Course Overview

About This Course

The Diploma in Biomedical Science prepares you for the ground-breaking area of biomedical science and is an important stepping-stone toward achieving your career and study goals. Students who undertake the diploma can gain credit for up to the first year of study and articulate into the second year of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and potentially other health science bachelor degrees at ACU, or exit with the Diploma in Biomedical Science as a standalone qualification. Undertaking the diploma helps you develop the academic skills and university experience needed to succeed in more advanced tertiary study. ACU supports you from start to finish, whether you have just finished Year 12 or finished years ago, with smaller class sizes, tailored support as you transition to university study, and a range of student services. The diploma provides a Commonwealth supported place (CSP-funded) for domestic students.

To qualify, a student completes 80 credit points of specified units, taken over one year full-time or the equivalent part-time. Units include Human Biology 1 and 2, Foundations of Chemistry, Cell Biology and Laboratory Skills, Neuroscience, Numerical Reasoning, Communicating Ideas in Science, and Academic Literacy in Health Sciences. It is an AQF Level 5 qualification, offered at ACU's Brisbane, Melbourne and North Sydney campuses. On completion of the 80 credit points students can articulate into the second year of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science with up to one year (80 credit points) of credit, and the diploma may also provide a pathway into ACU double degrees combining Biomedical Science with Applied Public Health, Business Administration or Laws, subject to specific course advice.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $9,258

Duration

1 year full-time or equivalent part-time

Intakes

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027 (Applications open August 2026) | Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not offered this intake

Study Mode

Full-time or part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (for sub-bachelor entry programs, see Schedule 1: Eligibility ranks).
Domestic applicants are required to have completed the Australian Year 12 certificate or equivalent. In addition, to be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have also completed either the equivalent of year 12 level with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs, or entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.
Indicative ATAR: 50.00 (Brisbane), 50.00 (Melbourne), 50.00 (North Sydney)

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

International students

International applicants need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate and must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including the English Language Proficiency requirements defined in Schedule Three (Associate Degree, Diploma and Certificate courses).
IELTS: 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5
PTE: 50 with a minimum of 42 in all four communicative skills
TOEFL: internet-based total of 60, with a minimum of 18 in writing, 8 in reading, 16 in speaking and 7 in listening
ACU English Language Test: C (60-64%)
CAE: overall 169, with an individual score of at least 162 in all tests
International students completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia), an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 must apply for admission through a local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and are assessed on their performance in those studies, that is, their ATAR or equivalent.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Diploma in Biomedical Science can pursue various roles in the healthcare and research sectors, including laboratory technicians, research assistants, and clinical support positions. This qualification also provides a pathway to further studies in biomedical science and other health-related fields, enhancing career prospects in the growing health sciences industry.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AIMS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units8 units

BIOD125

Human Biology 1

BIOD126

Human Biology 2

CHED105

Foundations of Chemistry

BMSD110

Communicating Ideas in Science

DPHS100

Academic Literacy in Health Sciences

BMSD102

Numerical Reasoning

BIOD130

Cell Biology and Laboratory Skills

BMSD210

Neuroscience

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Diploma in Biomedical Science take to complete?

The Diploma in Biomedical Science at Australian Catholic University has a duration of 52 weeks.

How much does the Diploma in Biomedical Science cost for international students?

The estimated total course cost for the Diploma in Biomedical Science is AU$29,224 in tuition fees, with no additional non-tuition fees listed, bringing the total estimated cost to AU$29,224.

At which campuses can I study the Diploma in Biomedical Science?

The Diploma in Biomedical Science is available at three Australian Catholic University campuses: North Sydney (NSW), Brisbane (QLD), and Melbourne (VIC), all of which are owned and operated by the provider.

Is this diploma eligible for Post-Study Work Rights?

No, the Diploma in Biomedical Science is not eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights. Extended Post-Study Work Rights are only available for Skills Level 1 qualifications (Bachelor, Masters or PhD) with a duration of 92 weeks or greater, and this course is a Diploma lasting 52 weeks.

What field of education does this diploma fall under?

The Diploma in Biomedical Science falls under the broad field of Natural and Physical Sciences, with a detailed classification of Medical Science (field code 019901).

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $82,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $82,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $130,000 per year

Career Paths

Medical Laboratory ScientistResearch ScientistBiomedical ScientistClinical Research AssociatePathology Technician / Scientist

Key Skills

Laboratory techniques including microscopy, cell culture, and PCRAnalysis and interpretation of medical and diagnostic laboratory dataResearch design, experimental methodology, and scientific reportingCritical thinking and evidence-based problem-solvingUnderstanding of human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology

Full Course Overview

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