Diploma of Health

2023 course information for Domestic Students
2023 course information for International Students

updated 6:03 AM on Fri, 2 June

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
45
Duration
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
1 year full-time
Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore, Online
Gold Coast
Start date
March, July
February
Course code
2125150
Course abbreviation
DipH
Credit points
96
Equivalent units
8
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

Nursing, naturopathy, sport and exercise science, occupational therapy, community welfare, psychology, biomedical 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 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.

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 or nursing.

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, except for naturopathic studies which is offered in Lismore.
  • Check the individual specialisation you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered and mandatory on-campus attendance.
  • 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.

Please see Career Opportunities for information about the Nursing Specialisation, credit arrangements and professional placement.

Nursing, naturopathy, sport and exercise science, occupational therapy, community welfare, psychology, biomedical 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 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.

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 or nursing.

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, except for naturopathic studies which is offered in Lismore.
  • Check the individual specialisation you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered and mandatory on-campus attendance.
  • 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.

Please see Career Opportunities for information about the Nursing Specialisation, credit arrangements and professional placement.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

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.
Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology, 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 and Biomedical Science 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

CategoryScore
Overall Score5.5
Reading5.0
Writing5.5
Listening5.0
Speaking5.0

About the course

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 or osteopathic studies.

If you are interested in studying onlineplease 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, except for naturopathic studies which is offered in Lismore.
  • Check the individual specialisation you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered and any mandatory on-campus attendance.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
Coffs HarbourTerm  1
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
LismoreTerm  1
OnlineTerm  1

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, except for naturopathic studies, which is offered in Lismore.
  • Check the individual stream you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered and any mandatory on-campus attendance.

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1$29,360 ($3,670 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.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Coffs Harbour
Gold Coast
Term 3 July 2023
Lismore
Online

International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast
View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Health, students must complete 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Specialisations

Students should select 1 Specialisation from the following:

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
OCCU1001Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Human Occupations
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
OCCU2005Lifespan Development and Occupational Transitions

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HBIO1006Growth and Development
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
NUTR1001Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
HBIO2001Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy
HLTH2002Exercise Physiology

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
PHYS1002Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences
CHEM1001Chemistry
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
OSTP1001Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
OSTP2004Osteopathic Manual Therapy 2
BIOL2007Biochemistry
OSTP2001Osteopathic Science I

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
PSYC1002Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
PSYC1009Introducing Health Psychology
PSYC1001Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
PSYC1005Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology
PSYC1010Positive Psychology
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
HLTH1007Foundations of Clinical Practice
NURS1005Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
PSYC1009Introducing Health Psychology
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
BIOL2007Biochemistry
NATM2004Professional Contexts in Naturopathic Medicine 1: Foundations

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
WELF1002Community Development
SOCI1005Social Policy
Select One (1) of the following units:
POLT1001Australian Politics
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology


Course progressions

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment

Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.

Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Note 1
Students must enrol in SCU College unit in their first Term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and use the unit availability below to determine course progression.
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
OCCU1001Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Human Occupations
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesHBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
OCCU2005Lifespan Development and Occupational Transitions
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
N/A
Pre-requisitesOCCU1001 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Human Occupations
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Term1,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites36 credit points
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Summer Term
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
Summer Term
Term2,4

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Note 1
Students must enrol in SCU College unit in their first term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and use the unit availability below to determine course progression.
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
OSTP1001Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesMust have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesHBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
OSTP2004Osteopathic Manual Therapy 2
Dual Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Lismore
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Pre-requisitesOSTP1001 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1; AND HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy; AND have completed or currently enrolled in HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains professional experience learning/laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the Professional Experience Learning and/or stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements Please note: Full Covid-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers. It is strongly recommended that only students who meet this requirement enrol in this unit.
BIOL2007Biochemistry
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Pre-requisitesHBIO1008 - Human Physiology II OR HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
OSTP2001Osteopathic Science I
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesHBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy; AND OSTP1001 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Note 1
Students must enrol in SCU College units in their first term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and HLTH1001 -  Introduction to Science for Health Professions and use the unit availability below to determine course progression.
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Anti-requisitesCannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in SCIN1001 - Nature of Science.
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO1006Growth and Development
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesHBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
NUTR1001Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
HBIO2001Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesHBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HLTH2002Exercise Physiology
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesHBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I AND HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Note 1
Students must enrol in SCU College units in their first term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and HLTH1001 -  Introduction to Science for Health Professions and use the unit availability below to determine course progression.
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Anti-requisitesCannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in SCIN1001 - Nature of Science.
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesHBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
PHYS1002Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences

Not currently available

Enrolment informationPrevious studies in HSC Mathematics would be an advantage in this unit.
CHEM1001Chemistry
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
Enrolment informationThere will be a 2-day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore Campus. Registration for your residential location and time preference may be necessary upon unit enrolment. Please check the Blackboard site for CHEM1001 for any latest information and updates.
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Term1,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites36 credit points

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Note 1
Students must enrol in SCU College units in their first term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and HLTH1001 -  Introduction to Science for Health Professions and use the unit availability below to determine course progression.
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Anti-requisitesCannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in SCIN1001 - Nature of Science.
PSYC1002Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,5
Term2,5
PSYC1009Introducing Health Psychology
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,4
Term2,4
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
PSYC1001Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
PSYC1005Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
PSYC1010Positive Psychology
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
Term1,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,4
Term1,4
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Lismore
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Term1,4
Term1,4

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Note 1
Students must enrol in the SCU College units in their first term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and HLTH1001 -  Introduction to Science for Health Professions and use the unit availability below to determine course progression.
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Anti-requisitesCannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in SCIN1001 - Nature of Science.
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
HLTH1007Foundations of Clinical Practice
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
NURS1005Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesMust have completed or be currently enrolled into HLTH1007 - Foundations of Clinical Practice
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. It is recommended that this unit is taken with HLTH1007 - Foundations of Clinical Practice.
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Summer Term
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
Summer Term
Term2,4
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
Term1,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,4
Term1,4
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Lismore
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Term1,4
Term1,4

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Note 1
Students must enrol in the SCU College units in their first term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and HLTH1001 -  Introduction to Science for Health Professions and use the unit availability below to determine course progression.
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Anti-requisitesCannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in SCIN1001 - Nature of Science.
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PSYC1009Introducing Health Psychology
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,4
Term2,4
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesHBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Summer Term
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
Summer Term
Term2,4
BIOL2007Biochemistry
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Pre-requisitesHBIO1008 - Human Physiology II OR HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
NATM2004Professional Contexts in Naturopathic Medicine 1: Foundations
Term3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term3,5
N/A
Enrolment informationStudents are required to attend scheduled classes and participate in online activities. Students will be required to attend on-campus classes and complete 8 observational clinical placement hours. This unit contains professional experience learning that require students to fulfill certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Note 1
Students must enrol in the SCU College unit in their first term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and use the unit availability below to determine course progression.
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
N/A
Anti-requisitesAAD71103 - Design Fundamentals ART00630 - Design ART10094 - Digital Art and Design I
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
SOCI1005Social Policy
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
WELF1002Community Development
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Enrolment informationAll students are required to meet compulsory participation requirements to pass the unit. Gold Coast students must attend weekly on-campus tutorials. Online students must attend a 3 day on-campus residential (8.30 am to 4.30 pm Friday to Sunday inclusive) at either the Coffs Harbour (week 2), Gold Coast (week 3) or Lismore (week 4) campus. A record of attendance will be kept at all tutorials and residentials.
Select one (1) unit from the following:
POLT1001Australian Politics
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A


Notes

Note 1: Please note not all units are available Online.

Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

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.

Course Learning Outcome

Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined health or community settings.

Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the fields of health or community welfare.

Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined health or community contexts.

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.

Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work within defined health or community contexts.

Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts, and solutions individually and/or in a team within defined health or community contexts.

Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined health or community 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 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 or a Bachelor of Psychological Science. Please note duration of Diploma plus a linked Bachelor degree may vary depending on unit availabilities, and Bachelor degrees may have professional placement requirements.

Please note: not all units are offered online. Check the specialisation you are interested in for more details. Psychological Science is the only specialisation offered entirely online. If you are interested in continuing onto a Bachelor degree, check the individual course for details about where they are offered.

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. Please note duration of the Diploma of Health plus a Bachelor of Nursing may take longer than 3 years depending on unit availabilities. 

Professional placement

All Bachelor degrees linked to the Diploma of Health 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 for more information.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

Related courses