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  • Postgraduate
  • Degree

Graduate Diploma of Science

How to apply
Entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 year (or part-time equivalent)
Location
  • Ipswich
  • Toowoomba
  • External
Start
Fees
  • AUD 9,312
  • (Indicative annual fee)
Note: The Environment and Sustainability specialisation is only available via part-time study.

Overview

  • Are you a bachelor degree graduate looking to enhance your skills? UniSQ’s Graduate Diploma of Science is an eight-unit qualification designed for those who have completed a three-year university degree or have experience in the field. 
  • Acquire knowledge and skills relevant to your current or future career. This flexible graduate diploma enables you to choose from a range of specialisations and tailor your studies to your interests and professional goals.  
  • Benefit from flexible learning with the ability to study most courses online. You can also select the number of courses per study period to speed up or slow down your study to accommodate life and work commitments. 
  • Further your skill set to progress your career – graduates of this degree have the skills and knowledge to contribute at a higher level in their profession. The degree is also ideal for teachers and other professionals wanting to upskill or those wanting to articulate into Masters or PhD study.  

Specialisations in the Graduate Diploma of Science

  • Agricultural Science

    Explore the dynamic field of agricultural science, including climate risk, precision agriculture and soil management, and be ready to step into a range of diverse roles.

  • Astrophysics

    Delve into the field of astrophysics – gain a strong foundation in physics and astronomy while developing valuable scientific research skills.

  • Environment and Sustainability

    Be ready to tackle today’s environmental challenges and pave the way for diverse career paths.

  • Mathematics and Statistics

    Be ready to solve complex problems and contribute to at a higher level in your profession with strengthened skills in mathematics.


Don't hesitate

Do it! Firstly, go to uni, don't hesitate when it comes to further education. And secondly, pick UniSQ, it's a great school, with friendly students and knowledgeable staff.

Victoria

Career outcomes

As a graduate, you could find work in a wide range of industries depending on your area of specialisation. This includes agriculture, scientific research, environmental science, data science and analytics, health and medical science, technology, education and science communication, and government and policy. 

Why study Sciences and Agriculture at UniSQ?

Explore the universe

UniSQ hosts the only ground-based support in the Southern Hemisphere for NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission. 

Five-star rating

Rated 5/5 stars for overall educational experience in agriculture.
(Good Universities Guide, 2025)

Feel secure in your future

#1 in Queensland for science and mathematics graduates in full-time employment.
 (Good Universities Guide, 2025)

What you'll study

To graduate from the Graduate Diploma of Science, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.

Degree structure

A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.

Students choose one specialisation from the following
OR OR OR OR
Sport and Exercise

Students choose two (2) student selective units for their chosen specialisation

Students choose two (2) student selectives from any postgraduate level course subject to pre-requisite requirements and enrolment rules as approved by the Program Director
OR

Students choose two (2) Student Selection Units from the below recommended electives or any postgraduate level course subject to pre-requisite requirements and enrolment rules as approved by the Program Director
OR
OR

Students Choose two (2) student selectives from any postgraduate level course subject to pre-requisite requirements and enrolment rules as approved by the Program Director
OR
OR

Students completing the Sport and Exercise Specialisation choose two (2) student selective units from the below approved list
OR OR OR OR OR OR

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.

Degree requirements

For some specialisations in the degree, you will be required to attend on-campus residential schools as part of this degree. During these sessions, you will attend face-to-face practical classes and workshops, use the laboratory facilities and specialised equipment, and engage with staff and fellow students.

Other study options

If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Master of Science or Master of Research (if you meet all the entry requirements).

Entry requirements

There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.

  • Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in any area
    or
  • equivalent professional work experience, as determined through the Credit and Exemption procedure.

You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:

  • IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.

Entry pathways

There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.

Fees and scholarships

Commonwealth supported AUD 9,312
The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your degree, and you need to pay a student contribution.
  • This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee
  • This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
  • We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
  • Further details are available on the Fees website.

Additional costs

You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.

This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.

Payment options

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.

UniSQ Scholarships

We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!

Find out more

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply
Degree code
GDSI

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1 or 2.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Start date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 10 February Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February 
Trimester 2, 2025 Monday 26 May Monday 19 May Monday 26 May 
Trimester 1, 2026  Monday 16 February Monday 9 February  Monday 16 February 

More information on application key dates is available.

Preparing to apply

You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:

Each degree has unique entry requirements so it’s essential to know the specifics for your chosen degree.

The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:

  • interviews and selection criteria
  • CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
  • referee reports.

Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.

Apply online directly to UniSQ for your chosen degree.

After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.

Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.

Find out more

Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.

Live Chat

Available 5 days a week
Chat now

Phone

Freecall
1800 269 500

Email

Email us at study@unisq.edu.au

Appointment

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

When studying a science diploma at UniSQ, you will gain a firm understanding of how the world works, providing a framework for making sense of the natural and physical world. It aids in investigating and asking questions about the universe. Sciences at UniSQ also equips you with transferable skills that employers value, such as problem-solving, communication, data analysis, and critical thinking. A Diploma in Science from UniSQ can lead to careers in research, teaching, medicine, forensics, and environmental work.

Gain a strong start to your Graduate Diploma of Science and learn from the best with UniSQ

  • UniSQ hosts the only ground-based support in the Southern Hemisphere for NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission at our Mt Kent Observatory.
  • We are one of two universities in the world that is recognised by the United Nations (UN) Integrated Drought Management Program as having global leadership in drought research. 
  • UniSQ is rated 5/5 stars for Science and Mathematics:
    • graduates in full-time employment
    • learning resources
    • student support.*
* Good Universities Guide 2025.

With the ability to choose from 4 specialisations, you can explore your passion for science in so many ways with a Graduate Diploma of Science. It can be helpful to reflect on your professional experience and what specifically your passionate about when trying to choose your Sciences specialisation. Once you identify what you love in the sciences it'll make it less stressful and nurture your strengths when it comes to selecting the right option.

Agricultural Science - Gain critical knowledge in food security, application of new technologies to agricultural production, crop biology, soil management and advances in agricultural machinery. 

Astrophysics - Expand your knowledge of the universe and the ethical considerations that come with modern science and technology.

Environment and Sustainability - Within this science grad dip specialisation you will learn how to understand the intersecting social, political and environmental implications of human impacts on the planet.

Mathematics and Statistics - Build upon your existing undergraduate qualification by learning applied and theoretical statistics, fundamentals of theoretical and applied statistics, math modelling, algebra and calculus.

The entry requirements for a grad dip in science are different depending on which university you choose. AtUniSQ you will need to hold an Australian university three or four-year bachelor degree or equivalent in the form of professional work experience.

For further information on the entry requirements at UniSQ, you can view the entry requirements section of your chosen specialisation. 

A diploma in science builds upon your existing knowledge by connecting you with world-class lecturers, unlocking new career possibilities and teaching you advanced subject matter material.

Our science lecturers bring a wealth of experience and leading insights to the classroom, ensuring that you get the most up-to-date and relevant information. You can then use this to advance your career or use it to step into a new field in the science sector from Applied Climate Science to Mathematics and Statistics.

At UniSQ, our science grad dip is a seamless progression from your undergraduate qualification to more advanced concepts, giving you the tools and insights necessary to excel in your chosen field. 

The main difference between a graduate certificate and graduate diploma is the time it takes to complete each. Compared to the four-five months it takes to finish a graduate certificate, it takes up to 12 months of full-time study to complete the eight units required in a science grad dip. In both the certificate and diploma, you can opt to study part-time which does increase the time in which it takes to complete the degree.

A Graduate Diploma of Science usually incorporates the same course options as a graduate certificate in the same discipline area but builds on your knowledge from the certificate and advances your skills further. It also has similar coursework subjects as a master's degree in the same study field, but the flexibility of not having to commit to a full master's degree. 

At UniSQ you can study a 1-year Graduate Diploma in Science online or on-campus at our Ipswich and Toowoomba location or externally. 

All of our degrees focus on developing your ability to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve gained to the career of your choice. Graduating with a science grad dip qualification (or equivalent) opens up many career prospects. The jobs you may be interested in will vary depending on the Sciences specialisation you choose to study. Some career opportunities include roles such as a:

  • agricultural consulting
  • climate risk analysis
  • crop production
  • farm technologies and precision agriculture
  • soils management and viticulture.
  • climate scientists
  • ecologists
  • environmental scientists
  • natural resource managers
  • sports coach
  • gym manager
  • sports development officer.

Roles also exist in a variety of fields for Graduate Diploma in Science alumni, including:

  • agriculture
  • conservation
  • food
  • water
  • energy
  • climatology
  • health
  • natural resource management
  • IT
  • mining
  • national parks
  • universities
  • defence
  • CSIRO
  • State and Federal Government departments
  • The Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 

The different ways you can study a science grad dip will vary from uni to uni but at UniSQ, yes you can study a Graduate Diploma in Science part-time, on-campus or externally, allowing you to balance study with your work and life commitments.

Work towards your postgraduate qualification at your own pace with our flexible learning options. Immerse yourself in campus life or learn your subject theory online and attend on-campus residential schools/pracs when required.

Discover the different ways you can study at UniSQ.