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

Love science, but not sure which discipline is for you? Or perhaps you’re ready to study at University but you need a little extra academic preparation?

The Diploma of Science will prepare you with a solid grounding in scientific knowledge and academic skills.

It allows you to explore the many opportunities that science offers, the wonders of the natural environment and the foundations of scientific investigation.

Successful completion of the Diploma will enable entry and up to eight units of credit towards linked specialisations in the Southern Cross Bachelor of Science.

Graduates may also find work in para-professional roles, including positions as field assistants, laboratory assistants, veterinary assistants and environmental monitoring officers.

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 Science, students must complete 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

• 7 core units and 1 option unit (96 credit points).

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 2026, within Australia:

31

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

32

ATAR: 45 or equivalent.

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:

Overall - 5.5

• Listening - minimum 5.0
• Reading - minimum 5.5
• Speaking - minimum 5.0
• Writing - 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.

Online students will be required to attend compulsory residential workshops at our National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour and/or our Lismore campus over the duration of the course. For more information on these residential workshops, please refer to the course page on the Southern Cross University website.