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 Outcomes

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.

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.

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:

• One 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.

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

Indicative total fee $9,314

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.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

Learn more about SCU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

ATAR: 45 or equivalent.

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 sub-test, 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.