/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/current-students/images/Coffs-harbour_student-group_20220616_33-147kb.jpg)
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/current-students/services/counselling/images/RS21533_English-College-Student_20191210_DSC_6961-117kb.jpg)
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/study/scholarships/images/STEPHANIE-PORTO-108-2-169kb.jpg)
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/study/arts-and-humanities/images/RS20958_Chin-Yung-Pang-Andy_20190309__79I5562-960X540.jpg)
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/experience/images/SCU-INTNL-STUDY-GUIDE-280422-256-72kb.jpg)
/prod01/channel_8/media/dep-site-assets/component-library/screenshots/online-1X1.jpg)
Get set for your degree with a diploma
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/landing-pages/images/JN_01444-SCUCollege-WebAssets-Masthead-2000X973px-Diplomas.jpg)
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/news/southern-cross-matters/Tayla-Preddey-800-800.jpg)
Get set for your degree with a diploma
SCU College has a variety of diplomas that provide a pathway into a university degree. If you do not have a suitable qualification for direct entry into a specialist degree program, or if you want to study university one step at a time, talk to our team about finding the perfect diploma for you.
We offer a range of diplomas to help make sure you start your university journey in the field you are passionate about while gaining credit towards your future Southern Cross University bachelor degree.
When you choose to study a pathway diploma at SCU College you will be supported every step of the way by the College Connect initiative. You will also receive significant credit (advanced standing) into the specialist bachelor degree you are aiming for, based on the units you successfully complete in your University diploma. The diploma pathway is the beginning of your professional career.
Diplomas provide direct entry
into the 2nd year of a range of bachelor courses with students able to receive up to full advanced standing into those linked bachelor pathways.
Get a qualification while you study
Complete a diploma and you can receive a university award in your own right. This can help secure a job in your discipline while continuing studying.
Additional support through College Connect
Diploma students have additional support, including access to resources to ease the transition into tertiary study and support academic success.
For all students, on-campus and online
Diplomas are for both international and domestic students, with domestic students having online and on-campus study options.
New courses from 2027
Frequently asked questions
A diploma is a one-year qualification designed to help you build academic skills, discipline knowledge and confidence for university study. At Southern Cross University, most diplomas are delivered through SCU College and are available across a range of study areas, including Education, Engineering, Business, Information Technology and Health. Many diplomas also provide a direct pathway into a related bachelor's degree.
A diploma at Southern Cross University can help you start your university journey, even if you don't meet the entry requirements for direct admission to a bachelor's degree. Delivered through SCU College, diplomas combine foundation-level study with tailored academic support and are designed to prepare you for success at university. You'll study university-level subjects in your chosen discipline while developing the skills and confidence to progress into further study.
Yes. Southern Cross University diplomas are designed as pathway qualifications that can provide entry into a related bachelor's degree. Depending on the diploma you complete, you may be eligible to progress into degrees in areas such as Education, Engineering, Business, Information Technology, Health, Community Welfare and Counselling.
Yes. Most Southern Cross University diplomas provide up to eight units of credit towards a related bachelor's degree, helping you reduce the time needed to complete your university qualification. The amount of credit available depends on the diploma and degree pathway you choose.
Career opportunities vary depending on the diploma you choose. Some diplomas can prepare you for paraprofessional or entry-level roles, such as teacher support roles, library assistants, healthcare assistants, legal support positions, engineering support roles or business-related positions. Many students also use a diploma as a pathway into a bachelor's degree to expand their career opportunities further.
/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/faculties-and-colleges/scu-college/images/RS8397_SCU-College-20150824_55-lpr.png)
Get connected with College Connect
|
If you want to succeed in your diploma studies, develop your academic skills and potentially connect with other students, the College Connect website is just for you. This dedicated website provides you with a range of resources to ease your transition into tertiary study and support your journey to succeed in your studies whilst enrolled in your Diploma program. The website is free and accessible to you for the duration of your enrolment as a Diploma student - so not just for your first term of study. So, if you are seeking academic support, university/life support and/or social connection(s), check out the resources and links within the website to help you improve your learning skills, access support services and potentially make connections with other students enrolled in your Diploma program. |
Ready to take the next step?
Enquire today to discover the possibilities with Southern Cross University.
Contact SCU College
| Dean, SCU College - Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Quality) | SCU College team |
|---|---|
| Professor Thomas Roche | Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour |
| T: +61 7 5589 3366 | T: +61 7 5589 3366 |