Key facts

Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on recent secondary, higher education, VET study, or work/life experience.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 year part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 4 units (24 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
View more fees information
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student sits at desk and takes notes from laptop

The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development is a program of study for people from a broad range of backgrounds who want to begin developing skills for future careers or further study. Designed in response to rapid workplace and industry changes brought about by COVID19, it can help you develop knowledge and skills in a range of disciplinary areas. This program is available fully online and includes a core unit to help you articulate your career goals. For students in Tamworth there are options for face-to-face learning and the chance to undertake work experience with a local employer in some specialisations.

Specialisations in Business Studies, Community Welfare and Wellbeing, Creative Industries, Culture and Communication, Educational Studies, Event Management, General Agriculture, Information Technology, Science, Sports Equine Management, and Sports Science are available.

Why study the Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development with UNE?

If you want to develop knowledge and skills to expand your career opportunities or pave the way for further study, this is the course for you. The Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development is a customisable online program designed for those wishing to explore their career opportunities.

Specialisations in Business Studies, Community Welfare and Wellbeing, Creative Industries, Culture and Communication, Educational Studies, Event Management, General Agriculture, Information Technology, Science, Sports Equine Management, and Sports Science are available.

Not only does this program offer you excellent opportunities to expand your career options to thrive in evolving workplaces and industries, but also the opportunity to gain highly transferable skills that will prepare you for your future study and career.

What makes our course different?

This program is designed with an emphasis on real-world learning that prepares you to successfully progress in your chosen career pathway. Choose the program to:

  • Get expert support from UNE’s Academic Concierge staff during a core unit which helps you clarify and articulate your next career transition that will position you for success in future workplaces.
  • Have the freedom to assemble your study from across UNE’s discipline areas.
  • Gain transferable creative, critical and analytical skills to assist with your future employment or further study.
  • Complete your study in as little as one trimester (full time) or two trimesters (part time).
  • Learn from experienced professionals and internationally regarded research staff.
  • Experience the high level of teaching and support that has earned UNE a consistent five-star rating in the Good Universities Guide.

Graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development may be eligible to apply to the equivalent Diploma or Bachelor courses and receive credit for completed units based on the chosen specialisation.

Pathways to further study

Business Studies – Bachelor of Business

Community Welfare and Wellbeing – Bachelor of Psychological Science

Creative Industries – Bachelor of Arts

Culture and Communication – Bachelor of Media and Communications

Educational Studies – Bachelor of Educational Studies

Event Management – Bachelor of Business

General Agriculture – Bachelor of Agriculture with a General Agricultural Production major

Information Technology – Bachelor of Computer Science with ONE major

Science – Bachelor of Scientific Studies. Some unit choices may be restricted by the credit awarded.

Sports Equine Management – Bachelor of Business

Sports Science – Bachelor of Business

UNE is a leader in the provision of online learning for aspiring and qualified professionals. Our supportive, streamlined online environment makes it easier for you to learn in a style and timeframe that suits your lifestyle. What’s more, we are consistently ranked as one of Australia’s top-rated providers of online education.

Tamworth study options

If you are located in Tamworth you can study online, with options for face-to-face learning and work experience opportunities with local employers within the Business Studies, Community Welfare & Wellbeing, Creative Industries, Event Management, Sports Equine Management and Sports Science specialisations.

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 to build real world networks for the future.

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.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes your experience.

You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.

Guaranteed ATAR

Not Applicable

If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.

You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):

  • Undergraduate Certificates
  • Diplomas
  • Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
  • Bachelor degrees
  • Postgraduate degrees

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.

You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:

  • Level and type of qualification (Certificate III or above)
  • Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
  • Complete or incomplete.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.

You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:

Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements

Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

Pathways Enabling Course
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online course designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Pathways Enabling Course

TRACKS (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a preparation course run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS

Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points.

6 credit points

Complete the following unit

18 credit points

Complete ONE Specialisations totalling 18 credit points

18 credit points

Complete 18 credit points from the following units

18 credit points

Complete 18 credit points from the following units

6 credit points

Complete the following unit

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units

18 credit points

Complete 18 credit points from the following units

18 credit points

Complete 18 credit points from the following units

18 credit points

Complete 18 credit points from the following units

18 credit points

Complete the following unit

12 credit points

And complete 12 credit points from the following units

18 credit points

Complete 18 credit points from the following units

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$6,351*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs. If applicable, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) Student Contribution Fees are indicative from 2023. The 2024 CSP rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the information as soon as we have more details.

What are the course fee payment options?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Your career

Career outcomes

Being a tailored program of study, the career opportunities gained through this course are specific to you and your goals. The course may help you to:

  • prepare for successful further study in your chosen career field
  • diversify your skillsets to create more career choices.
Other career information

The Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development provides a springboard to further study that will equip you for successful entry into your chosen career.

Course outcomes

Students in the Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development will learn about and build connections with their chosen industry. With guidance, students will explore their desired career, and be able to articulate into a range of Diploma or Bachelor level programs.
  1. take action to implement their planned career transition in their chosen field;
  2. demonstrate subject specific knowledge of discipline/area of study with the ability to communicate and/or collaborate appropriately with a range of stakeholders; and
  3. apply effective critical thinking, learning strategies and skills as independent learners.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will possess knowledge relevant to their fields of study, and have an introductory understanding of key principles, practices and boundaries of the disciplines they study.

Communication Skills

Graduates will have skills that enable them to communicate the ideas and information acquired from their areas of study. Graduates will recognise the importance of continuing to develop their communication skills, and to be able to use appropriate communication technologies.

Problem Solving

Graduates will have an understanding of key problem solving strategies in their fields of study and be able to apply these skills.

Information Literacy

Graduates will have skills in how to recognise relevant information and to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access and use information. They will be able to critically evaluate the sources, values and validity of information, and to interpret it.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will understand and practice academic integrity and ethical behaviour and appreciate their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community and the environment.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will have the skills to continue to investigate, evaluate issues and further their learning. The development of intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills will enable candidates to be able to research, write about and discuss a range of issues. These skills are transferable and essential lifelong skills.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will develop skills in independent study as well as the ability to work collaboratively. They will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

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Why study with us?

Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale

The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.

Greg Kemmett

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 202426 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024
Trimester 311 October 202421 October 2024

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.