Diploma in Science

Are you interested in studying science and want to explore the topics that interest you? UNE’s Diploma in Science is ideal if you are new to university study and want to get started in science, or if you wish to develop a foundation of skills and knowledge across a broad range of scientific disciplines to supplement your study in another field or add value to your role. Our course is designed to provide you with maximum flexibility, allowing you to tailor your program of study to your individual needs, with guidance and support from our experienced academic staff.

Choose from units across a wide range of scientific disciplines or focus on a specific subject area, and equip yourself with the tools you will need to pursue further study or pivot in your career and thrive in the rapidly changing world of science and technology.

Why study the Diploma in Science with UNE?

Whether you are considering university study for the first time, you are concurrently enrolled in a degree that requires an understanding of scientific concepts, or you are a professional who wishes to future proof or pivot in your career with a basic foundation in the sciences, UNE’s Diploma in Science is a highly flexible course that can be tailored to your interests, strengths and level of background knowledge.

Our accessible Diploma in Science provides you with introductory understanding of the basic sciences. It is ideal if you do not have the traditional educational background for direct admission into a science-based degree, or you are interested in science but are not sure if you would like to commit to a full Bachelor’s degree. You do not need to have studied science at school to do the Diploma, and you can apply for admission to our course without an ATAR.

Hone your skills in critical thinking and communication and develop a broad scientific background that will position you to pursue further study or add value to your professional role.

What makes our course different?

At UNE our hands-on approach sets us apart, and as part of the Diploma in Science we encourage you to consult one-on-one with our friendly staff to design the program of study that best suits your needs. The course provides you with the opportunity to:

• Study flexibly by choosing the program of study most relevant to you. Choose from an extensive list of units and focus your study on a particular discipline or mix units from a range of areas.
• Balance study with your existing commitments. You can commence online, full-time or part-time, in any trimester, with on-campus options for study in Trimesters 1 and 2. As Australia’s longest continuous provider of distance education, we are experts in the provision of online lifelong learning.
• If you choose to study online, some units include mandatory intensive schools on campus, which give you the opportunity to interact and engage face-to-face with your peers and academic staff, and gain essential practical skills.
• Refine your skills to supplement your learning in other fields. Our study pathways offer maximum flexibility and can be tailored to provide the type of science knowledge you need. The general studies program provides additional background knowledge in the disciplines you choose. If, for example, you are concurrently enrolled in an Initial Teacher Education course and wish to pursue science teaching, you can build your skills in chemistry and physics. Our medical sciences option refreshes your fundamental skills in mathematics, statistics and human physiology if you are working towards entry into a medical, paramedical or allied health course.
• Engage with our experienced teaching staff in practical laboratory sessions and lectures and tutorials with small class sizes. Our interactive approach fosters a learning environment that is friendly, collegial and supportive.

We’re highly rated – year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.