Course Overview

About This Course

The Diploma of Health Science equips you with essential skills and knowledge applicable to the Australian health care system. Students will learn about health promotion, effective communication, and cultural safety in healthcare with content focussed on improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Graduates are well-prepared for further studies, with completed units aligning with higher education pathways in fields such as occupational therapy, public health, or nutrition at Charles Darwin University. This program ensures you are ready to make a meaningful impact in the health sector.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Casuarina Campus, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina NT 0810

54-58 Cavenagh Street, DARWIN CITY, NT 0800

Open in Maps ↗

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60 (after any applicable adjustment factors have been applied).
Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher): Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman; Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal; Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal.
Current School Leaver Pathways: Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades or School recommendation program.

English Language Requirements (Domestic):

Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language.
Successful completion of at least 0.5 FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language.
Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5 FTE (40 credit points).
Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia.
Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse (must be current at the time of course commencement).
IELTS Academic: Overall minimum 6.0, no band below 6.0.
PTE Academic: Overall minimum 50, no score below 50.
TOEFL iBT: Overall minimum 60, minimum writing score 21.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): Overall minimum 169, no skill below 169.

English Language Requirements (International):

CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30): Successful completion of EAP003.
IELTS Academic Module: A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency: A minimum overall grade of B2.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT): A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in areas such as health promotion, primary and community health centres, non-government organisations, social services, project officer roles or therapy services officer.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Relevant National Health Practitioner Board / AHPRA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

VETASSESS / relevant health board

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units15 units

HSC121

Australia's Healthcare System and Policies

Core unit covering the Australian health care system and its policies.

HSC132

Introduction to Health Promotion

Core unit providing skills and knowledge in health promotion.

HSC133

Perspectives of First Nations Health

Core unit focused on cultural safety and First Nations health perspectives.

SWK102

Communication Skills

Core unit developing effective communication skills in healthcare contexts.

SBI161

Anatomy and Physiology 1

Recommended elective for students progressing to Bachelor studies in allied health or public health.

SBI162

Anatomy and Physiology 2

Recommended elective for students progressing to Bachelor studies in allied health or public health.

PSY150

Introduction to Psychology A

Recommended elective for students progressing to Bachelor of Health Science, Nutrition, Speech Pathology, or Occupational Therapy.

HSC111

Ethics in Health Care

Recommended elective for students progressing to Bachelor of Health Science or Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy.

HSC122

Foundations of Public Health

Recommended elective for students progressing to Bachelor of Public Health.

HSC233

Epidemiology and Statistics

Recommended elective for students progressing to Bachelor of Public Health, Speech Pathology, or Occupational Therapy.

Foundations of Data Science

Recommended elective for students progressing to Bachelor of Health Services Management.

LAW105

Introduction to Business Law

Recommended elective for students progressing to Bachelor of Health Services Management.

MAN105

Introduction to Management

Recommended elective for students progressing to Bachelor of Health Services Management.

MKT103

Fundamentals of Marketing

Recommended elective for students progressing to Bachelor of Health Services Management.

SCH104

Introductory Chemistry A

Recommended elective for students progressing to Bachelor of Nutrition.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What further study pathways does the Diploma of Health Science lead to at CDU?

The Diploma of Health Science provides a pathway into the following courses at CDU: Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Public Health, Bachelor of Health Service Management, Bachelor of Health Science/Masters of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Speech Pathology, Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Nutrition, and Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy.

How much does the Diploma of Health Science cost for international students?

The annual tuition fee for full-time study in 2026 is AUD $35,584.00, which equates to $4,448.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL). These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year. CDU also offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

Can I study the Diploma of Health Science online or only on campus?

The Diploma of Health Science is available both on campus at the Casuarina campus and online. Domestic students can study via both modes, while international students are limited to on-campus study. The course is offered with intakes in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

What are the core units I must complete in the Diploma of Health Science?

Students must complete four compulsory core units totalling 40 credit points: HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies, HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion, HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health, and SWK102 Communication Skills. The remaining 40 credit points are made up of general elective units selected from undergraduate units offered by the University.

Can offers for the Diploma of Health Science be deferred?

Yes, offers for the Diploma of Health Science can be deferred. The course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5 and is offered through the Faculty of Health at Charles Darwin University.

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $80,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $125,000 per year

Career Paths

Public Health OfficerHealth Promotion OfficerEpidemiologistBiostatisticianHealth Policy Analyst

Key Skills

Epidemiological analysis and disease surveillanceBiostatistics and quantitative data analysisHealth promotion program design and evaluationPublic health policy development and analysisHealth research methods (qualitative and quantitative)

Full Course Overview

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses

Diploma of Health Science

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students