This program prepares you for entry-level roles in the diverse fields of medical, physical or natural sciences, and provides entry to the second year of a range of Bachelor programs at Western.
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Duration
Full Time: 1 Year
Next Start Date
21 July 2025
02 March 2026
Closing Date
Campuses^
Campbelltown
UAC 729331
Indicative 2025 Annual Fee
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 7196
Diploma in Science
Modular learning
Western is launching modular learning in 2025 at The College. We’ve re-imagined the way our courses are delivered using research on the best ways for students to learn. Learn more about Modular Learning.
Introduction
Get ready for a journey of discovery. The Diploma in Science is a launchpad for entry-level roles in the diverse fields of medical, physical or natural sciences and provides a direct pathway to the second year of a range of Bachelor programs at Western, without losing any time. You'll develop the skills you need to investigate a huge number of scientific disciplines, and prepares you for tomorrow’s challenges.
Immersed in small classes, focusing on one course-specific subject at a time, you will explore topics across natural, physical, and medical sciences. You’ll learn to apply your understanding in socially responsible ways, honing critical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills. The program is designed to equip you with foundational knowledge, conceptual tools, theories, and skills - preparing you to tackle some of society’s most complex challenges.
Whether you aim to transition to a Bachelor’s degree or graduate and start your career, this Diploma provides you with the flexibility to shape your future.
What pathways to further study does this Diploma provide?
Upon successful completion of this Diploma course, you can transition to the second year of one of the following Bachelor programs:
What are the entry requirements for this course?
To be admitted to this course, you don’t need an ATAR. This program is open to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents who are aged 17 years or over.
Start your uni journey in 2026!
Whether you’re seeking a career change, ready to begin your studies or looking to upskill, take the next step toward shaping your future today.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of this Diploma, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this Diploma:
- Government environmental agencies
- Patent work
- Quality control
- Environmental consulting laboratories
- Scientific equipment companies
- Science teaching
Looking for jobs that are in demand?
Check out these helpful tools that you can use to find out more:
Jobs and Skills Atlas
You can use this tool to research different jobs and industries, including 5-years trends of how many people are employed and the demand in different regions and LGAs.
Provided by Jobs and Skills Australia, part of the Australian Government.
Skills Priority List
You can use this tool to research the likely future need for different jobs and skills, as well as filter by your State or Territory.
Provided by Jobs and Skills Australia, part of the Australian Government.
Alumni
"It’s not just about getting a qualification, it’s about starting an adventure the prepares you for a career and the future."
— Christopher, Diploma in Culture, Society and Justice
Entry requirements for domestic students
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about special requirements here.
Entry requirements for international students
**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.
Indicative annual fee
This indicative annual fee is based on a full time study load of 10 subjects (110 credit points) and is partially subsidised by the Commonwealth – this is known as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). The above fee is what the student owes, known as the Student Contribution.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
Your student contribution amount will be calculated based on the general discipline area of the subjects you study (this may be different to the discipline area of your course). To work out your fees in advance, visit the Student contribution calculations page.
FEE-HELP
Students that are eligible for HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) loan can use this to avoid paying upfront and instead pay your Student Contribution over time.
HECS-HELP is a Government loan system designed to help eligible domestic students afford higher education. You will only be required to start repaying the loan once your annual income exceeds the compulsory threshold for the relevant income year.
In order to receive HECS-HELP you must be enrolled in a commonwealth supported place (CSP) and be:
- an Australian citizen studying at least some of your course in Australia; or
- a New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) holder, or eligible former New Zealand SCV holder; who meets the long-term residency requirements and who studies the entire course while living in Australia; or
- a permanent humanitarian visa holder, or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who will be resident in Australia for the duration of your unit(s); or
- a pacific engagement visa (PEV) holder who will be resident in Australia for the duration of your unit(s) (a PEV holder becomes eligible from 1 February 2024)
Apply as a Domestic Student
If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.
Domestic students are:
- Australian Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
Scholarships
Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees.
FAQs
12 months (full time).
There are no exams in our Diplomas. Instead, our programs employ a variety of assessment types which may include portfolios, applied project work, fieldwork, and practical tasks. Assessments are authentic, maintain high standards and aim to be reflective of real-world tasks. In addition, teachers work closely with students in small, interactive workshop-style classes, and provide students with individual support. This approach ensures a robust evaluation of students’ skills and knowledge. Non-exam assessments develop essential skills, such as critical thinking and time management, preparing students for traditional exams in later years of their programs.
All of our Diplomas commence with the same subject, providing students with an introduction to University life and allowing them to further explore their chosen professional fields. Should you discover a different diploma better suits your personal goals, you can transfer at this stage with no time lost. Transfers to other diplomas are available at any time throughout the duration of your course, and you will receive credit for any common subjects you have already completed.
Diplomas are recognised in the workforce, and can be used to help you stand out from other job candidates. You can take a look at the potential career opportunities in the careers tab.
In this Diploma, there are two electives which students generally complete as the last two subjects in their course. With a wide range of elective options, you can explore a number of topics and align your studies with your specific interests and career goals.
You can view elective options for this course here.
*Please note, for those students wishing to pathway to the Bachelor of Medical Science, it is recommended they take ‘NATS1029 - Human Anatomy and Physiology 1’ and ‘NATS1030 - Human Anatomy and Physiology 2’ as electives in order to complete the following majors in minimum time:
- Anatomy and Physiology Testamur Major T084
- Biomedical Science Testamur Major T055
- Human Nutrition Testamur Major T125
Want to know more?
We're here to help.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our courses today and gain the confidence to move forward.
Australian students
1300 668 370
What's the difference between a Bachelor degree and a Diploma?
Ever wondered about the difference?
A Diploma offers specialised learning, focused on gaining job-ready skills or preparing you for further study in a particular field. It is:
- Generally more accessible than a Bachelor with flexible entry requirements.
- Faster to complete - on average 12 months of full time study.
- Ideal for anyone who wants to upskill, earn credit towards a Bachelor degree, or start a career.
With a Western Diploma, you study for 12 months through our Modular Learning model at The College.
Upon completion, you graduate job-ready or can transition into the second year of a Bachelor at Western - gaining two qualifications in the time of one. This makes it the ideal choice for those who:
- are looking to do their first year of uni differently, and/or
- need more time to uncover their passion - most of our Diplomas provide pathways (and 12 months credit) into more than one Bachelor course, and/or
- are aspiring for a career in a high-growth industry that doesn't require a Bachelor.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, The College reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.