Undergraduate certificates may be changing in 2025

Important update for students currently completing or about to start an undergraduate certificate.

This page was updated on 17 Oct 2024.

The undergraduate certificate is a higher education award that has been formalised into the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) until June 2025, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government is currently reviewing the undergraduate certificate to determine its suitability to become a permanent part of the qualification framework, with a decision due by the end of 2024.

Undergraduate certificates have been very popular and well utilised as an entry pathway into a full degree. Whether you're currently studying or considering enrolling, we want you to be well equipped with your options, should undergraduate certificates not become a permanent part of the qualification framework.

We’ve put together a guide below to give you all the details. If you have any questions, book a call with our friendly student advisors for personalised advice.

What does this mean for me?

If you’re part-way through an undergraduate certificate

If you are currently studying an undergraduate certificate and intend to graduate, complete your studies by 30 June 2025 to be awarded the qualification.

You'll need to enrol in subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) and/or Study Period 1 (2025). View key dates for enrolment and study.

Depending on what undergraduate certificate you're studying, some subjects may only be available in Study Period 4. Check the requirements for your course below, or contact a student advisor for help planning your studies.

If you plan to enrol in an undergraduate certificate

If you are planning to study an undergraduate certificate, you’ll need to start in Study Period 4 to graduate by 30 June 2025. View key dates for enrolment and study.

Available undergraduate certificates are listed below.

If you already have an undergraduate certificate

You do not need to do anything—your qualification is still valid.

If you're ready to continue your studies, why not explore other qualifications

If you’re studying an undergraduate certificate as a pathway to a degree

You’ll still be able to apply your subject credits to a related degree.

If you’re eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), enrolling in an undergraduate certificate may cost less than enrolling in single subjects.

Need help planning your studies? Book a consultation with a student advisor.

Available undergraduate certificates

The following undergraduate certificates from Curtin University are available to complete by 30 June 2025. After this date, you’ll still be able to study via single subjects, or by continuing into another degree.

Looking for undergraduate certificates from a different university? Book a consultation for 1:1 advice.

Undergraduate Certificate in Architecture

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Sustainability and Structures in Architecture

Architecture and Interior Architecture Design Studio 1 - Small Structures

Architecture and Interior Architecture Methods 1B - Digital Literacy

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Architecture and Interior Architecture Methods 1A - Analogue Literacy

Reading Architecture Globally

Architectural Science in Context

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

Complete your remaining subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) or Study Period 1 (2025) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Depending on which subjects you’ve already completed, you can enrol in both study periods or complete your remaining subjects in one go.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You'll need to take at least 1 subject in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Complete your remaining 3 subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) and Study Period 1 (2025).

Undergraduate Certificate in Art History

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Introduction to History of Art and Design

Issues in Contemporary Art

Modernism in Art and Design

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Introduction to History of Art and Design

Australian Art

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

Complete your remaining subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) or Study Period 1 (2025) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Depending on which subjects you’ve already completed, you can enrol in both study periods or complete your remaining subjects in one go.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to enrol in the following study pattern to graduate by 30 June 2025:

Study Period 4 (2024):

Study Period 1 (2025):

*You can also take Introduction to History of Art and Design in Study Period 4 (2024)

Undergraduate Certificate in Business Law

2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

This course is not available in Study Period 4.

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Company Law for Business

Markets and Legal Frameworks

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

To graduate with this undergraduate certificate by 30 June 2025, you’ll need to have already completed the following subjects:

You’ll also need to enrol in the following subjects in Study Period 1 (2025) if you’ve not already completed them:

If you are not able to meet these requirements, don’t worry. You can still use your subject credits towards a related degree.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

Due to subject availability, you will not be able to start this undergraduate certificate and graduate by 30 June 2025.

You can still enrol in this course in Study Period 1 (2025) and gain subject credits towards a related degree.

Undergraduate Certificate in Construction Management

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Architecture and Interior Architecture Methods 1B - Digital Literacy

Academic and Professional Communications

Introduction to Management in Construction

Structures

Health, Safety and Quality in the Built Environment

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Academic and Professional Communications

Low Rise Construction

High Rise Construction

Building Construction Measurement

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

Complete your remaining subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) or Study Period 1 (2025) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Depending on which subjects you’ve already completed, you can enrol in both study periods or complete your remaining subjects in one go.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to take at least 1 subject in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Complete your remaining 3 subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) and Study Period 1 (2025).

Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Writing

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Academic and Professional Communications

Creative Writing

Writing Short Fiction

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Academic and Professional Communications

Introduction to Creative and Professional Writing

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

If you started in Study Period 3 (2024), you’ll need to take Creative Writing and Writing Short Fiction in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

If you started prior to Study Period 3, check which study periods your remaining subjects are available in above.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to enrol in the following study pattern to graduate by 30 June 2025:

Study Period 4 (2024):

Study Period 1 (2025):

*You could also take Academic and Professional Communications in Study Period 4 (2024).

Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Communication

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Academic and Professional Communications

Culture to Cultures

Digital Culture and Everyday Life

Web Communications

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Academic and Professional Communications

Culture to Cultures

Digital Culture and Everyday Life

Web Communications

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

Complete your remaining subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) or Study Period 1 (2025) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Depending on which subjects you’ve already completed, you can enrol in both study periods or complete your remaining subjects in one go.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to take at least 1 subject in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Complete your remaining 3 subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) and Study Period 1 (2025).

Undergraduate Certificate in English and Cultural Studies

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Introduction to Cultural Studies

Genre and Classic Texts

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Reading Gender

Engaging Narrative

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

If you started in Study Period 3 (2024), you’ll need to take Introduction to Cultural Studies and Genre and Classic Texts in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

If you started prior to Study Period 3, check which study periods your remaining subjects are available in above.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to enrol in the following study pattern to graduate by 30 June 2025:

Study Period 4 (2024):

Study Period 1 (2025):

Undergraduate Certificate in Fine Art

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Introduction to History of Art and Design

Fine Art Studio Methods

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Drawing

Introduction to History of Art and Design

Fine Art Studio Materials

Fine Art Studio Methods

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

Complete your remaining subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) or Study Period 1 (2025) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Depending on which subjects you’ve already completed, you can enrol in both study periods or complete your remaining subjects in one go.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to take at least 1 subject in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Complete your remaining 3 subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) and Study Period 1 (2025).

Undergraduate Certificate in Geography

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Physical Geography

Geographies of Food Security

Fieldwork Skills

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Human Geography

Fieldwork Skills

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

Complete your remaining subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) or Study Period 1 (2025) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Depending on which subjects you’ve already completed, you can enrol in both study periods or complete your remaining subjects in one go.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to enrol in the following study pattern to graduate by 30 June 2025:

Study Period 4 (2024):

Study Period 1 (2025):

*You can also take Fieldwork Skills in Study Period 4 (2024).

Undergraduate Certificate in Go Local Regional Study Experience

2024 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Systems Thinking for Regional Impact

Regional Industry Placement 1

Changemakers Innovation Lab

Regional Industry Placement 2

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

This course is not available in Study Period 1.

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

Complete your remaining subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to enrol in 4 subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Book a consultation with a student advisor to explore if this option is suitable for you.

Undergraduate Certificate in Health Sciences

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Health and Wellbeing in Social and Cultural Contexts

Evidence Informed Health Practice

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Foundations for Professional Health Practice

Human Structure and Function

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

If you started in Study Period 3 (2024), you’ll need to take Health and Wellbeing in Social and Cultural Contexts and Evidence Informed Health Practice in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

If you started prior to Study Period 3, check which study periods your remaining subjects are available in above.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to enrol in the following study pattern to graduate by 30 June 2025:

Study Period 4 (2024):

Study Period 1 (2025):

Undergraduate Certificate in Interior Design

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Academic and Professional Communications

Architecture and Interior Architecture Design Studio 1 - Small Structures

Philosophy and Practice

Architecture and Interior Architecture Methods 1B - Digital Literacy

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Academic and Professional Communications

Architecture and Interior Architecture Methods 1A - Analogue Literacy

Interior Architecture Studio - Foundation

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

Complete your remaining subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) or Study Period 1 (2025) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Depending on which subjects you’ve already completed, you can enrol in both study periods or complete your remaining subjects in one go.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to take at least 1 subject in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Complete your remaining 3 subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) and Study Period 1 (2025).

Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Writing and Publishing

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Academic and Professional Communications

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Academic and Professional Communications

Introduction to Creative and Professional Writing

Skills in Professional Writing

Editing

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

Complete your remaining subjects in Study Period 4 (2024) or Study Period 1 (2025) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Depending on which subjects you’ve already completed, you can enrol in both study periods or complete your remaining subjects in one go.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to take Academic and Professional Communications in Study Period 4 (2024).

Complete your remaining 3 subjects in Study Period 1 (2025) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

Undergraduate Certificate in Psychology

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Foundations of Psychology

Introduction to Health Psychology

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Introduction to Psychology

Science and Professional Practice in Psychology

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

If you started in Study Period 3 (2024), you’ll need to take Foundations of Psychology and Introduction to Health Psychology in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

If you started prior to Study Period 3, check which study periods your remaining subjects are available in above.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to enrol in the following study pattern to graduate by 30 June 2025:

Study Period 4 (2024):

Study Period 1 (2025):

Undergraduate Certificate in Secondary Teaching Education Studies

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum

Managing the Learning Environment

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Teaching and Learning in the Digital World

Child Development for Educators

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

If you started in Study Period 3 (2024), you’ll need to take Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum and Managing the Learning Environment in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

If you started prior to Study Period 3, check which study periods your remaining subjects are available in above.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to enrol in the following study pattern to graduate by 30 June 2025:

Study Period 4 (2024):

Study Period 1 (2025):

Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching Education Studies

2024 course information
2025 course information

Available subjects: Study Period 4 (2024)

Introducing Language, Literacy and Literature for Educators

Exploring and Contesting Curriculum

Available subjects: Study Period 1 (2025)

Teaching and Learning in the Digital World

Child Development for Educators

If you are currently studying this undergraduate certificate

If you started in Study Period 3 (2024), you’ll need to take Introducing Language, Literacy and Literature for Educators and Exploring and Contesting Curriculum in Study Period 4 (2024) to graduate by 30 June 2025.

If you started prior to Study Period 3, check which study periods your remaining subjects are available in above.

If you plan to enrol in this undergraduate certificate

You’ll need to enrol in the following study pattern to graduate by 30 June 2025:

Study Period 4 (2024):

Study Period 1 (2025):

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Frequently asked questions

What is an undergraduate certificate?

An undergraduate certificate is a 6-month undergraduate qualification. You only need to complete 4 subjects to graduate, and you're guaranteed entry into a related bachelor degree if you choose to do further study.

Why are undergraduate certificates being reviewed?

The undergraduate certificate qualification was introduced temporarily by the Australian Government during the pandemic to help upskill workers impacted by COVID-19. The Government is currently reviewing the qualification to determine if it should become a permanent part of the qualification framework.

Will my undergraduate certificate still be recognised as a qualification?

Yes. Undergraduate certificates awarded prior to 30 June 2025 are still valid and recognised.

What happens if I do not complete my undergraduate certificate?

If you’re unable to finish by 30 June 2025, don’t worry. The subjects you’ve completed will still be credited, but you’ll need to continue into a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor degree to receive a formal qualification.

Which undergraduate certificates are still available?

Explore undergraduate certificates available for enrolment.

What are the alternatives to an undergraduate certificate?

You can study single subjects as a pathway into a degree. This is a great option if you’re not ready to commit to a full qualification, or if you do not meet the degree entry requirements. You’ll gain academic credit from your completed subjects towards a related degree.

Is an undergraduate certificate still worth studying?

An undergraduate certificate may be a good option for you if:

  • you want to gain a qualification in a shorter timeframe than a full degree
  • you’re able to complete your studies by 30 June 2025.

An undergraduate certificate may also be a cheaper study option if you’re planning on further study. If you’re eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), you’ll save on single subject costs by enrolling in those subjects through an undergraduate certificate.

How many subjects do I need to take?

This depends on whether your aim is to graduate with an undergraduate certificate or continue to further study.

To graduate with an undergraduate certificate, you’ll need to complete 4 subjects from your chosen course by 30 June 2025. You can find the requirements for available undergraduate certificates listed above.

If your aim is to continue into another degree, you don’t need to worry about completing 4 subjects by 30 June 2025. You’ll still be able to enrol in single subjects and pathway into your chosen qualification.