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Course snapshot
International snapshot
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Start Date
March, June
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Duration
1 year full-time
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Location
Gold Coast
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
45
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 5.5
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
DipH
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Course code
2125150
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Credit points
96
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Equivalent units
8
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
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CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
Nursing, naturopathy, sport and exercise science, occupational therapy, community welfare, psychology, counselling, biomedical science, medical laboratory science, osteopathic studies … there are so many career paths in health.
If you’re uncertain about which one is right for you, our Diploma of Health can provide the clarity you need for your future as a health professional.
Graduates can seek professional outcomes in several areas, including as allied health assistants, personal care assistants, lab assistants, and case workers. This Diploma is also an ideal pathway towards further study at Southern Cross University and enables entry to a range of Bachelor degrees*.
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.
Students select a specialisation of study to prepare them for further study in one of the following disciplines: exercise science and exercise physiology, occupational therapy, community welfare, psychological science, biomedical science, osteopathic studies, naturopathic studies, nursing, exercise science and psychological science, medical laboratory science or counselling.
If you are interested in studying online, please note the following:
- For all specialisations, except for Psychological Science, some units will need to be completed on-campus as they are not available online. Some units also require mandatory on-campus attendance.
Additional points to note:
- The Biomedical Science and Osteopathic Studies specialisations are not currently offered at Coffs Harbour.
- All specialisations are available at the Gold Coast.
- Check the individual specialisation you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered and mandatory on-campus attendance.
- Students who choose the Community Welfare specialisation must begin their studies in Term 1 (March).
- Please note duration of the Diploma of Health may vary depending on unit availabilities. Full-time and part-time duration is indicative only. This also applies if you intend to pursue Bachelor studies. It may for example, take longer than 3 years to complete both the Diploma and a linked 3-year full-time Bachelor degree depending on unit availabilities.
See the Career Outcomes section for information about the Nursing Specialisation, credit arrangements and professional placement.
*Some courses have additional entry requirements. Please refer to the relevant course page for further information.
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“The highlights were learning about biology and how the human body works. The teacher makes it very interesting. Looking at chemistry from a practical point of view was also good.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
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 (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined health or community settings. |
GA2: Creativity Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the fields of health or community welfare. |
GA3: Ethical practice Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined health or community contexts. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the fields of health or community welfare. Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined health or community settings. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work within defined health or community contexts. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts, and solutions individually and/or in a team within defined health or community contexts. |
GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined health or community contexts. |
All linked Bachelor degrees at Southern Cross University, except Psychological Science, include professional placement. Evidence of compliance for Placement must be provided prior to any professional experience placement and some compliance requirements can take up to 4 months to fulfil. See the Faculty of Health professional experience page.
Students select a specialisation of study to prepare them for further study in one of the following disciplines: nursing, exercise science and exercise physiology, occupational therapy, psychological science, biomedical science, naturopathic studies, community welfare, osteopathic studies, medical laboratory science, exercise science and psychological science or counselling.
If you are interested in studying online, please note:
- For all specialisations except psychological science, some units must be completed on-campus as they are not available online and require mandatory attendance.
In addition:
- The biomedical science and osteopathic studies specialisations are not currently offered at Coffs Harbour.
- All specialisations are available at the Gold Coast.
- Students who choose the Community Welfare specialisation must begin their studies in Term 1 (March).
- Check the individual specialisation you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered and any mandatory on-campus attendance.
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 | $25,000 ($3,125 per unit) | 0101136 |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Career Outcomes
Graduates can work in a range of health professions including as allied health assistants, personal care assistants, disability support workers, case workers, and lab assistants. Please note that the Diploma qualification does not allow you to register to practise as a health professional, nor advertise as a professionally qualified practitioner.
The Diploma is also a pathway into a range of Bachelor degrees. Successful completion of the Diploma of Health enables entry* and up to 8 units of credit (depending on the specialisation taken) towards a linked Southern Cross Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle), Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), Bachelor of Community Welfare, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science or a Bachelor of Counselling.
Please note: not all units are offered online. Check the specialisation you are interested in for more details. If you are interested in continuing onto a Bachelor degree, check the individual course for details about where they are offered.
*Some courses have additional entry requirements. Please refer to the relevant course page for further information.
Nursing specialisation:
Graduates of the Diploma in the Nursing specialisation who have an Academic IELTS 7.0, with no band less than 7.0, qualify for direct entry into the Bachelor of Nursing. Applicants need to meet the English Language standards specified by NMBA registration standards in order to meet the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) accreditation standards.
Graduates of the Diploma who qualify for direct entry will need to commence the Bachelor of Nursing in early January, with a unit that includes professional placement. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to commencement.
Up to 7 units of advanced standing is included in this pathway. The duration of this pathway may exceed 3 years depending on unit availabilities.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
Applicants for admission to candidature to the Diploma of Health must have an assessable entry qualification from a country where English is the main language and where the medium of instruction for that qualification was English, or have completed an International English Language Test (or equivalent) with:
Nursing Specialisation:
- A minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each subtest (or equivalent).
Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science and Psychological Science, Osteopathic Studies, and Occupational Therapy Specialisation:
- A minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each subtest (or equivalent).
Naturopathic Studies Specialisation:
- A minimum overall score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each subtest (or equivalent).
Psychological Science, Biomedical Science, Medical Laboratory Science, and Counselling Specialisation:
- A minimum overall score of 5.5 and a minimum score of 5.0 in each subtest, except for writing with a minimum score of 5.5 (or equivalent).
Community Welfare Specialisation:
- A minimum overall score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each subtest (or equivalent).
Language requirements
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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 5.5 |
| Reading | 5.0 |
| Writing | 5.5 |
| Listening | 5.0 |
| Speaking | 5.0 |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Health, students must complete 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:
- 1 specialisation in Occupational Therapy or Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology or Biomedical Science or Osteopathic Studies or Psychological Science or Nursing or Naturopathic Studies or Community Welfare or Exercise Science and Psychological Science or Medical Laboratory Science or Counselling.
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
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.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why study Health at Southern Cross University
Graduates in high demand
81% of graduates are employed full-time four months after completing their course.
Good Universities Guide 2025 (Health Services and Support, Undergraduate)Tailor studies to your interests
Choose from a range of specialisations to hone your expertise
Pathway to further study
Successful completion of the Diploma guarantees entry and eight (8) units of credit towards a linked Bachelor degree
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
How can we help?
Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway