Graduate Diploma of Science

When studying a science diploma at UniSQ, you will gain a firm understanding of how the world works, providing a framework for making sense of the natural and physical world. It aids in investigating and asking questions about the universe. Sciences at UniSQ also equips you with transferable skills that employers value, such as problem-solving, communication, data analysis, and critical thinking. A Diploma in Science from UniSQ can lead to careers in research, teaching, medicine, forensics, and environmental work.

Gain a strong start to your Graduate Diploma of Science and learn from the best with UniSQ

• UniSQ hosts the only ground-based support in the Southern Hemisphere for NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission at our Mt Kent Observatory.
• We are one of two universities in the world that is recognised by the United Nations (UN) Integrated Drought Management Program as having global leadership in drought research. 
• UniSQ is rated 5/5 stars* for Science and Mathematics:
  • postgraduate starting salary
  • overall educational experience
  • student support
  • teaching quality.
• According to the latest ERA results our research is well above world standard in:
  • Numerical and Computational Mathematics
  • Physical Sciences
  • Astronomical and Space Sciences
  • Chemical Sciences
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry
  • Environmental Science and Management
  • Microbiology
  • Agriculture, Land and Farm Management
  • Crop and Pasture Production. 

With the ability to choose from 4 specialisations, you can explore your passion for science in so many ways with a Graduate Diploma of Science. It can be helpful to reflect on your professional experience and what specifically your passionate about when trying to choose your Sciences 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.

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

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

Environment and Sustainability - Within this science grad dip specialisation you will learn how to understand the intersecting social, political and environmental implications of human impacts on the planet.

Mathematics and Statistics - Build upon your existing undergraduate qualification by learning applied and theoretical statistics, fundamentals of theoretical and applied statistics, math modelling, algebra and calculus.

The entry requirements for a grad dip in science are different depending on which university you choose. AtUniSQ you will need to hold 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. 

A diploma in science builds upon your existing knowledge by connecting you with world-class lecturers, unlocking new career possibilities and teaching you advanced subject matter material.

Our science lecturers bring a wealth of experience and leading insights to the classroom, ensuring that you get 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 science grad dip is a seamless progression from your undergraduate qualification to more advanced concepts, giving you the tools and insights necessary to excel in your chosen field. 

The main difference between a graduate certificate and graduate diploma is the time it takes to complete each. Compared to the four-five months it takes to finish a graduate certificate, it takes up to 12 months of full-time study to complete the eight units required in a science grad dip. In both the certificate and diploma, you can opt to study part-time which does increase the time in which it takes to complete the degree.

A Graduate Diploma of Science usually incorporates the same course options as a graduate certificate in the same discipline area but builds on your knowledge from the certificate and advances your skills further. It also has similar coursework subjects as a master's degree in the same study field, but the flexibility of not having to commit to a full master's degree. 

All of our degrees focus on developing your ability to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve gained to the career of your choice. Graduating with a science grad dip qualification (or equivalent) opens up many career prospects. The jobs you may be interested in will vary depending on the Sciences specialisation you choose to study. Some career opportunities include roles such as a:

• agricultural consulting
• climate risk analysis
• crop production
• farm technologies and precision agriculture
• soils management and viticulture.
• climate scientists
• ecologists
• environmental scientists
• natural resource managers
• sports coach
• gym manager
• sports development officer.

Roles also exist in a variety of fields for Graduate Diploma in Science alumni, including:

• agriculture
• conservation
• food
• water
• energy
• climatology
• health
• natural resource management
• IT
• mining
• national parks
• universities
• defence
• CSIRO
• State and Federal Government departments
• The Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 

The different ways you can study a science grad dip will vary from uni to uni but at UniSQ, yes you can study a Graduate Diploma in Science part-time, on-campus or externally, allowing you to balance study with your work and life commitments.

Work towards your postgraduate qualification at your own pace with our flexible learning options. Immerse yourself in campus life or learn your subject theory online and attend on-campus residential schools/pracs when required.

Discover the different ways you can study at UniSQ.