Undergraduate Certificate in Science
UndergraduateTAS-SCE-CTF2024
First steps towards a career in science
Gain fundamental science knowledge and skills to set you on a pathway to career success. You’ll explore real world tools and techniques in chemistry, physics, and maths. Visualise yourself as a science professional and prep for your future.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Undergraduate Certificate in Science
About this degree
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Interpret and apply scientific principles and knowledge to science-based industries
- Apply problem-solving and sustainable approaches to identify and communicate solutions or innovations in science-based industries
- Communicate and reflect on knowledge, skills, behaviours and attributes required to develop and enhance career opportunities
The Undergraduate Certificate in Science is your opportunity to learn more about the world the around you, and dip your toes in an exciting future career in science.
This program will introduce you to the nature and role of science in society. You’ll examine what science is, the importance of science for sustainable development, and learn about the role of ethical conduct in scientific endeavour.
You’ll explore keys topics in biology, such as metabolism, growth and production, sensing and response, and adaption and evolution, and have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in practical laboratory experiences. You will also learn how to collect and analyse scientific data and statistics, and be introduced to data management software where you’ll learn how to present and communicate statistical information effectively.
This program has been developed in consultation with industry experts, such as Fementasmania and the aquaculture industry, and incorporates learning through practice by giving you authentic learning experiences. This means you’ll be developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to respond to industry demands, placing you in good stead for a future career in science-based growth industries, such as fermentation or salmon aquaculture. If you complete the Undergraduate Certificate in Science and wish to continue further study, you can apply for an Associate Degree in Applied Science or Bachelor of Science.
Recommended study pattern
For students undertaking full-time study, the following study pattern is recommended.
Completion of 3 Core Subjects from the schedule:
- TAS-KIT101 Programming Fundamentals
- TAS-KMA002 Applied Mathematics Foundation
- TAS-KMA100 Introduction to University Mathematics
- TAS-KRA161 Introduction to Chemistry
- TAS-KYA103 Introductory Physics
- TAS-ZAS112 Understanding Science
Completion of 1 Elective Subject from the schedule:
- TAS-ZAS117 Applied Biology
- TAS-ZAS118 Sustainability
- TAS-ZAT111 Computer Networks
- TAS-ZAT113 Programming Principles
- TAS-ZPP102 Industry Skills in Practice
Award requirements
Satisfactory completion of 4 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 6 months from commencement.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $4,480
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.
Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more. It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.
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- QS Ranking 2024:
- 20
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 19
Entry requirements
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). You must have completed at least one subject of study (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points) at 100 level or higher and which may include 100 level subjects completed in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies. If you have failed any subjects, your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
Successful completion of one OUA open access subject of study at the equivalent AQF level (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points), unless otherwise specified.
Completed the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or an equivalent qualification.
Completed Certificate III or higher (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.
Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.
Study method requirements
Information on Undergraduate Certificates beyond 2025
The Australian Government has currently determined that Undergraduate Certificate programs will not extend beyond 30 June 2025. If you are enrolled in an Undergraduate Certificate, this means that you will need to complete all required units in 2024 to graduate before this deadline.
Should you not be able to complete all required units in 2024, we can support you to continue your study with us in the Diploma of Applied Science OR a Bachelor of Science, where you will receive full credit for all the Undergraduate Certificate units completed so far.
Career opportunities
The Undergraduate Certificate in Science will give you the opportunity to learn in a practical environmental by offering you authentic learning experiences, such as virtual or face-to-face laboratory sessions, to practice your new skills and knowledge. As a result, you will be developing skills, knowledge and behaviours that employers are looking for in the workforce. Careers in science are also upwards trending, with projections showing that employment is set to grow in a variety of roles by 2024, including Environmental Scientists (12.5% increase), Professional, scientific and technical service roles (14.7%), and Market research statistical service roles (16.5%)*.
By completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Science you can transition into further study, and apply for credit towards a Bachelor of Science or a Diploma of Applied Science.
*Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data to May 2019 and projections to 2024.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists | Over $120K | Up 5.1% |
Environmental Consultants | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Environmental Scientists | $93K to $120K | Up 22.4% |
Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists | $93K to $120K | Up 11.5% |
Life Scientists | $93K to $120K | Up 27.2% |
Science Technicians | $75K to $93K | Up 38.5% |
^ There is no data available
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.