Diploma in Science and Technology, University of South Australia (UniSA). 2020 information for Australian students

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DDST

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry Requirements
TAFE/RTO (Guaranteed): N/A
View full entry requirements

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate III or Certificate IV level
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Applicants who have completed a TAFE/VET award at Diploma level or above, or who have studied at higher education level for more than two years will not be considered for admission to the program.
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

All second year students: refer to your bachelor degree program information page for the correct program of study.

Don’t forget to also enrol in EDUC 20 (SP2) and EDUC 23 (SP5) under your DDST code.

Aim

The Diploma of Science and Technology provides a pathway for students without the traditional university entry requirements to undertake tertiary study. The diploma offers a unique blend of foundation studies courses as well as specific discipline courses to allow graduates to continue into the second year of a number of approved degree programs.

Content & Structure

The program consists of 72 units of study. This consists of eight foundation courses which develop sound academic skills. The program also comprises eight discipline courses selected from a number of approved areas.

Study at the new Adelaide University in 2026

The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia are combining their strengths to create a new university for the future, Adelaide University, opening in January 2026.

From 4 August 2025, the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students.

Apply now to study with Adelaide University in 2026.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)				Rule(s): 3
University Studies	EDUC 1075	4.5
Science for Tertiary Learning	NASC 18	4.5	Note(s): 2
Literacy Course 1		4.5	Note(s): 1
Numeracy Course 1		4.5	Note(s): 1
Preparation for Tertiary Studies A	EDUC 21	0		Rule(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 3
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 3
Elective 3		4.5	Note(s): 3
Elective 4		4.5
Preparation for Tertiary Studies B	EDUC 22	0		Rule(s): 4
SECOND YEAR
8 courses from selected discipline area - Enrol under bachelor degree code				Rule(s): 6,7,8
Successful Tertiary Learning A	EDUC 20	0		Rule(s): 5
Successful Tertiary Learning B	EDUC 23	0		Rule(s): 5

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Literacy Courses - a course will be recommended via the Enrolment Planning Tool.
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1002	4.5
English Language Studies	LANG 46	4.5
Communication for Academic Purposes	COMM 1068	4.5
Numeracy Courses - a course will be recommended via the Enrolment Planning Tool.
Foundation Mathematics 2: Calculus	MATH 47	4.5
Essential Mathematics	MATH 1073	4.5
Introductory Information Technology Mathematics	MATH 42	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry	MATH 46	4.5
Maths Fundamentals	MATH 48	4.5
Please select first year electives with a Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment Focus from this list:
Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media	INFS 1022	4.5
Introductory Quantitative Skills	MATH 1072	4.5
Introductory Economics and Finance	ECON 1009	4.5
Introduction to Human Behaviour	BUSS 1063	4.5
Essential Mathematics	MATH 1073	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 2: Calculus	MATH 47	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry	MATH 46	4.5
Applied Computer Practices	COMP 26	4.5
Introductory Information Technology Mathematics	MATH 42	4.5
Human Health	HLTH 1018	4.5
Individual and Group Skills	COMM 1040	4.5
Introduction to Global Issues and Identities	HUMS 1048	4.5
Introductory Physics	PHYS 5	4.5
Introductory Chemistry	CHEM 2	4.5
Future Ideas: Information and the Internet	LIBR 1008	4.5
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1002	4.5
Communication for Academic Purposes	COMM 1068	4.5
Australian Culture and Society	HUMS 1052	4.5
Maths Fundamentals	MATH 48	4.5
Engineering, Mathematics and Science programs require students to complete the following courses:
Foundation Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry	MATH 46	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 2: Calculus	MATH 47	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are required to successfully complete all 72 units to attain the Diploma and transfer to the second year of the related undergraduate degree.

2. Students are required to complete the Diploma within 4 years to be guaranteed entry into a degree program at UniSA.

3. Commencing students may have their initial enrolments withdrawn if they fail to engage with their studies (Enrolment policy A48 section 4.5).

4. Students are required to enrol in Preparation for Tertiary Learning in both study periods of the first year.

5. Students are required to enrol in Successful Tertiary Learning and Successful Tertiary Learning B in second year. Students enrol into these courses under their DDST code in the relevent study period.

6. Students must successfully complete 8 courses in first year prior to enrolling in second year.

7. Prior to commencing second year, students will be transferred to their selected bachelor program. Enrolments must be made under this program code.

8. Discipline courses vary depending on selected bachelor program pathway. Refer to the appropriate program information page.

Notes

1. Literacy Course 1 and Numeracy Course 1 are to be selected from the appropriate Elective list in conjunction with advice given upon completion of the Enrolment Planning Tool.

2. Students can discuss an alternative course with the UniSA College Program Director subject to their bachelor program selection.

3. First year electives should be selected from the list above. Students must discuss alternate course choices with the UniSA College Program Director to ensure they comply with program requirements when transitioning to the full degree program.

Program Director

AsPr Sarah Hattam

Primary director

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About UniSA

This degree is only available to Australian students

Diploma in Science and Technology

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Quick links

Aim

Content & Structure

Study at the new Adelaide University in 2026

What courses you'll study

FIRST YEAR

SECOND YEAR

Rules

Notes

Program Director

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