Key facts

Domestic students course information.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a bachelor or postgraduate qualification, or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline.

Entry is based on a bachelor or postgraduate qualification, or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline. English language requirements must also be met.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • Up to 2 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 4 units (24 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
  • Full Fee
  • International
View more fees information
CRICOS code
  • 065083K
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
OnlineOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student in white lab coat performs an experiment

In the rapidly changing world of science and technology, it has never been more important to refine and expand your expertise. UNE's Graduate Certificate in Science, flexibly delivered online or on campus, gives you the opportunity to complete intensive graduate-level study in science, whether you want to upskill or you are seeking to update your discipline knowledge. With 11 majors to choose from, and options to continue to further higher degree research, you can safeguard your career and be ready to adapt and respond to challenges you will face in this diverse and dynamic field.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Science with UNE?

UNE has a long tradition of producing science graduates who are in demand. If you have a degree in a relevant discipline, our Graduate Certificate in Science gives you the opportunity to study your discipline of interest intensively, and is ideal if you wish to upskill and upgrade, or update your existing knowledge. With options to study online, full-time or part-time, the course can be completed in one trimester, or paced over two years to suit your existing commitments.

What makes our course different?

UNE's Graduate Certificate in Science is designed to allow you to complete intensive study in one of nine scientific disciplines, spanning the pure and applied sciences. The course also gives you the opportunity to:

  • Study flexibly. Our postgraduate science students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we know that you need to balance study with your professional and personal commitments. Our online study options allow you to complete the course at the time and place that best suits your needs. UNE is an industry leader in the provision of online learning. In fact, we're Australia's longest continuous provider of distance (now online) education.
  • Engage in our collaborative, innovative learning environment. At UNE, our small class sizes give you the opportunity to interact directly with academic staff and your peers, ensuring you have the support you need to thrive.
  • Hone your applied skills that highly valued in the workplace. Many units include mandatory intensive schools held on campus. Through laboratory and fieldwork intensives, we emphasise the development of contemporary real-world skills, ensuring that you can translate your theoretical knowledge into practice.
  • Choose the major that best matches your strengths and suit the challenges of your career. Our majors allow you to expand the breadth of your knowledge, extending your scope with advanced study in a field that complements your existing skillset.
  • Develop the skills you need to pursue research studies in the agricultural, biological, environmental or physical sciences. Our Research Methods major gives you a foundation in applied research skills in environmental and rural science.

Year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide – we are the proven experts online.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes you.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

This course is offered under four admission rules.

Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant disciplineAND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule C: You have completed a Master qualification (AQF Level 9 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule D: You have completed a Doctorate qualification (AQF Level 10 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Agriculture
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Computational Science
  • Ecology
  • Genetics
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Neuroscience (may include Science, Medicine, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Education, Health, Counselling)
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Statistics
  • Zoology

† The minimum knowledge requirements for each major are detailed in the Additional Admission Requirements section below. When it is not clear from your academic background, you can include a cover letter in your application detailing how you have met the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Additional Admission Requirements

To be eligible to study a major in this course you must meet the minimum knowledge requirements for that major. For example, if you would like to study the Biochemistry major, you must have previously completed 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry. Please see below a list of majors in this course (bolded), and the minimum knowledge requirements you must meet in order to be eligible:

  • Biochemistry – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Biomedical Science – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Botany - 2 units of botany or biology
  • Chemistry – 2 units of Chemistry
  • Genetics – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Mathematics – 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics
  • Neuroscience – 2 units of chemistry or biology and 2 units at 200-level of Neuroscience (see relevant disciplines)
  • Physical Sciences – 2 units of Physics, 2 units of Chemistry, and 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics
  • Research Methods – 4 units from the discipline/s you would like to study the research methods of
  • Statistics – 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics and 1 unit of Statistics
  • Zoology – 2 units of Biology

Please note: If you would like to complete this course while studying full-time you are encouraged to have knowledge greater than the minimum required for eligibility.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

This course is offered under four admission rules.

Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant disciplineAND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule C: You have completed a Master qualification (AQF Level 9 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule D: You have completed a Doctorate qualification (AQF Level 10 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Agriculture
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Computational Science
  • Ecology
  • Genetics
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Neuroscience (may include Science, Medicine, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Education, Health, Counselling)
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Statistics
  • Zoology

† The minimum knowledge requirements for each major are detailed in the Additional Admission Requirements section below. When it is not clear from your academic background, you can include a cover letter in your application detailing how you have met the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Additional Admission Requirements

To be eligible to study a major in this course you must meet the minimum knowledge requirements for that major. For example, if you would like to study the Biochemistry major, you must have previously completed 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry. Please see below a list of majors in this course (bolded), and the minimum knowledge requirements you must meet in order to be eligible:

  • Biochemistry – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Biomedical Science – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Botany - 2 units of botany or biology
  • Chemistry – 2 units of Chemistry
  • Genetics – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Mathematics – 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics
  • Neuroscience – 2 units of chemistry or biology and 2 units at 200-level of Neuroscience (see relevant disciplines)
  • Physical Sciences – 2 units of Physics, 2 units of Chemistry, and 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics
  • Research Methods – 4 units from the discipline/s you would like to study the research methods of
  • Statistics – 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics and 1 unit of Statistics
  • Zoology – 2 units of Biology

Please note: If you would like to complete this course while studying full-time you are encouraged to have knowledge greater than the minimum required for eligibility.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.

Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
  • When it is not clear from your academic background, you can include a cover letter in your application detailing how you have met the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: The maximum Advanced Standing for this course is 6 credit points. Advanced Standing cannot be granted for units undertaken to meet course entry requirements.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

This course is offered under four admission rules.

Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant disciplineAND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule C: You have completed a Master qualification (AQF Level 9 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule D: You have completed a Doctorate qualification (AQF Level 10 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline* AND you meet the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule D. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Agriculture
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Computational Science
  • Ecology
  • Genetics
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Neuroscience (may include Science, Medicine, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Education, Health, Counselling)
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Statistics
  • Zoology

† The minimum knowledge requirements for each major are detailed in the Additional Admission Requirements section below. When it is not clear from your academic background, you can include a cover letter in your application detailing how you have met the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Additional Admission Requirements

To be eligible to study a major in this course you must meet the minimum knowledge requirements for that major. For example, if you would like to study the Biochemistry major, you must have previously completed 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry. Please see below a list of majors in this course (bolded), and the minimum knowledge requirements you must meet in order to be eligible:

  • Biochemistry – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Biomedical Science – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Botany - 2 units of botany or biology
  • Chemistry – 2 units of Chemistry
  • Genetics – 2 units of Biology and 2 units of Chemistry
  • Mathematics – 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics
  • Neuroscience – 2 units of chemistry or biology and 2 units at 200-level of Neuroscience (see relevant disciplines)
  • Physical Sciences – 2 units of Physics, 2 units of Chemistry, and 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics
  • Research Methods – 4 units from the discipline/s you would like to study the research methods of
  • Statistics – 2 units of calculus-based Mathematics and 1 unit of Statistics
  • Zoology – 2 units of Biology

Please note: If you would like to complete this course while studying full-time you are encouraged to have knowledge greater than the minimum required for eligibility.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
  • When it is not clear from your academic background, you can include a cover letter in your application detailing how you have met the minimum knowledge requirements for your preferred major.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: The maximum Advanced Standing for this course is 6 credit points. Advanced Standing cannot be granted for units undertaken to meet course entry requirements.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above, from one of the approved majors.

24 credit points

Complete ONE Approved Major totalling 24 credit points from the following
Students who are transitioning from a different discipline background should complete 6 credit points from Group 2 before enrolling in Group 1 units. Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units:
Complete 12-24 credit points from the following units
Complete 0-12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200/300-level from the following units Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
Students who are transitioning from a different background should complete 6 credit points from Group 2 before enrolling in Group 1 units. Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units
Complete 12-24 cps from the following units Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
Complete 0-12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200/300-level from the following units Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
Students who are transitioning from a different discipline background should complete 6 credit points from Group 2 before enrolling in Group 1 units. You must complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units:
Complete 12-24 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200/300 level from the following units:
Complete 0-12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200-level from the following units:
Students who are transitioning from a different discipline background should complete 6 credit points from Group 2 before enrolling in Group 1 units. You must complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units:
Complete 12-24 credit points from the following units
Complete 0-12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200-level from the following units
Students who are transitioning from a different discipline background should complete 6 credit points from Group 2 before enrolling in Group 1 units. You must complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above, with ERS581 only to count once, from the following units:
Complete 12-24 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200/300 level from the following units:
Complete 0-12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200/300-level from the following units Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
Students who are transitioning from a different discipline background should complete 6 credit points from Group 2 before enrolling in Group 1 units. Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units
Complete 12-24 credit points from the following units
Complete 0-12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200/300-level from the following units Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
Students who are transitioning from a different discipline background should complete 6 credit points from Group 2 before enrolling in Group 1 units. Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units
Complete 12-24 credit points from the following units

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.

Complete 0-12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200/300-level from the following units: Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
Students who are transitioning from a different discipline background should complete 6 credit points from Group 2 before enrolling in Group 1 units. Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units
Complete 12-24 credit points from the following units
Complete 0-12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200/300-level from the following units Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
You must complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units

12 credit points

Complete the following units

6 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from the following units

6 credit points

Complete 6 credit points from the following units Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
Students who are transitioning from a different discipline background should complete 6 credit points from Group 2 before enrolling in Group 1 units. Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units:
Complete 12-24 credit points from the following units
Complete 0-12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200/300-level from the following units Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.
Students who are transitioning from a different discipline background should complete 6 credit points from Group 2 before enrolling in Group 1 units. Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above the following units
Complete 12-24 credit points from the following units

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.

Complete 0-12 credit points with not more than 6 credit points at 200/300-level from the following units

Note: When a unit is offered at multiple levels you can only choose ONE unit.

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Full Fee
$17,780*
International
$18,113*
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$4,045*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs.

*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.

What are the course fee payment options?

Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Scholarships

UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.

The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.

UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.

Your career

Career outcomes

Career opportunities in science are diverse, and with upgraded skills you will add value to your professional role or find new opportunities in a range of sectors including industry, government, teaching and research.

Some examples include positions in:

  • forensic and industrial chemistry
  • biomedical science laboratories
  • pharmaceutical manufacturing and development
  • applied statistics.
Other career information

Fast track completion of further postgraduate science study at UNE. On completion of your Graduate Certificate you are eligible to continue to a Graduate Diploma in Science, or if you achieve an overall grade point average of 5 or more, UNE's coursework Master of Scientific Studies. In both cases you can apply for advanced standing for the units that you complete in your Graduate Certificate.

Course outcomes

This is a postgraduate award designed to broaden a graduate's knowledge as required in their workplace.
  1. demonstrate through their own study and practise, specialised scientific knowledge of science and specialised skills in a chosen discipline;
  2. demonstrate through their own practise, specialist technical competencies in the field, laboratory and professional workplace related to science; and knowledge of theoretical concepts applicable to their chosen discipline;
  3. conduct investigations to critically analyse and evaluate complex ideas, and apply established theories to identify solutions to complex problems relating to their discipline;
  4. be effective communicators of science by communicating scientific knowledge and concepts to a variety of audiences using a range of written and oral communication modes; and
  5. be responsible and accountable for their own learning and scientific work by demonstrating initiative and independent judgement in a range of functions and scientific disciplines in specialised contexts, operating with a high level of personal autonomy and responsibility for all aspects of the work or function of others, and planning and executing independent research while complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to their discipline area.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will understand scientific practice and have advanced knowledge in a discipline of science. They will be able to articulate aspects of the place and importance of science in the local and wider community.

Communication Skills

Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results, information or arguments to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes.

Problem Solving

Graduates will be able to investigate and solve problems by using recognised methods of science and appropriate practical techniques and tools.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results, information or arguments to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will be able to take social responsibility by recognising the relevant ethical frameworks within which science is practised and show a capacity for working responsibly and safely in both individual and team environments. They will also be able to demonstrate a capacity for self-directed learning.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will be able to take personal responsibility for lifelong learning by demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will have the ability to function effectively as members of teams or individually.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.

As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.

To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.

Studying on Campus

Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.

Find out more about studying on campus

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Why study with us?

UNE PhD and Bachelor of Science (Hons) graduate Dr Matthew Hilliar smiles in white lab coat

The access you have to academics is a major benefit to studying at UNE.

Dr Matthew Hillliar, graduate, PhD and Bachelor of Science (Hons)

Why study with us?

UNE graduate poses on campus with camera

Studying at UNE was an amazing experience for me not only because of education but also because of the multicultural environment, the academic staff and resources and the international services.

Shyama Prashad Chakma, UNE Science graduate

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are an
you can apply at any time. Apply now and we'll get you started in the next possible intake.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 202426 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.