Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
Overview
The Diploma of Health Science will provide you with a range of skills and knowledge applicable to the Australian health care system, including health promotion, communication skills and cultural safety in healthcare. Graduates have the opportunity to access entry level health related roles across health services and organisations. Employment options include roles as health administrators, health promotion or public health workers.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in areas such as health promotion, primary and community health centres, non-government organisations, social services, health clerk, therapy services officer.
Professional recognition
You are eligible to apply for membership with the following professional associations: The Australian Health Promotion Association and the Public Health Association of Australia.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $32,352.00. This equates to $ $4,044.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
The Diploma of Health Science provides an entry pathway into the following courses: Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Public Health, Bachelor of Health Service Management, and, Bachelor of Health Science/Masters of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Speech and Language Therapy and Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Nutrition.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (3 units) | 30cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 30 credit points as detailed below. HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion SWK102 Communication Skills HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) |
| Specialist Elective (5 units) | 50cp | Specialist Elective Units totalling 50 credit points selected from the following specialist elective streams: ALLIED HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC STUDIES HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2025
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 and SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 have been replaced by SBI161 and SBI162 from Semester 1 2025.
- Students who have completed BOTH SBI171 and SBI172 prior to 2025 do not need to complete SBI161 or SBI162.
- Students who have NOT completed either SBI171 or SBI172 prior to 2025 should complete the two new units SBI161 and SBI162.
- Students who have completed SBI171 only (and not SBI172) should complete SBI172 in 2025. Students should NOT complete the new unit SBI162.
- Students who have completed SBI172 only (and not SBI171) should complete SBI171 in 2025. Students should NOT complete the new unit SBI161.
SBI171 and SBI172 will be offered for a final time in 2025 but will only be available to students who have completed either SBI171 or SBI172 prior to 2025.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2021
Please note the following course structure changes:
HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction has replaced HSC230 Cultural Safety in Health from 2021. Students have completed HSC230 do not need to complete HSC220.
MLS245 Medical Biochemistry has been replaced by SBI150 Cellular Biology under the Chiropractic Studies specialisation.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
ALLIED HEALTH STREAM
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | SE | HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO |
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | SE | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics (replaces HSC112 from 2025) | SE |
| MAN204 Project Management | SE | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | SE |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
CHIROPRACTIC STREAM
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | SE |
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | SE | SBI190 Microbiology and Immunology for Healthcare Professionals (replaces SBI182 from S2 2022 and SBI173 from 2021) | SE |
| SBI150 Cellular Biology (replaces MLS245 from 2021) | SE | SPH141 Concepts of Physics | SE |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT STREAM
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | SE | HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO |
| MAN204 Project Management | SE | HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024) | SE |
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | SE | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | SE |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
ALLIED HEALTH STREAM
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion (External only) | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics (replaces HSC112 from 2025) | SE | ||
| SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | ||
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | SE | ||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | SE | ||
| MAN204 Project Management | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
CHIROPRACTIC STREAM
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion (External only) | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| SBI190 Microbiology and Immunology for Healthcare Professionals (replaces SBI182 from S2 2022 and SBI173 from 2021) | SE | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | ||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (replaces SBI171 from 2025) | SE | ||
| SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (replaces SBI172 from 2025) | SE | ||
| SBI150 Cellular Biology (replaces MLS245 from 2021) | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT STREAM
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion (External only) | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (replaces HSC203 from 2024) | SE | ||
| HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | ||
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | SE | ||
| MAN204 Project Management | SE | ||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | SE | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2024
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.
Katie
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.
Katie
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 12 | .0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 16 | .0 |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 7 | .0 |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | 35 | .0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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