Diploma of Health and Human Sciences

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes(GA):

GA1: Intellectual rigour

• Exercise judgement to identify problems & contribute to their solutions in defined health or human science settings.

GA2: Creativity

• Apply theoretical & technical knowledge & skills within defined contexts in the field of health or human science.

GA3: Ethical practice

• Apply ethical & sustainable values & practices within defined health or human science contexts.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

• Exercise judgement to identify problems & contribute to their solutions in defined health or human science settings.
• Apply theoretical & technical knowledge & skills within defined contexts in the field of health or human science.

GA5: Lifelong learning

• Demonstrate responsibility & accountability for own learning & work in defined health or human science contexts.

GA6: Communication and social skills

• Apply academic knowledge & skills to communicate information, concepts, & solutions, individually &/or in a team within defined health or human science contexts.

GA7: Cultural competence

• Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined health or human science contexts.

Build the foundations for a meaningful career in health with the Diploma of Health and Human Sciences.

If you aspire to transform the lives of others through quality care, the Diploma of Health and Human Sciences will provide you with the knowledge, support and confidence to continue further studies in your chosen health field.

You will tailor your studies by choosing a specialisation in community welfare, counselling, psychological sciences, naturopathic studies or nursing.

The Diploma of Health and Human Sciences is a pathway into a range of linked community health degrees (see Career Outcomes below).

This course is offered through SCU College, where we understand that students have diverse experiences and ways of learning. At SCU College, we support your success through carefully designed curriculum with embedded support, and additional support material is available through self-access online resources.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Health and Human Sciences, students must complete 8 units (96 credit points), comprising 1 specialisation in:

• Community Welfare; or
• Counselling; or
• Naturopathic Studies; or
• Nursing; or
• Psychological Sciences

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students will choose from the following specialisations:

• Nursing
• Counselling
• Community Welfare
• Psychological Sciences
• Naturopathic Studies.

Please note, not all specialisations are available at all locations. Not all units are available online. 

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

Indicative total fee $8,636

The amounts shown here are 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.

Revolutionary learning for strong employment outcomes

At Southern Cross University, online study is designed to fit around your life without compromising on quality. Through the Southern Cross Model, you learn in focused six-week terms, usually studying one or two units at a time.

This immersive approach helps you stay motivated, build momentum and balance study with work, family and other commitments.

You'll be supported by innovative teaching, practical learning experiences and a university community committed to your success - whether you're interested in business, education, healthcare, law, engineering, IT, science or other career-focused study areas.

Your flexible online study comes with the support, connections and confidence to help you achieve your goals and take the next step in your career.

Learn more about Southern Cross University

Explore Southern Cross University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

31

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

32

Applicants for admission to candidature to the Diploma of Health and Human Sciences must have an assessable entry qualification from a country where English is the main language and where the medium of instruction for that qualification was English, or have completed an International English Language Test (or equivalent) with:

Counselling and Psychological Science specialisations requiring:

• A minimum overall score of 5.5 and a minimum score of 5.0 in each subtest, except for writing with a minimum score of 5.5 (or equivalent).

Community Welfare and Naturopathic Studies specialisations requiring:

• A minimum overall score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each subtest (or equivalent).

Nursing specialisation requiring:

• A minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each subtest (or equivalent).

ATAR 45 or equivalent.

Southern Cross Uni's Early Offer program also allows Year 12 students to secure a place in most Southern Cross University undergraduate degrees before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs.

• Overall: 5.5
• Writing: minimum 5.5
• Reading: minimum 5.0
• Speaking: minimum 5.0
• Listening: minimum 5.0

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

This course includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in the Naturopathic Studies specialisation only and provides students with about 8 hours of experience.

WIL is a vital part of your professional experience and comes with specific expectations and responsibilities. Please read the following carefully before applying for the course:

Placement Locations: While we consider your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. It is essential to keep your address up to date in MyEnrolment, as inaccurate information may result in a placement that requires extended travel.

Travel and Costs: You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses.

Fit-to-Practice Requirements: Before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, immunisations (as per the Australian National Immunisation Program), mask-fit testing, First Aid and CPR certification and National Police Certificate checks.

More detailed information on WIL is available on the Faculty WIL page.