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Undergraduate Certificate in Science
UndergraduateTAS-SCI-CTF2020
Course information for 2020 intake
Your stepping-stone into science
This course is discounted under the Government’s Higher Education Relief Package when studied full-time from May-December, 2020. Get a taste of science so that you can explore a future in the field. Cover chemistry, sustainability and more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Undergraduate Certificate in Science
About this degree
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Interpret and apply scientific principles and knowledge to science-based industries
- Describe and evaluate quality and regulatory challenges in science-based industry
- Communicate and reflect on knowledge, skills, behaviours and attributes required to develop and enhance career opportunities
The Undergraduate Certificate in Science aims to prepare graduates to become creative, ethical, adaptable and industry-aware with the skills and knowledge sought after by science-based growth industries. They have been designed to offer an alternative pathway for students who have not historically engaged or accessed existing programs. Graduates will have the skills and knowledge that will enable them to apply scientific theory from one or more disciplines to solve real-world problems.
On completion of this qualification, graduates will be able to:
- apply scientific theory in contemporary industry practice
- commence employment or enhance career opportunities
- transition into further study
The Undergraduate Certificate in Science is distinct in its authentic learning approach, utilising applied, blended, and online interaction with students to develop knowledge and skills in their chosen field of study. This integrated approach applies an array of experiential education opportunities such as virtual site visits, case studies and simulated work environments. Students will be able to situate this work within the not for profit, profit and/or government sectors. Student learning will be measured via a schedule of assessment tasks which exemplify authenticity and enable students to evidence their learning in their own Practice Manual.
Recommended study pattern
For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended.
Year 1. 4 subjects in first year including
- 1 core subject:
- TAS-ZAS9111 - Introduction to Industry
- 3 electives from the following:
- TAS-ZAS9114 - Quality Management
- TAS-ZAS9115 - Applied Chemistry
- TAS-ZAS9116 - Regulatory Challenges
- TAS-ZAS9118 - Sustainability
- TAS-ZWT001A - The Wellbeing Toolkit
Award requirements
Satisfactory completion of 4 subjects, as required in the schedule to be eligible for this award. Students may take up to 2 years to complete, however the Government's Higher Education Relief Package funding expires in 2020 and tuition fee will go back to normal rate in 2021.
- 1 core subject:
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $0
The amount shown here is 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.
Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more. It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.
Learn more about UTAS.
Explore UTAS courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 20
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 19
Entry requirements
This Undergraduate Certificate is open to applicants from a broad range of backgrounds.
Applicants with previous higher education study:
- Completed at least two units (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) of Bachelor level study or four units (equivalent to 50 UTAS credit points) of Associate Degree level study, OR
- Completed the UTAS Diploma of University Studies or University Preparation Program (UPP); OR
- Completed four or more units in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies or UPP with no fail results
Applicants who have recently completed secondary education (in the past two years):
- A minimum ATAR of 40, OR
- Completed the TCE (or equivalent) with a minimum of Satisfactory Achievements (SA) in 5 x Level 2 subjects.
Applicants with previous VET / TAFE study:
- Completed a Certificate III or higher in a related field of study, OR
- Completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in any field of study
Applications on the basis of work or life experience:
- If you have not completed any of the above, but have relevant work and life experience you can complete a personal competency statement.
The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.
Career opportunities
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists | Over $120K | Up 5.1% |
| Environmental Consultants | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
| Environmental Scientists | $93K to $120K | Up 22.4% |
| Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists | $93K to $120K | Up 11.5% |
| Life Scientists | $93K to $120K | Up 27.2% |
| Science Technicians | $75K to $93K | Up 38.5% |
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.