Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Diploma of Science (UniLink) is designed as a pathway into science bachelor degrees at Swinburne, particularly for students who need an alternative route into undergraduate science study.
• Students develop foundations in physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics, together with research, data-modelling and computer-based analysis skills.
• The programme emphasises practical scientific skills, laboratory analysis, chemical reactions, conceptual problem-solving, report writing and teamwork.
• UniLink students receive additional academic support compared with a standard bachelor pathway, including smaller classes, increased teacher interaction, embedded English-language development and learning support.
• Successful completion can provide advanced standing toward the Bachelor of Science. Swinburne currently states that the Diploma can provide 100 credit points towards the Bachelor of Science, although the amount of advanced standing can vary depending on the selected major.
• Swinburne describes the pathway as designed so that the diploma does not add time or cost to the overall degree pathway when the relevant progression arrangement applies.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The diploma requires 100 credit points comprising four core units and four units from a selected science stream.

Core units:

1. Introduction to Biology — BIO10006 — 12.5 credit points
2. Chemistry — CHE10006 — 12.5 credit points
3. Sustainable and Innovative Design in Engineering Projects — CVE10007 — 12.5 credit points
4. Statistics 101 — STA10008 — 12.5 credit points

Physics stream:

• Energy and Motion — CVE10001
• Electronics and Electromagnetism — ELC10009
• Calculus and Applications — MTH10014
• Linear Algebra and Applications — MTH20013

Applied Maths stream:

• Energy and Motion — CVE10001
• Introduction to Research Thinking for Health and Science — HEA10007
• Calculus and Applications — MTH10014
• Linear Algebra and Applications — MTH20013

Environmental Science or Biotechnology stream:

• Fundamentals of Programming — COS10029
• Introduction to Research Thinking for Health and Science — HEA10007
• Preliminary Mathematics — MTH00013
• Introduction to Physics — PHY10009

Chemistry or Biochemistry stream:

• Chemistry 2 — CHE10008
• Introduction to Research Thinking for Health and Science — HEA10007
• Preliminary Mathematics — MTH00013
• Introduction to Physics — PHY10009

Disciplines/Specialisations

The current programme structure provides the following stream choices:

• Physics
• Applied Mathematics
• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Programme Highlights

• 100-credit-point pathway diploma.
• 8-month full-time duration.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• CRICOS registered: 089746M.
• Four core science units plus four units from a selected stream.
• Strong foundations in biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics and scientific problem-solving.
• Embedded English-language development.
• Smaller classes and additional academic support for UniLink students.
• 24/7 learning support is listed by Swinburne.
• The diploma can provide 100 credit points toward the Bachelor of Science, subject to the applicable progression arrangement and chosen major.

Career Outcomes

The Diploma itself is primarily a pathway qualification. Swinburne describes career opportunities in the context of completing the chosen bachelor degree after the UniLink pathway.

Potential fields listed by Swinburne include:

• Forensic or environmental science
• Pathology or biology
• Sustainability analysis
• Astrophysics or meteorology
• Mathematics or physics
• Chemistry or biochemistry

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current Swinburne course page lists 2027 starts on 22 February and 21 June 2027.
• International Student visa holders studying in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• The programme involves laboratory/scientific activities. Swinburne's Informed Choices information identifies requirements involving laboratory environments, scientific instruments, chemicals and hazardous substances, with certain sensory, mobility, learning and professional capabilities relevant to safe participation. Reasonable adjustments may be available for some adaptable components.
• Students who do not satisfy the mathematics prerequisite may need the MathsLink: Further bridging programme.
• Students requiring a pathway before a UniLink diploma may also use the UniLink Bridging Program or Swinburne Foundation Program where applicable. The UniLink Bridging Program is specifically designed to help students meet entry requirements for UniLink diplomas.
• The amount of advanced standing after the diploma can vary according to the selected bachelor major, so students should confirm the intended progression before accepting an offer

International Student Visa Requirements

The Diploma of Science (UniLink) has CRICOS code 089746M, so it is registered for international student study and can be used for an Australian Student visa pathway where the applicant meets all Department of Home Affairs requirements.

For the Student visa (subclass 500), current Department of Home Affairs requirements include:

• Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a full-time CRICOS-registered course when the visa is decided.
• Apply online.
• Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Meet applicable financial-capacity and other documentary requirements.
• Applicants under 18 must meet the relevant welfare-arrangement requirements.
• The Student visa allows study and travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.

Current visa cost:

• Student visa subclass 500: from A$2,500, with limited concessions. The Department recommends using its Visa Pricing Estimator for the exact charge applicable to an individual application.

Work rights:

• Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• When the course is not in session, student visa holders can generally work unlimited hours, subject to their visa conditions.
• The exemption from the 48-hour limit for students undertaking a master's by research or doctoral degree does not apply to this diploma.
• Students cannot commence work before their course starts.