Start Date
February
July

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DDHL

SATAC Code
426041 (Internal)
426051 (Packaged)
426063 (Packaged)
426066 (Packaged)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2023 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 50.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): C,C,C
TAFE/RTO: N/A
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2022 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 50.30
TAFE/RTO: Cert III
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Guaranteed entry into 15 UniSA health degrees upon successful completion of the first year of the diploma.
  • The second year of the diploma becomes the first year of your linked bachelor’s degree (see linked degrees below).
  • Your pathway into UniSA with support from UniSA College staff as you build academic skills, knowledge and confidence for university study.
  • Get the full experience of university and student life with events, entertainment, sports, clubs, volunteering opportunities and more.
  • Join South Australia’s No.1 university for graduate careers in health.1

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21, Health Services and Support –Overall Employment Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.

Snapshot

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The Diploma in Health is a two-year program that prepares you for university study while setting you up to thrive in a degree in nursing, exercise and sport science, pharmaceutical science and much more.

If you don’t meet the direct entry requirements for the degree you want to study this pathway program may be perfect for you. You’ll build academic skills, university knowledge and confidence in your first year of study while having support from UniSA College staff to then make the transition into your chosen linked bachelor degree*.

Once you've successfully completed the first year of the diploma, you’re guaranteed entry into 15 UniSA health degrees, so your second year of the diploma becomes the first year of your linked bachelor degree**.

With just one extra year of study, you’ll graduate with two qualifications, the diploma and bachelor degree.

*Some bachelor programs have pre-requisites that must be met. To check what the pre-requisites are, explore the relevant bachelor study page.

**Students starting the diploma mid-year may take longer than two years to complete the program, depending on their linked degree.

What you'll need

Undergraduate degrees in health may have pre-placement requirements that must be met prior to commencement. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit page for details.

Incomplete diplomas will not be accepted for entry into a non-linked high demand undergraduate program. Refer to Program Director (Diplomas) for further advice.

Linked degrees

The degrees linked to this diploma are:

UniSA Online linked degrees are:

Flexible study options are available, such as full-time or part-time and online studies, depending on your course selection.

*If you already know that you want to study the Bachelor of Health Science, you can apply to study the Diploma in Health, Bachelor of Health Science as a package.

**Available in Mount Gambier and Whyalla. To meet entry requirements, applicants to the nursing pathway must consider the professional registration requirements, including the English Language Skills standard, and complete a declaration stating how they will demonstrate their English language competency, as determined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Further details can be accessed via the undergraduate program pages.

What you'll learn

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You will get a great start to university life by learning the skills to set you up for success in your bachelor degree, including:

  • how to write academic assignments
  • how to reference
  • effective time management
  • introductory content courses

In first year, you will complete core courses that develop your critical writing, study, communication, numeracy and research skills. You will also have the opportunity to complete electives in health-related topics. In second year, you will start studying first-year courses from your linked bachelor degree, but you can still rely on UniSA College for extra support.

Degree structure

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
Literacy Course 1 4.5 Note(s): 1
Elective 1 4.5 Note(s): 2
Elective 2 4.5 Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Numeracy Course 1 4.5 Note(s): 1
Elective 3 4.5 Note(s): 2
Elective 4 4.5 Note(s): 2
Elective 5 4.5 Note(s): 2
SECOND YEAR
8 courses from selected discipline area - Enrol under bachelor degree code 36 Rule(s): 4,5,6

Study hours

Your study schedule will be divided into contact hours (the time you spend doing lectures and tutorials) and independent study, including your personal research and assignment work. Study hours depend on the courses you choose and the amount of additional work you put in. Generally, full-time study is equivalent to 40 hours per week.

Assessment

296x202_assessment.pngYour assessments may include:

  • research papers
  • tests (in person and online)
  • assignments
  • take home examinations
  • group assignments
  • participation and attendance
  • examinations
  • presentations

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Diploma in Health

296x202_whyddhl.pngOur programs prepare you for university study by building your academic skills and prerequisite knowledge. You will experience life as a UniSA student and have access to the full range of support services that the University provides. By successfully completing the Diploma in Health you will have the opportunity to transfer into a related UniSA bachelor degree.

Online study

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Studying externally (online) gives you the flexibility to study where and when you want, at your own pace. All courses offered through UniSA College can be studied online. You can choose your study mode when you enrol. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 digital environment, you can also:

  • access your lectures online, plus study and course resources
  • submit your assignments and get feedback
  • use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

How to apply

To apply to study with UniSA College:

  • Go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code*, then click Apply
  • You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

*There are two SATAC codes – one for just this diploma, and one for this diploma packaged with the Bachelor of Health Science. If you already know that you want to study the Bachelor of Health Science, you can make life easier by applying for both at the same time.

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

You‘ll have full access to our student support services to help you settle in to university life before you begin studying a bachelor degree. We want you to succeed, and if you need help you’ll have it. We provide a full range of support services, including: 

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • library services
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • wellbeing resources and advice
  • accommodation
  • community health clinics
  • services offered through our student association, USASA.

Student services

Student services

You will have full access to our student support services to help you settle in to university life before you begin studying a bachelor degree. We want you to be successful, and if you need help you’ll have it. We provide a full range of support services, including: 

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • library services
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • wellbeing resources and advice
  • accommodation
  • community health clinics
  • services offered through our student association, USASA

24/7 digital environment

UniSA's learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

I am a lecturer and Diploma Director at UniSA College. I have a deep concern for issues related to education and justice. This has led me to work in enabling access to education, and it informs my teaching approach.

Dr Natasha Wilson

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Natasha Wilson
Portrait image for Dr Natasha Wilson

Dr Natasha Wilson

Program Director

Enquire

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