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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
-
Start Date
March
-
Duration
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
-
Location
Lismore, Online
Please note there are compulsory residential workshops at the Lismore or NMSC Coffs Harbour campus for some units. -
Placement
No
-
ATAR
45
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 5.5
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
DipSc
-
Course code
2127298
-
Credit points
96
-
Equivalent units
8
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
-
Start Date
February
-
Duration
1 year full-time
-
Location
Lismore
-
Placement
No
-
ATAR
45
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 5.5
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
DipSc
-
Course code
2127298
-
Credit points
96
-
Equivalent units
8
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
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.
Students choose a specialisation in either Earth and Environmental 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 there are compulsory on-campus residentials for some units at Lismore or the National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour. Please check each unit.
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"The degree gave me a lot of skills in communicating and working with different people, writing reports and liaising with all types of stakeholders, having the ability to understand the science, but then relay it."
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 scientific settings. |
GA2: Creativity Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined scientific contexts. |
GA3: Ethical practice Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined scientific contexts. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined scientific settings. Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined scientific contexts. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work within defined scientific settings. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts, and solutions, individually and/or in a team within defined scientific settings. |
GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined scientific contexts. |
All students select a specialisation in one of the following areas:
- Earth and Environmental Systems
- Forestry Systems
- Marine Systems
Please note: Some units may require on-campus attendance.
The Diploma of Science will assist your progression to a preferred area of study, should you decide to articulate into Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Science – with a specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems, Forestry Systems or Marine Systems.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Lismore | Term 1 |
| Online | Term 1 |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lismore | Term 1 | $33,184 ($4,148 per unit) | 086408J |
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
The Diploma of Science is a pathway to Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Science, with specialisations in Earth and Environmental Systems or Marine Systems. As a graduate of the Diploma, you are guaranteed entry and receive up to eight units of credit towards one of these Bachelor degrees.
Graduates of the Diploma of Science may find work in para-professional work in a range of settings, including positions as field assistants, laboratory assistants, revegetation officers and environmental monitoring officers.
Graduates who proceed to one of the pathway Bachelor degrees will have a range of career opportunities available in their chosen fields in government agencies and in the private sector.
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
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 or equivalent | 5.5 |
| Reading | 5.0 |
| Writing | 5.5 |
| Listening | 5.0 |
| Speaking | 5.0 |
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Austria AMC | 4.1 |
| Bangladesh HSC | 2.3 |
| Brazil SSLC | 6.7 |
| Canada High School OSSD | 44 |
| Chile PSU | 5.3, overall 500-599 |
| China Senior Middle 3 | 73%, overall graded |
| Colombia CB (NAT) | 64, overall 250-299 |
| Denmark USSLE | 4.4 |
| France FB | <10 |
| German Abitur | 4.2 |
| Hong Kong HKDSE | 8 |
| India CBSE (best 4) | 5.5 in external exam |
| India CISCE | 58 |
| India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4) | 70 in academic |
| Indonesia SMA | 6.9 |
| Japan USSLC | 3 |
| Korea, Republic of, CSAT | 269 |
| Malaysia ICSSUEC | 47 |
| Malaysia STPM | 1, best 3 A levels |
| Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate | 60 |
| Nepal Proficiency Certificate | 73 |
| Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams | 54 |
| Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams | 26 |
| Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5) | 2.0, pass Eng & Math |
| Peru OCSE | 13.9 |
| Phillipines NSAT | 78 |
| Russia FCCSE | 3.6 |
| Saudi Arabia MESSLC | 68 |
| Singapore Cambridge GCE A Level | 10 |
| Spain SSSD | 6.7 |
| Spain STBPU | 6.3 |
| Sri Lanka GCE | 3 |
| Sweden SSLC | 10.7 |
| Taiwan GSAT | 37 |
| Taiwan Senior High School Certificate | 73 |
| Thailand CSE | (Matayom 6) 1.6 |
| Turkey HSD | 3 |
| UK Board GCE A Levels | 7 (2 subjects) |
| USA SAT & ACT | SAT 1160, ACT 13 |
| Vietnam (in 4 subjects) | 6.6 |
Course 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).
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 here.
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 Science and Environment at SCU
Global top 350
We're ranked in the global top 350 in Agriculture and Forestry
(QS Rankings 2023)5-star rating
We’re rated 5-stars for learning resources, student support and teaching quality
(Good Universities Guide 2023: Science and Mathematics)Guaranteed entry with Diploma of Science
Guaranteed entry with Diploma of Science into our Bachelor of Science with a choice of specialisations
Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
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.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
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.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
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.
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How can we help?
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