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Postgraduate

Graduate Certificate of Science

Graduate Certificate of Science (GCSC)

Study mode
  • On-campus
  • External
Campus
  • Toowoomba
Duration
  • 0.5 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Feb, May, Sep

Overview

  • If you have already completed a degree, the Graduate Certificate of Science will allow you to explore your interests and enhance your professional skills in science, technology or both.
  • The Graduate Certificate of Science is flexible, giving you the option to choose courses according to your individual needs, interests and prior study.
  • Choose four eligible units of study within your chosen area and enjoy the convenience of online study.
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Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2025

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Why study a Graduate Certificate of Science at UniSQ?

Expand your skills and expertise with a Graduate Certificate in Science at UniSQ.

  • Learn from world-class lecturers. We are ranked Well Above World Standard for Astronomical & Space Sciences, Computational Mathematics and Physical Sciences according to the latest ERA results.
  • UniSQ hosts the only ground-based support in the Southern Hemisphere for NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission.
  • We're ranked 5 stars for Overall Postgraduate Experience and are in the top 20% in overall educational experience for Science & Mathematics in Australia and highest in Queensland (Good Universities Guide, 2024). 
What is the difference between a certificate and a bachelor’s degree?

A graduate certificate is usually the first step towards postgraduate study. It's an ideal qualification to start your journey and make a valuable contribution to your resume. You might look to use it to get a competitive edge in your workplace or just enjoy learning something new. Most postgraduate certificates in science (including only take half a year to complete and contain four courses which is far less than a bachelor's degree. 

A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate qualification most often chosen by people new to university study. To earn an undergraduate degree you'll typically complete around 120 hours of coursework which can take three to four years depending on what you choose to study.

How do I know which Graduate Certificate in Science specialisation is right for me?

With the ability to choose from 15 specialisations, you can explore your passion for science in so many ways. It can be helpful to reflect on your professional experience and what specifically your passionate about when trying to choose your science specialisation. Once you identify what you love in the sciences it'll make it less stressful and nurture your strengths when it comes to selecting the right option when choosing a postgraduate certificate in science.

Agricultural Sciences - Gain critical knowledge in food security, application of new technologies to agricultural production, crop biology, soil management and advances in agricultural machinery.  

Astronomy - Expand your knowledge of the universe and the ethical considerations that come with modern science and technology. 

Environment and Sustainability - Understand the intersecting social, political and environmental implications of human impacts on the planet. 

Mathematics and Statistics - Grow your expertise with numbers as you learn advanced mathematical theories and computational thinking.

What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirements for Graduate Certificate in Science will vary depending on which university you choose, however, at UniSQ you'll generally need an Australian university three or four-year bachelor degree or equivalent in the form of professional work experience.

For further information on the entry requirements at UniSQ, you can view the entry requirements section of your chosen specialisation. 

How does this certificate enhance or complement the knowledge I have?

A certificate in science is designed to build upon your existing knowledge by connecting you with world-class lecturers, opening new career possibilities and adding advanced subject matter material to your bank of expertise.

Our science lecturers bring a wealth of experience and cutting-edge insights to the classroom, ensuring that you receive the most up-to-date and relevant information. You can then use this to advance your career or use it to step into a new field in the science sector from Applied Climate Science to Mathematics and Statistics.

At UniSQ, our Graduate Certificate in Science is a natural progression to build upon your existing knowledge to more advanced concepts, giving you the tools and insights necessary to excel in your chosen field.

How long does a graduate certificate take to complete?

At UniSQ, a Graduate Certificate in Science takes approximately half a year to complete with a total of four courses.

You might choose to study your degree part-time which will increase the time it takes to finish the required courses. 

Are flexible study options available?

At UniSQ, you can study a Graduate Certificate of Science flexibly whether its on-campus, externally, full-time or part-time. You can even combine different modes to suit your lifestyle and work commitments.

Depending on the postgraduate certificate in science specialisation you choose there may be required residential schools which are located on-campus.

Flexible study options have been the cornerstone of UniSQ's approach to learning over the past decade as we not only provide you with a choice of how you can study but don't sacrifice on the quality of the learning experience.

Discover the different ways you can study at UniSQ.