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Entry requirements and pathways
International students
Admission requirements
International entry requirements
International entry requirements* for this course at Campus Name**
Please select your type of qualification in the dropdown above.
* The entry requirements provided above are only provided as a guide and based on the course’s current standard minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), the primary measure for entry into most undergraduate-entry university programs in Australia.
** Entry requirements may vary by location. To view entry requirements for this course at another location, please select the location in the drop down at the top of this page.
Note: there may also be other entry requirements for this course. If you are unsure, make an enquiry.
Subject prerequisites
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics.
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
English language requirement
6.0 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.
Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of other accepted English Proficiency tests and additional recognised English Language Proficiency Measures, such as English as the language of instruction.
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Questions about the course?
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What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Diploma of Science, students must complete a total of 120 credit points across 1 year.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 30 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives
- 60 credit points from chosen Electives
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| WOMINJEKA LA TROBE: INDIGENOUS CULTURAL LITERACY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION | ABS0WOM | 1 | 0 |
| BIG IDEAS IN SCIENCE: LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING | SCI1LUE | 1 | 15 |
| MAKING SENSE OF DATA | STM1001 | 1 | 15 |
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines. Note these electives may have their own prerequisites and other requirements. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook for the subjects available.
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Bendigo
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Diploma of Science course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Year 1
After completing 1 year of full-time study
You can exit with a Diploma of Science
Course intended learning outcomes
- Describe aspects of scientific knowledge, how it is generated and how it can be applied.
- Identify social and ethical issues in science and its applications.
- Identify common scientific methods and skills.
- Communicate basic scientific ideas in different formats.
- Work independently and in teams.
Diploma of Science career opportunities
Graduates of the Diploma of Science can pursue a range of science-related career paths with further study.
Possible roles include:
- Laboratory assistant
- Handle specimens, perform basic analysis techniques, maintain equipment and ensure laboratory processes are followed.
- Handle specimens, perform basic analysis techniques, maintain equipment and ensure laboratory processes are followed.
- Science communicator
- Promote scientific achievements to a wide range of audiences, including in university, government and media settings.
- Promote scientific achievements to a wide range of audiences, including in university, government and media settings.
- Laboratory technician
- Undertake sampling, testing and data entry, collect and report results, and calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for international students
Estimated fees per year (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
A$39 000 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Scholarships:
The International estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
Please note that additional costs are incurred from Essential requirements and additional costs.
International scholarships
This course is not eligible for international scholarships.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
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How to apply
CRICOS code: 104807G
Ready to apply?
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Diploma of Science |
|---|---|
| CRICOS code | 104807G |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates Semester 1 (March 2025) |
| Duration | 1 year full-time |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Annual tuition fee |
Indicative based on 2024 fees A$39 000 per 120 credit points.Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. |
About the Diploma of Science
La Trobe's Diploma of Science is a supported pathway into the Bachelor of Science – or the qualification you need to kickstart a career in entry-level roles in the science industry.
Explore basic scientific concepts and learn how to harness collaboration in the laboratory. Consolidate your new knowledge and skills through practical, laboratory-based classes where you'll have opportunities for hands-on experience. And build skills in scientific communication – an essential skill for sharing outcomes with different audiences.
Already know where you want to steer your career? Our wide range of electives allow you to take specialist subjects right away. Depending on your campus, choose from biochemistry, zoology, physics, molecular biology, data science and more.
You'll learn alongside Bachelor's students in the same subjects, while you map out your transition to further university study. Depending on your subject selection, after successfully completing your Diploma you can transfer directly into the second year of La Trobe's Bachelor of Science. That's all thanks to the one year's worth of course credit (also called advanced standing) you could receive for the subjects you study in your Diploma.
We'll be with you every step of the way. Receive tailored advice from a dedicated Senior Support Adviser and connect with discipline-based peer mentors. We'll help you enrol, choose your subjects and navigate university systems and requirements. You can also access La Trobe's Careers Service to help you shape your future.
You'll learn:
- Core scientific skills
Understand science fundamentals and the basic concepts of how science works. - Communicating as a scientist
Learn how to communicate basic scientific ideas in written and verbal formats to various audiences. - Collaboration and teamwork
Discover how to collaborate and work effectively in teams to solve problems and achieve shared goals.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 5 - Diploma.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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