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.

Interested in science but not sure which discipline is for you? This course will prepare you with a solid grounding in scientific knowledge and skills. It also enables you to explore the many opportunities that science provides, the wonders of the natural environment and more.

You'll learn the language and nature of science and mathematics, and will be able to follow your interests in specific areas of science.

The course includes specialisations in the following disciplines: Earth and Environmental Systems, Forestry Systems or Marine Systems. Successful completion of the Diploma will guarantee you 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 and environmental monitoring officers.

This course is offered through SCU College, where we recognise our students may have different approaches to learning. We connect you to peers and nurture your success with additional workshops to develop your academic and study skills.

Please note: Online students must undertake compulsory on campus Residentials for some units.

Recommended study pattern

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

• Nature of Science
• Chemistry
• Cells and Molecules
• Scientific Data Management and Analysis.

Plus there’s a selection of specialisations to choose from. 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 Science, students must complete 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

• 1 specialisation Marine Systems, Earth and Environmental Systems or Forestry Systems (96 credit points).

Choose your subjects

Majors

The course includes specialisations in the following disciplines:

• Earth and Environmental Systems
• Marine Systems.

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.

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.

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.

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.