Diploma in Health
UndergraduateUSA-HEA-DIP2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
An introduction to health topics and university study
Take this online health course as a first step towards a career in the healthcare sector. You’ll study anatomy, human physiology and biosciences. Gain valuable academic skills. Get a feel for uni and think about careers in nursing, pharmacy, and more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 8
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Diploma in Health
About this degree
UniSA Online's Diploma in Health has been designed as an introduction to university study that builds a foundation of health knowledge, paving the way for further study and readying you to transition into a range of bachelor degrees.
You’ll study introductory health topics across anatomy, human physiology and biosciences, paired with core courses in critical thinking, applied computer practices, and researching and writing for academic assignments. You’ll develop a comprehensive skillset, setting you up for success in any health degree.
Tailor your program to your future study and career goals by choosing two degree-level elective courses in speciality health areas including nutrition, mental health, human biology, psychology, and First Peoples’ health.
Study Health On Demand with UniSA Online and take full control over your study. Access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log in to the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.
If you’re new to study, returning after a break, or seeking a pathway into a bachelor degree, this 100% online diploma is the ideal starting point to build your confidence studying at university level, while paving the way for future study in a competitive health degree.
In just one year of full-time study, you’ll gain valuable experience learning how to research and write academic assignments, use the software required for university study, and apply critical thinking to analyse advanced concepts.
Your UniSA Online Student Adviser will assist you to develop a personalised study plan to ensure your chosen electives align with your study or career goals, building on the foundation knowledge gained through the diploma.
You'll graduate with up to two credits to use towards a UniSA Online Health Science, Community Health or Public Health degree, or you could be eligible to use your GPA to transition into high demand study areas such as nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, or speech pathology.
Recommended study pattern
Year 1
Critical Approaches to Learning (CURR 3021); OR Elective
Elective 1
Applied Computer Practices (COMP 1049)
Introduction to Biosciences (NASC 1012)
Introduction to Anatomy (HLTH 1067)
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia (LANG 1065)
Introduction to Human Physiology (HLTH 1068)
Elective 2, Note(s):1.
Award requirements
Students must complete 8 subjects, including 2 electives.
Choose your subjects
Electives
Electives are to be selected from the list below, aligning with the discipline area students wish to pursue in their bachelor degree. It is important to note that some electives may have prerequisite requirements.
Students pursuing a pathway into the Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery are recommended to select electives from the Nursing and Midwifery listing.
Please note:Credit will not be granted for these courses in the undergraduate program due to accreditation requirements.
Please note: Undergraduate degrees in health may have pre-placement requirements that must be met prior to commencement.
Choose from the following electives:
- Foundations of Human Biology 1 (BIOL 1052)
- Health and Society (HLTH 1054)
- Foundations of Health and Physical Activity (HLTH 1053)
- First Peoples' Health (HLTH 1051)
- Introduction to Mental Health (HLTH 1052)
- Foundations of Human Biology 2 (BIOL 1053)
- Foundations of Nutrition and Health (BIOL 1054)
- The Social World (SOCU 1008)
- Psychology Concepts BEHL 1027)
- Health Systems and Services (HLTH 1056).
Pathways to further study:
Pathway to UO Community Health
- Foundations of Human Biology 1
- First Peoples' Health
- Introduction to Mental Health
- Foundations of Human Biology 2
- Foundations of Nutrition and Health
- The Social World
- Psychology Concepts.
Pathway to UO Health Science
- Foundations of Human Biology 1
- Health and Society
- Foundations of Health and Physical Activity
- First Peoples' Health
- Foundations of Human Biology 2
- Psychology Concepts
- Health Systems and Services.
Pathway to UO Health Science (Healthy Ageing)
- Foundations of Human Biology 1
- Health and Society
- First Peoples' Health
- Foundations of Human Biology 2
- Psychology Concepts
- Health Systems and Services.
Pathway to UO Nutrition and Exercise
- Foundations of Human Biology 1
- Health and Society
- Foundations of Health and Physical Activity
- Foundations of Human Biology 2
- Foundations of Nutrition and Health.
Pathway to Nursing and Midwifery
- Health and Society
- Introduction to Mental Health
- Foundations of Nutrition and Health
- The Social World
- Psychology Concepts
- Health Systems and Services.
Pathway to UO Public Health
- Foundations of Human Biology 1
- First Peoples' Health
- Foundations of Human Biology 2
- Health Systems and Services.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $10,500
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is ranked as one of the best young universities in the world, and is the number one university in Australia for graduate employability. UniSA offers over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning, and is a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about UniSA.
Explore UniSA courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 21
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 21
How to apply
University of South Australia manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to University of South Australia who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 or international qualification.
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate III or above.
- Passed a UniSA Online literacy and numeracy test and have work experience, OR
- Complete a University enabling program or equivalent, OR
- Qualify for Special Entry.
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
- IELTS - Listening 6.0
- IELTS - Overall Score 6.0
- IELTS - Reading 6.0
- IELTS - Speaking 6.0
- IELTS - Writing 6.0.
If you have previous work experience, or have studied before, you could fast-track your studies by reducing the time it takes to complete your degree.