Diploma in STEM, University of South Australia (UniSA). 2025 information for Australian students

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DDSM

SATAC Code
426095 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry Requirements
Selection Rank (Internal): 50.00 (for 2024)
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 University enabling program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Aim

The Diploma in STEM provides an alternate pathway to bachelor level study for students who have an ATAR, TAFE Certificate III or IV or have completed UniSA Foundation Studies. Students build academic literacy and study skills as well as undertaking foundational discipline specific courses.

Upon successful completion of the diploma, students can apply to transition, via competitive entry, into a UniSA bachelor degree.

Content & Structure

The program consists of 36 units of study. This is comprised of six foundational courses designed to develop academic literacies and foundational level discipline knowledge and two electives from approved specialisation areas.

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What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Introduction to Academic Life	SOCU 1010	4.5
Science for Tertiary Learning	NASC 1014	4.5
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 1,2
Writing for Academic Purposes	COMM 1085	4.5	Note(s): 3
OR
Introduction to Algebra	MATH 1084	4.5	Note(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Data Literacy: Foundations for Success	MATH 1083	4.5
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1068	4.5
Applied Computer Practices	COMP 1050	4.5	Note(s): 3
OR
Introductory Physics	PHYS 5	4.5	Note(s): 4,6
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 1,2

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Mathematics discipline - select 2 of the following [students who have not completed SACE Stage 2 Math Methods must select MATH 1066 and MATH 1067 to meet bachelor program prerequisite requirements]:
Problem Solving and Programming	COMP 1039	4.5
Essential Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry	MATH 1066	4.5
Essential Mathematics 2: Calculus	MATH 1067	4.5
Statistical Methods	MATH 1068	4.5
Aviation discipline:
Introduction to Aviation	AERO 1022	4.5
Aviation Safety Fundamentals	AERO 1025	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are required to complete the diploma within 2 years 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 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. 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.

2. 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.

3. Students pursuing a mathematics pathway are required to complete this course.

4. Students pursuing an aviation pathway are required to complete this course.

5. Students pursuing an Applied Physics or Mathematics major within the Bachelor of Science, and do not meet the major prerequisites, are required to undertake the Diploma in STEM rather than the Diploma in STEM (Science and the Environment) specialisation. Contact the Program Director for a tailored study plan.

6. Students pursuing an Applied Physics major within the Bachelor of Science, and do not meet the program prerequisites, are required to complete this course.