Diploma of Science
Be part of the breakthroughs that matter.
What is a Diploma?
A UNSW College Diploma of Science is your pathway to UNSW Sydney, Australia's top university for career outcomes.*
In just 12 months, you’ll gain the knowledge, hands-on skills, and confidence to step into the second year of a UNSW Science degree. With a focus on research and problem-solving, smaller classes, and personalised support, the Diploma sets you up to thrive in fields like biotechnology, physics, environmental science, and many more.
Build a strong foundation for your future in science and prepare to make an impact.
*UNSW Sydney is Australia's best university for career outcomes in AFR Best Universities Ranking, 2023, 2024.
Intakes
May
Duration
12 months (3 terms)
Weekly class time
Approximately 20-25 hours
Progression
Second Year, Bachelor of Science at UNSW Sydney
Delivery mode
On-campus
Your journey with a Diploma program
- Overview
- Progress to UNSW Sydney
- Program structure
- Entry requirements
- Key dates
- Fees & payment options
Who is this program for?
Our Diplomas are designed for students who narrowly missed direct entry to UNSW Sydney, providing a supportive pathway to academic success and university life with:
Equivalent to first year: Your Diploma mirrors UNSW’s first-year degree curriculum. It’s developed in collaboration with UNSW, with access to the same world-renowned facilities and resources as undergraduate students.
Personalised attention: Small class sizes (around 20 students) and up to 20% more teaching time than first year at UNSW mean more focused support.
Tailored support services: Access to weekly one-on-one tutor sessions, interactive study clubs, leadership development opportunities, and wellbeing programs - all designed to provide a strong foundation for success and help you thrive.
Why study science at UNSW Sydney?
UNSW Science is where big ideas turn into real-world impact. Whether you’re uncovering the mysteries of the ocean, exploring neuroscience, or advancing fields like biotechnology and quantum physics, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges and ensure progress for all.
At UNSW, you’ll have the flexibility to explore different disciplines and discover your true passion. With a Bachelor of Science, you’ll develop practical, transferable skills that prepare you for diverse careers, all while learning from leading academics and using cutting-edge facilities.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant student life with access to state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and over 300 clubs and societies. Connect with industry experts, collaborate with peers, and gain the inspiration and support to thrive in your journey.
Choose from a wide range of majors, and with a Bachelor of Science, graduate ready to lead, innovate, and shape a better future.
Career opportunities
- Environmental Scientist
- Epidemiologist
- Geophysicist
- Hospital Technician
- Marine Biologist
- Medical Doctor
- Medical Lab Scientist
- Nutritionist
- Pharmacist
- Science Educator
- Scientist
- Veterinary Scientist
Your future at UNSW Sydney
Once you successfully complete a Diploma (and meet the entry requirements), you will progress directly to second year of your chosen degree at UNSW Sydney.
The Diploma of Science is designed to provide you with a pathway straight into second year of a Bachelor of Science where you will have the option to choose a degree major from the following:
Bachelor of Science majors
Anatomy
Biology and Biodiversity*
Chemistry
Food Science*
Genetics
Marine and Coastal*
Materials Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Molecular & Cell Biology
Pathology
Pharmacology
Physical Oceanography
Physics
Physiology
Statistics
Note: Diploma of Science students must achieve a Satisfactory Grade for the Communication and Academic Literacy course and a minimum pass for all other subjects to progress to second year of the relevant degree program at UNSW. If you wish to study a major not on this list, you may be eligible to receive credit for subjects that are common.
* Specific courses are required in second year, which may increase program duration.
Most Employable Graduates
Voted as having the most employable students at the AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
8 study areas
ranked in the top 50 globally (QS World University Rankings by subject)
#1
in Australian Research Council grants for 2023 for research infrastructure, equipment and facilities
Program structure
Diploma of Science students learn the fundamentals of biology, chemistry and physics before specialising and focusing on their future studies at UNSW Sydney. With first-year degree equivalent subject content and equal learning outcomes, you will enter the second year fully prepared and on equal footing with your university peers.
For more information on each major, see below.
-
What is anatomy?
Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body. It focuses on how our body parts interact to create our capacity to move, feel and think. Anatomy examines the macroscopic and microscopic structure of the body. This includes the anatomy of the developing body and evolutionary or comparative anatomy including biological anthropology.
Anatomy Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Anatomy subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Cells and Genes
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
- Evolutionary & Functional Biology
- Communication & Academic Literacy
-
What is biology?
Biology is the study of life and living organisms. These areas include botany, ecology, marine biology and zoology. Botany looks at all aspects of plants and their relation to the environment. Ecologists study the distribution and abundance of organisms as well as the structure and function of ecosystems. Marine biology is about life in the ocean, estuaries and other coastal environments. Zoology looks at the structure, behaviour, habits, genetics, distribution, evolution and classification of animals.
Biology Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Biology subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Cells and Genes
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
- Evolutionary & Functional Biology
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is chemistry?
Chemistry looks at the world around us, to assess the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of materials. Chemists develop cutting edge technologies to deliver solutions to societal challenges such as energy generation and storage, to service a growing population and demand; develop new drugs to aid society, and engage in many other beneficial research and development projects.
Chemistry Diploma subjects
View an example of the courses you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Chemistry subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Higher Physics 1A or Physics 1A
- Higher Physics 1B or Physics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Design & Application of Materials in Science & Engineering
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is food science?
Food science is the discipline that applies science to all aspects involving food. This includes the production, handling, processing, preserving, and nutritional analysis of food. You will gain an understanding of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, the chemical components of food. This relatively new discipline is driven to a large degree by market demands of easy-to-prepare foods, which are safe to consume yet maintain their nutritional value.
Food science Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Food science subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Higher Physics 1A or Physics 1A
- Higher Physics 1B or Physics 1B (Elective)
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Cells & Genes
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences (Elective)
- Evolutionary & Functional Biology (Elective)
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is genetics?
Genetics is the study of genes, the blueprint of life, which are fundamental to all living organisms. Genes influence every characteristic of an organism, such as its appearance, behaviour, and susceptibility to disease. Genes can be influenced by the environment, affecting the development and maintenance of whole organisms. The combination of molecular and more traditional genetics has allowed us to solve problems in applications ranging from molecular genetics to human disease, plant breeding, microbiology and conservation biology.
Genetics Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Genetics subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Cells and Genes
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
- Evolutionary & Functional Biology
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is marine & coastal science?
Marine & coastal science offers a unique opportunity to study across both physical and biological aspects of the marine environment. Biologists, geologists and oceanographers strive to learn more about the oceans so we can both use and protect this valuable resource. Marine biologists work with geologists who study the topography of the ocean floor, sediments and marine resources; with physical oceanographers who study the waves, currents and tides; or with chemists who study the chemical composition of seawater, including the concentrations of pollutants and nutrients.
Marine & coastal science Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Marine & coastal science subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Cells and Genes
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
- Evolutionary & Functional Biology
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is materials science?
Material science is the study of the properties and associated uses of materials including metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, nanomaterials and biomaterials. Material scientists develop high performance materials, engineer new applications, develop and customise innovative processing techniques, predict and analyse the performance of materials, and manage commercial material production. As a material scientist you can pursue a career in mining, hospitals, regulatory bodies, research institutions, tertiary education, medical device manufacturing and the biotechnology industry.
Materials science Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Materials science subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Higher Physics 1A or Physics 1A
- Higher Physics 1B or Physics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Design & Application of Materials in Science & Engineering
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is mathematics?
Mathematics provides the fundamental understanding of nature, technology and commerce. Data and factual information can be interpreted using the techniques and theory of statistics. Graduates are highly sought after for employment in a diverse range of professions in areas including the sciences, finance, insurance, computing, and environmental modelling.
Mathematics Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Mathematics subjects
Option one
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Higher Physics 1A or Physics 1A
- Higher Physics 1B or Physics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Design & Application of Materials in Science & Engineering
- Communication & Academic Literacy
Option two
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Cells and Genes
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
- Evolutionary & Functional Biology
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is microbiology?
Microbiology is the study of the smallest organisms and their impacts. Micro-organisms are the oldest known and most diverse forms of life that we know about. They are beneficial in areas such as baking, brewing, the manufacture of dairy foods and pharmaceuticals. On the other hand, some forms of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and archaea may cause disease and spoil our food.
Microbiology Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Microbiology subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Cells and Genes
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
- Evolutionary & Functional Biology
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is molecular & cell biology?
Molecular & cell biology marries biochemistry, genomics, and cell biology providing a new approach for the study of living organisms. Molecular biology represents a fundamental component of biological and medical science and has increasingly important roles to play in many aspects of modern medicine, genetics, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology and genomics.
Molecular & cell biology Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Molecular & cell biology subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Cells and Genes
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
- Evolutionary & Functional Biology
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is pathology?
Pathology is the study of diseases such as infections and cancers, and their processes, such as inflammation, at the genetic, molecular, cellular and organ levels. Pathologists examine the origins of diseases and their importance in the diagnosis of these diseases. You will become familiar with examining both macroscopic specimens and the microscopic differences between normal and abnormal cells, tissues and organs.
Pathology Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Pathology subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Cells and Genes
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
- Evolutionary & Functional Biology
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is pharmacology?
Pharmacology examines the interaction between drugs and living systems, particularly molecular interactions of drugs at the organ, tissue and cellular level. The study of pharmacology plays an increasingly important part in medicine as well as being of central importance in the education of pharmacists, toxicologists and veterinarians. A career as a pharmacologist could take you into the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries in the areas of research, testing, administration and management of drugs.
Pharmacology Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Pharmacology subjects
- Pharmacology courses
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Cells and Genes
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
- Evolutionary & Functional Biology
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Pharmacology courses
-
What is physical oceanography?
Physical oceanography involves an understanding of the mathematical equations that describe fluid flow, and how these are used in the context of the oceans. It is essential to understanding climate change and global warming. You will gain an understanding of what controls coastal ocean currents, water-mass formation, upwelling, storm surges and large-scale ocean flow. You will also learn about the dynamics of a range of ocean processes, including waves, tides, beach currents and the El-Nino/Southern Oscillation. A background in oceanography can be applied to disciplines such as climatology, the dynamics of marine populations and the dynamic structure of marine and coastal habitats.
Physical oceanography Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Physical oceanography subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Higher Physics 1A or Physics 1A
- Higher Physics 1B or Physics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Design & Application of Materials in Science & Engineering
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is physics?
Physics is the most basic and fundamental science and the laws of physics govern the behaviour of the universe. The study of physics looks at the nature and properties of matter and energy. You will be challenged to develop critical thinking skills, an ability to pose challenging questions, and solve problems. Physicists’ strong analytical and problem solving skills, coupled with their strong mathematical skills makes them useful in many industries such as communications, computing, electronics, finance and biomedical technology.
Physics Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Physics subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Higher Physics 1A
- Higher Physics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Design & Application of Materials in Science & Engineering
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is physiology?
Physiology examines how our body, organs, tissues and cells work as part of an integrated system. It describes the fundamental properties of living systems. Physiology is one of the major foundations of medicine and underpins biomedical study and research. Graduates are employed in various medical and health-related settings including hospitals as exercise physiologists, in rehabilitation, in sports institutes, government organisations, health administration and biomedical research.
Physiology Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Physiology subjects
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Genes and Cells
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
- Evolutionary & Functional Biology
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
-
What is statistics?
Statistics is the process of posing questions and seeking answers by collecting and analysing suitable data. A career in statistics can take you into various fields including agriculture, medical research, industrial research, forensic science, market research, environmental science and quality assurance. This mode of inquiry also features prominently in the decision-making processes of both commerce and government through methods such as census.
Statistics Diploma subjects
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma of Science below.
Statistics subjects
Option One
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Higher Physics 1A or Physics 1A
- Higher Physics 1B or Physics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Design & Application of Materials in Science & Engineering
- Communication & Academic Literacy
Option Two
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules & Energy
- Chemistry B: Elements, Compounds & Life
- Molecules, Cells and Genes
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
- Evolutionary and Functional Biology
- Communication & Academic Literacy
- Mathematics 1A
Academic calendars
The academic calendar consists of important dates throughout your study period such as Orientation, census dates, study weeks, exam weeks and breaks for your program or course of study.
| Orientation | Start of Week One | Census | Finish | Start at UNSW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-May-25 | 12-May-25 | 6-Jun-25 | 1-May-26 |
Term 2 - 01 Jun 2026 |
Why study with UNSW College?
Be part of a global top 20 university
Successfully complete a Diploma and progress directly to the second year of your dream degree at UNSW Sydney, like 90% of our graduates.
Your proven pathway to success
With over 50 years of experience, UNSW College has guided 40,000+ graduates to university and beyond.
Unmatched support
Full 360° wrap-around support across academics, accommodation, health and wellbeing, welfare and disability, and more.
"The smaller classes at UNSW College have been a game-changer for me, allowing more one-on-one interaction with teachers and making the learning environment more supportive. It’s a unique experience compared to larger universities."
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.
Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
From 13 January 2025, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Pre-Masters Program & Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers the Pre-Masters Program and Academic English programs under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2024 UNSW Global Pty Limited.