Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Health), University of South Australia (UniSA). 2025 information for Australian students

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DUUS

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry Requirements
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.

This program is available to current UniSA students only.

Higher education

- Successful completion of the UniSA Foundation Studies program; or

- A partially completed undergraduate degree.

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Aim

The Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Health) provides an alternative pathway to bachelor level study for students. Students will study academic literacy as well as foundation discipline specific courses to prepare for success in their preferred bachelor degree. Students who successfully complete the standard six month program of study will be able to use their qualification to apply for entry into a health bachelor program of their choice.

Content & Structure

The program consists of 18 units of study. Students select from a range of electives to tailor the program specifically to their needs to support their future studies in one of the following degrees:

Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Bachelor of Community Health [online only]
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
Bachelor of Health Science [online only]
Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise) [online only]
Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health)
Bachelor of Health Science (Healthy Ageing) [online only]
Bachelor of Human Movement
Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours)*
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Leadership
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science*
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)*
Bachelor of Public Health [online only]

*the bachelor program prerequisites must be met to obtain admission into these programs.

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)
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1068	4.5
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 4
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 4
Elective 3		4.5	Note(s): 4

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
For students pursuing nutrition, biomedical science, laboratory medicine, pharmaceutical science or pharmacy pathways:
Introductory Chemistry	CHEM 2	4.5
Introduction to Biosciences	NASC 1013	4.5
Introduction to Human Physiology	HLTH 1070	4.5
Data Literacy: Foundations for Success	MATH 1083	4.5
Science for Tertiary Learning	NASC 1014	4.5
For students pursuing nursing, community health, health science, or healthy ageing pathways:
Introduction to Human Physiology	HLTH 1070	4.5
Introduction to Biosciences	NASC 1013	4.5
Introduction to Anatomy	HLTH 1069	4.5
For students pursuing public health pathways:
Introduction to Human Physiology	HLTH 1070	4.5
Introduction to Anatomy	HLTH 1069	4.5
Introduction to Biosciences	NASC 1013	4.5
For students pursuing exercise and sport science, human movement or outdoor leadership pathways:
Introduction to Human Physiology	HLTH 1070	4.5
Introduction to Physical Activity for Health	SPRC 1010	4.5
Introduction to Coaching Science	SPRC 1009	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are required to complete the program within 1 year to transfer into an undergraduate degree, subject to competitive entry. Students who do not transfer into an undergraduate degree within this time will be required to apply via SATAC.

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

3. This program requires weekly participation in all enrolled courses. Student engagement is monitored, with a lack of participation or contact with student support services and/or the Program Director resulting in students being unenrolled from courses they have not engaged with. This action will occur in week 3, prior to census, to ensure students' future program performance (cumulative GPA) is protected.

Notes

1. Some destination degrees have program prerequisites for entry. Course selection should be made in conjunction with the information provided on the destination degree program information page.

2. Students must obtain a competitive Grade Point Average (GPA) to transition into a bachelor's degree upon completion of the undergraduate certificate qualification.

3. February is the main intake for health bachelor degrees. Students must consider their program progression when determining their study load.

4. Electives should be selected from the list above, aligning with the discipline area students wish to pursue in their bachelor degree. Some elective courses may have prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to enrolment. Students must discuss alternate elective choices with the Program Director to ensure they comply with the program requirements of their future bachelor degree.