Diploma of Health (Psychological Science)

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.

Course Learning Outcome

1. Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined health or community settings.
2. Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the fields of health or community welfare.
3. Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined health or community contexts.
4. Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the fields of health or community welfare.
5. Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined health or community settings.
6. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work within defined health or community contexts.
7. Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts, and solutions individually and/or in a team within defined health or community contexts.
8. Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined health or community contexts.

Graduates of the Diploma of Health can seek professional work in a range of health professions including as allied health assistants, personal care assistants, disability support workers, case workers, and lab assistants. Please note that the Diploma qualification does not allow you to register to practise as a health professional, nor advertise as a professionally qualified practitioner.

The Diploma is also a pathway into a range of Bachelor degrees. Successful completion of the Diploma of Health enables entry and up to 8 units of credit (depending on the specialisation taken) towards a linked Southern Cross a Bachelor of Psychological Science. 

Secondary education

ATAR: 45 or equivalent

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants for admission to candidature to the Diploma of Health 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).

Psychological Science Specialisation:

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).

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

Nursing, naturopathy, sport and exercise science, occupational therapy, community welfare, psychology, biomedical science, osteopathic studies… there are so many career paths in health.

If you're uncertain about which one is right for you, our Diploma of Health can provide the clarity you need for your future as a health professional. 

Graduates can seek professional outcomes in several areas, including as allied health assistants, personal care assistants, lab assistants, and case workers. This Diploma is also an ideal pathway towards further study at Southern Cross University and provides guaranteed entry to a range of Bachelor degrees.

This course is offered through SCU College. Additional support through workshops to develop academic and study skills is available to all SCU College students.

Students select a specialisation of study to prepare them for further study in one of the following disciplines: exercise science and exercise physiology, occupational therapy, community welfare, psychological science, biomedical science, osteopathic studies, naturopathic studies or nursing.

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Language and Learning in your Discipline
• Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
• Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
• Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award Requirements

To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Health, students must complete 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

• 1 specialisation in Occupational Therapy or Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology or Biomedical Science or Osteopathic Studies or Psychological Science or Nursing or Naturopathic Studies or Community Welfare.