Diplomas

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If you're an ambitious learner aiming for a world top 20 university, a UNSW College Diploma can get you there.

In just 12 months, you'll be ready to progress into the second year of your chosen UNSW Sydney bachelor’s degree within Architecture, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Media & Communications or Science.

Your journey with a Diploma Program

High School Year 12 progresses to Diploma at UNSW College progresses to Second Year at UNSW Sydney High School Year 12 progresses to Diploma at UNSW College progresses to Second Year at UNSW Sydney

Why choose UNSW College?

Equivalent to first year 

As a Diploma student, you will study course content equivalent to your first year of university, with all content recognised by UNSW – so you’re learning the same as students in a first year degree program. You get more attention and support, so you feel confident when it’s time to progress. 

Direct path to second year 

If you just missed out on direct entry into UNSW and need some extra support, this program could be the best way to keep your university plans on track – without adding extra months or years on to your journey. 

A supportive pathway 

You will have access to world-class UNSW facilities (like libraries, design studios, computer, engineering and science labs), clubs and societies from day one, with the added support of UNSW College behind you. This means small tutorial class sizes averaging 20 students, and personalised consultations with your teachers. 

Our Diplomas

ADA students create works using wood at UNSW Paddington campus
Diploma of Architecture

Learn about architectural design, history, communication, and the science behind built environments. On successful completion, progress into second year of your chosen degree in Architectural Studies, Interior Architecture (Honours) or Landscape Architecture (Honours) at UNSW Sydney.

UNSW Business School on campus
Diploma of Business

Take your first step towards a career in business and finance. This Diploma leads directly to second year of the Bachelor of Commerce at UNSW, one of the top ranked business schools in Australia. Build the skills to lead, adapt and innovate in today’s fast-changing world as you respond to global challenges and seize new opportunities.

Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus
Diploma of Computer Science

This Diploma focuses on the design and construction of computer systems, giving you a working knowledge of hardware and software principles. On successful completion, you’ll progress into second year of the UNSW Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), offered through Australia's top-ranked faculty for Engineering & Technology.

Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus
Diploma of Engineering

Build a solid foundation in mathematics, natural sciences and computing in preparation for a career in engineering. On successful completion, you’ll progress into second year of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at UNSW Sydney, home to Australia’s #1 Engineering faculty (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

Students trace projections
Diploma of Media and Communications

This Diploma offers a strong introduction to media studies, public relations, advertising, screen production, journalism, and cinema studies. On successful completion, you’ll progress into the second year of the UNSW Bachelor of Media and specialise in your chosen area.

Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus
Diploma of Science

The Diploma of Science gives you the practical and theoretical skills to progress into second year of the UNSW Bachelor of Science. Study in one of Australia’s leading science faculties and explore exciting disciplines from biotechnology and quantum physics to oceanography and environmental science, alongside globally recognised researchers.
  • Diploma and Pre-Masters Courses

    Each Diploma and Pre-Masters course that a student undertakes at UNSW College is assessed using a variety of methods, resulting in a final mark for each course. This result generally takes the form of a mark between 0 and 100 and this mark determines a student’s final grade.

    The Table below explains the course grades applied to Diploma and Pre-Masters courses:

    Grade

    Grade Descriptor

    Grade Definition

    Mark Range
    HD

     

    High Distinction
     
    An outstanding performance that indicates the student has demonstrated a high level of understanding across the entire content of the course.
    85% - 100%
     

     

    DN
     

     

    Distinction
     
    A superior performance that indicates the student has demonstrated the ability to consider the course and its assessment requirements from a number of perspectives and to explore their interrelation.
     

     

    75% - 84%
     

     

    CR
     

     

    Credit
     
    A good performance indicating that the student can think analytically and contextually about the course and its assessment requirements, and to understand / present alternative points of view / perspectives and supporting evidence.
     

     

    65% - 74%
     

     

    PS
     

     

    Pass
     

     

    An acceptable level of performance indicating that the student has addressed the assessment requirements of the course and has demonstrated an acceptable understanding of the issues entailed.

     

     

    50% - 64%
     

     

    FL
     

     

    Fail
     

     

    Unsatisfactory performance, below the minimum expected level. This grade characterises work which shows a significant lack of understanding of the topic or its context and is therefore unsatisfactory.
     

     

    < 50%
     

     

    SY
     

     

    Successful
     

     

    Successful completion of a course for which a graded pass is not awarded. No mark is given so courses with this grade are not included in the calculation of a student’s WAM. However, the units of credit are counted as successfully completed, when calculating a student’s Risk Level.

     

     

     

    UF
     

     

    Unsatisfactory Fail
     

     

    Unsatisfactory performance in an essential component of the course.

     

     

     

    WC
     

     

    Results not finalised
     

     

    Result not finalised. The student has submitted a request for Special Consideration, for which the outcome is pending.

     

     

     

    WD
     

     

    Results not finalised
     

     

    The student has not submitted or completed one or more components of the assessment required.

     

     

     

    AW
     

     

    Academic Withdrawal
     

     

    Academic Withdrawal. Student discontinued the course after the deadline to drop without academic penalty but before the last day of the teaching period. The AW grade is not included in the calculation of the student’s WAM. However, it is counted as a failed course when calculating Risk Level. The AW grade becomes part of a student’s official academic record, so it is included on their academic transcript.

     

     
    Weighted Average Mark

    WAM, or Weighted Average Mark, is a cumulative average of all term-based subject marks (final term marks) for each diploma subject and for each completed attempt. It is published to two decimal places and appears on your academic record.

    WAM is calculated according to the following formula:

    • M = mark received in a course
    • U = units of credit for a course
    • ∑ = the sum of

    For example, a student receives the following results for their subjects: 80, 81, 82, 83, 84. The first three of these subjects are 6 UOC (Units of Credit) each, and the last two are 3 UOC each. They would calculate their WAM as follows:

    If you have transfer credit for a course or subject(s) completed at another institution, the marks for these will not be included in the calculation of your WAM. This exclusion is due to the fact that different institutions have different grading systems.

  • A normal full-time Study Load across an Academic Year is 48 Units of Credit (UoC) and at least one Subject Enrolment in each Term. This equates to 1.0 Equivalent Full-time Student Load (EFTSL).

    (Students enrolled in the Diploma of Business undertake 54 UoC across an Academic Year which equates to 1.125 EFTSL.)
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Foundation Studies, Academic English and Pre-Masters Program
UNSW College delivers its Foundation Studies, Academic English, and Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education). 

Diplomas
UNSW College delivers its UNSW College Diplomas under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education). UNSW College delivers UNSW Diplomas on behalf of UNSW Sydney under CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).

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