Course summary
Sport and exercise science, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, biomedical science, osteopathic studies, podiatry and pedorthics … 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. You can even tailor your learning by choosing a study stream from a range of health disciplines.
Graduates can seek professional outcomes in several areas, including as healthcare assistants. This Diploma is also an ideal pathway towards further study at Southern Cross University and provides guaranteed entry to a range of Bachelor degrees.
This course is offered through SCU College. Additional support through workshops to develop academic and study skills is available to all SCU College students.
If you are interested in studying online, please see important information below under major areas of study.
Domestic snapshot
| Duration | Location | Session |
|---|---|---|
1F/2P | Coffs Harbour | 1 |
| Gold Coast | 1, 2 | |
| Online | 1, 2 |
Major areas of study
Students select a stream of study to prepare them for further study in one of the following disciplines: sport and exercise science, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychological science, biomedical science, osteopathic studies, podiatry or pedorthics.
If you are interested in studying online, please note:
- For all streams 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 streams are not currently offered at Coffs Harbour
- All streams are available at the Gold Coast.
- Check the individual stream you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered and any mandatory on-campus attendance.
Learning outcomes
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.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | Exercise critical judgment and creative thinking to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined health settings |
| Creativity | Exercise critical judgment and creative thinking to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined health settings |
| Ethical practice | Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined health settings |
| Knowledge of a discipline | Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts within the field of health. |
| Lifelong learning | Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work in defined health contexts. |
| Communication and social skills | Communicate information, concepts and solutions, individually and/or in a team, with an awareness of diverse cultural perspective's within defined health contexts. |
| Cultural competence | Communicate information, concepts and solutions, individually and/or in a team, with an awareness of diverse cultural perspective's within defined health contexts. |
Assessment methods
Assessment tasks vary from unit to unit and can include essays, reports, audio or video presentations, class participation, individual and group work, online quizzes, case analyses, and examinations. Assessment items are in accordance with learning outcomes and designed to ensure that all the graduate attributes are assessed throughout the course. The performance criteria, grading standards and due dates for assessment tasks are included in each Unit Information Guide. Students receive timely feedback on their assessment submissions.
Teaching methods
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Please note that online study in this course may require some units to be completed on campus.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Diploma of Health can seek professional work in a range of health professions including as health care assistants.
The course is a pathway to linked Bachelor degrees. Graduates are guaranteed entry into the following degree programs: Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Pedorthics, Bachelor of Podiatry; Bachelor of Speech Pathology; Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), and Bachelor of Psychological Science and may receive up to one year of credit towards their chosen degree depending on the study stream chosen.
Please note that not all units are offered online in health sciences, check the individual stream you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered. If you are interested in continuing your studies in a Bachelor degree, check the individual course you are interested in for more details about where it is offered. Psychological Science is the only stream offered entirely online.
Graduates who proceed to one of the pathway degrees will have a range of career opportunities in their chosen fields.
Related courses
- Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies)
- Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies)
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Speech Pathology
- Bachelor of Speech Pathology
- Bachelor of Pedorthics
- Bachelor of Pedorthics
- Bachelor of Podiatry
- Bachelor of Podiatry
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
| Type | Detail | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course code | 2125150 | ||||||||||||||||
| Course abbreviation | DipH | ||||||||||||||||
| Credit points | 96 | ||||||||||||||||
| Equivalent units | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
| Duration | 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | ||||||||||||||||
| Availability details |
If you are interested in studying online, please note:
In addition:
|
||||||||||||||||
| ATAR/OP | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
| Fees | Commonwealth supported |
| Type | Detail | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course code | 2125150 | ||||||||||||
| Course abbreviation | DipH | ||||||||||||
| Credit points | 96 | ||||||||||||
| Equivalent units | 8 | ||||||||||||
| Duration | 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | ||||||||||||
| Availability details | |||||||||||||
| Admission Requirements |
Qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12 with the required entry grade. Refer to the Course Structure tab for specific admission requirements. |
||||||||||||
| English language IELTS |
|
Learning Resources
MySCU is a student's point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based study environment Blackboard Learn delivers an advanced online learning environment for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces, classrooms, and discussion boards. They can share files, presentations and applications. If a tutorial or lecture is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU Library provides a wide range of services that include face-to-face and online help, and access to print and electronic resources.
The Student Learning Zone supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, assignment reviews and small group or one-on-one face-to-face, phone or Skype consultations with a Learning Coach during business hours 9am to 4.30pm. Appointments can be made via the MySCU Hub 'Connect Now' button or on the Learning Zone. Students can also book appointments online in Career Hub.
Grammarly Premium is free to all Southern Cross University students. Grammarly is a great tool to help improve your writing in conjunction with the help of Learning Coaches at the Student Learning Zone.
Equipment and facilities
Southern Cross University provides students with modern well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.Course structure
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Table of contents
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Health, students must complete the equivalent of 8 core units (96 credit points) from one Stream.
Schedule of units
Course progressions
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
Occupational Therapy
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students must enrol in core College units in their first session of study: EDU10010 and HEA10001 | |||
| Session 1, Year 1 | |||
| EDU10010 - Language and Learning in your Discipline | Introductory | ||
| HEA10001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions | Introductory | ||
| BIO01302 - Human Anatomy | Introductory | ||
| BHS10581 - Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences | Introductory | ||
| Session 2, Year 1 | |||
| BIO71002 - Human Physiology I | Introductory | ||
| NUT00214 - Food and Nutrition in Health OR SOC72001 - Aboriginal Social Realities | Introductory | ||
| MAT71004 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners | Introductory | ||
| CUL00408 - Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples | Intermediate | ||
Podiatry and Pedorthics
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students must enrol in core College units in their first session of study: EDU10010 and HEA10001 | |||
| Session 1, Year 1 | |||
| EDU10010 - Language and Learning in your Discipline | Introductory | ||
| HEA10001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions | Introductory | ||
| BIO01302 - Human Anatomy | Introductory | ||
| BHS10581 - Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences | Introductory | ||
| Session 2, Year 1 | |||
| BIO71002 - Human Physiology I | Introductory | ||
| CMM10580 - The Australian Health Care System | Introductory | ||
| MAT71004 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners | Introductory | ||
| Session 3, Year 1 | |||
| BIO71003 - Human Physiology II | Introductory | ||
Speech Pathology
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students must enrol in core College units in their first session of study: EDU10010 and HEA10001 | |||
| Session 1, Year 1 | |||
| EDU10010 - Language and Learning in your Discipline | Introductory | ||
| HEA10001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions | Introductory | ||
| BIO01302 - Human Anatomy | Introductory | ||
| BHS10581 - Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences | Introductory | ||
| Session 2, Year 1 | |||
| BIO71002 - Human Physiology I | Introductory | ||
| CMM10580 - The Australian Health Care System | Introductory | ||
| MAT71004 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners | Introductory | ||
| Session 3, Year 1 | |||
| BIO71003 - Human Physiology II | Introductory | ||
Osteopathic Studies
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students must enrol in core College units in their first session of study: EDU10010 and HEA10001 | |||
| Session 1, Year 1 | |||
| EDU10010 - Language and Learning in your Discipline | Introductory | ||
| HEA10001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions | Introductory | ||
| BIO01302 - Human Anatomy | Introductory | ||
| BHS10581 - Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences | Introductory | ||
| Session 2, Year 1 | |||
| BIO71002 - Human Physiology I | Introductory | ||
| CMM71001 - Health Promotion and Wellness | Introductory | ||
| MAT71004 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners | Introductory | ||
| Session 3, Year 1 | |||
| BIO71003 - Human Physiology II | Introductory | ||
Sport and Exercise Science
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students must enrol in core College units in their first session of study: EDU10010 and HEA10001 | |||
| Session 1, Year 1 | |||
| EDU10010 - Language and Learning in your Discipline | Introductory | ||
| HEA10001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions | Introductory | ||
| BIO01302 - Human Anatomy | Introductory | ||
| HEA00331 - Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity | Introductory | ||
| Session 2, Year 1 | |||
| BIO71002 - Human Physiology I | Introductory | ||
| NUT00214 - Food and Nutrition in Health | Introductory | ||
| MAT71004 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners | Introductory | ||
| Session 3, Year 1 | |||
| BIO71003 - Human Physiology II | Introductory | ||
Biomedical Science
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students must enrol in core College units in their first session of study: EDU10010 and HEA10001 | |||
| Session 1, Year 1 | |||
| EDU10010 - Language and Learning in your Discipline | Introductory | ||
| HEA10001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions | Introductory | ||
| PHY71030 - Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences | Introductory | ||
| BIO71002 - Human Physiology I | Introductory | ||
| Session 2, Year 1 | |||
| BIO71003 - Human Physiology II | Introductory | ||
| MAT71004 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners | Introductory | ||
| Session 3, Year 1 | |||
| PHA00315 - Introductory Pharmacology | Introductory | ||
| BIO01302 - Human Anatomy | Introductory | ||
Psychological Science
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| This Stream is offered at the Gold Coast campus, Coffs Harbour campus and Online. | |||
| Students must enrol in core College units in their first session of study: EDU10010 and HEA10001 | |||
| Session 1, Year 1 | |||
| EDU10010 - Language and Learning in your Discipline | Introductory | ||
| HEA10001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions | Introductory | ||
| BHS11001 - Introduction to Psychology I | Introductory | ||
| BHS11004 - Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology | Introductory | ||
| Session 2, Year 1 | |||
| BHS11002 - Introduction to Psychology II | Introductory | ||
| BHS11003 - Introduction to Psychological Investigation | Introductory | ||
| CMM10580 - The Australian Health Care System | Introductory | ||
| University-wide elective (introductory level) | |||
Biomedical Science (International Students)
| Title | Level of learning | Note |
|---|
Notes
| Note 1: | This Stream is offered at the Gold Coast campus, Coffs Harbour, and Online. |
| Note 2: | This Stream is only offered on the Gold Coast campus. |
| Note 3: | This Stream is only offered at the Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour campuses. Students who are planning to follow the Indigenous Health Major in the Bachelor of OT are advised to enrol in SOC72001 |
| Note 4: | This Stream is offered at the Gold Coast, Lismore, and Coffs Harbour campuses. |
| Note 5: | This Stream is offered at both the Gold Coast and Lismore campuses. |
| Note 6: | This Stream is only offered at the Gold Coast campus. |
This course is available to:
Australian/Domestic students
Where and when do you want to study?
Coffs Harbour
Session 1March 2020
Applications for this session or study period have now closed
Session 2
Session 3
Gold Coast
Session 1March 2020
Applications for this session or study period have now closed
Session 2July 2020
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
Apply OnlineSession 3
Online
Session 1March 2020
Applications for this session or study period have now closed
Session 2July 2020
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
Apply OnlineSession 3
The information on this page may be subject to change over time. Please check this web page again before acting and see our disclaimer
From the 1st of June, 2017, the term 'Distance Education' has been replaced with 'Online'