed at: English Language Requirements

Study method requirements

Career opportunities

Australian job snapshots

Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.

Role	Earnings	Employment change
Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists	Over $120K	Up 5.1%
Environmental Consultants	$93K to $120K	N/A^
Environmental Scientists	$93K to $120K	Up 22.4%
Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists	$93K to $120K	Up 11.5%
Life Scientists	$93K to $120K	Up 27.2%
Science Technicians	$75K to $93K	Up 38.5%

^ There is no data available

Degree FAQs

How long does it take to finish an online degree?

That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.

There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.

As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.

If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.

If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.

If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.

Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.

How can I pay for my studies?

You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.

Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.

How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?

You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.

We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.

We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.

How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?

Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.

When is my cut-off date for enrolment?

Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

How do I enrol?

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.

You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.

Diploma in Science

About this degree

Recommended study pattern

Award requirements