Diploma in Health Sciences

Build the skills and knowledge you need to enter one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing industries.

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Entry requirements

Key information

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Guaranteed Entry ATAR

60.00

No ATAR?

Speak to us about alternative entry options

STAT

150.0

GPA

4.0

TAFE/VET

Certificate IV or above

Pathway options

Speak to us about your options

This course is not available to international students.

Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

1 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) Deferrable: Yes

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Fees

2025 : $12,192 (CSP)

2025 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

Why study a the Diploma in Heath Sciences at Flinders?

Launch your career in health in just one year. Build strong foundations in human health, anatomy, physiology, and wellbeing, with flexible study tailored to your interests.

Fast-track your future in health

Complete the diploma in just 12 months and gain the knowledge and skills to start your career in the health sector.

Be job-ready for diverse health roles

Prepare for opportunities in patient care, health administration, public health and more with practical skills you can use straight away.

Step into a growing industry

Join one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing sectors, with strong demand for skilled health professionals.

A flexible pathway to a bachelor degree

Build on your diploma by moving directly into the Bachelor of Health Sciences, without having to start over.

Scholarships are a great way to ease the financial challenges of university study

Flinders has scholarships for high achievers, those in need of financial aid, indigenous, rural, and STEM students.

Find out if you're eligible.

What you will study

You'll study 8 topics covering in-demand health skills relevant to healthcare settings. You can tailor your studies to suit your career goals with options in nutrition, molecular biology, health promotion or digital health.

Course handbook

Year 1

First half of the year:

Research and Study Skills
Interpersonal and Interprofessional Communication

Second half of the year:

Human Bioscience
Strengths-based Approaches to Health: Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Understanding Health, Illness, and Health and Social Care in Australia

Option topics

Managing in Modern Organisations
Digital and Social Media
Health Promotion for Health Professionals
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health
Molecular Biology
Influencing the Experience of Ageing
Chemistry
Perspectives on Disability
Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy

Your career

This degree can lead to various careers in direct patient care, health administration, or public health. Or you can choose to continue your study to enhance your career opportunities.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$85,000^*

Expected salary
$81,500^*

Expected salary
$72,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$85,000^*

Expected salary
$81,500^*

Expected salary
$72,000^*

Potential employers

Non-government agencies
Government
Local councils
Health & social care services
Hospitals

Practical experience

Learn through interactive and practical activities designed to engage and challenge you.

You'll investigate, analyse, and debate real-world health issues, enabling you to apply new concepts in your practice.

Interactive, case-based teaching

Debate and reflect on real-world issues

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally*.

Fast track your career in just 12 months.

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows.

Pathway to further study. Gain 1 year of credit towards an Associate Degree or Bachelor of Health Science degree.

Learn from the experts. Our teaching staff are experienced health professionals with rich and diverse backgrounds, sharing a broad range of connections to industry.

High employment. Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia’s largest employing industry and is projected to have strong employment growth. 

^{*THE World University Rankings 2023 & QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal.}

Get inspired

Discover more about Flinders University’s Diploma in Health Sciences.

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.

Dr Jane Harford

Course Coordinator

See full profile

Dr Jane Harford has a background as a registered nurse and has completed studies in health administration, public policy, economics and public health. She has also worked in health services, spending time in a range of roles in government and at universities.

Louisa Matwiejczyk

Academic Lead

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Dr Louisa Matwiejczyk is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian and Senior Fellow in Advanced Higher Education with extensive experience in health sciences, interprofessional practice and education. She has worked across clinical, community, private practice and public health settings and across a wide range of teaching areas.

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:

ATAR

60.00

GPA

4.00

STAT

150/200

Find out more

TAFE/VET

Certificate IV

Bridging course

Completion of Flinders Foundation Studies

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Are there jobs in health?

Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia’s largest employing industry and is projected to have strong employment growth through to May 2033 (Jobs and Skills Australia 2024). 

From treating patients in health clinics to providing preventative self-care, influencing health care policy in government agencies or undertaking life-changing research, the opportunities are limitless.

What jobs can I get with a diploma in Health Sciences?

This degree can lead to a career in varied health care settings such as a research assistant, health promotions officer, community services officer and much more. It also enables you to continue in other study programs to enhance your career opportunities.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 3 March 2025 – Applications close 28 February 2025
Semester 2: teaching commences 28 July 2025 – Applications close 25 July 2025

Some courses have non-standard semester commencement dates as follows:

February Study Period: teaching commences 24 February 2025 – Applications close 21 February 2025
June Study Period: teaching commences 30 June 2025 – Applications close 27 June 2025
September Study Period: teaching commences 29 September 2025 – Applications close 26 September 2025

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.