Course Curriculum

To successfully complete the Diploma of Health Science, a candidate must complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp). Each unit is valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise specified. The course is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills required to pursue further studies in health-related disciplines or to begin working in entry-level health support roles.The program structure includes both core units and elective options. Students are required to complete 40 credit points of compulsory core units that provide essential grounding in the Australian healthcare system, communication, health promotion, and cultural perspectives in health. These include Australia's Healthcare System and Policies, Introduction to Health Promotion, Perspectives of First Nations Health, and Communication Skills. Together, these units build the professional, cultural, and ethical competencies necessary for work in diverse healthcare environments.In addition to the core units, students must complete 40 credit points of general elective units selected from undergraduate offerings at the university. The elective options allow flexibility and can be tailored to align with specific career goals or future study pathways. Recommended elective combinations are provided for students who plan to progress into bachelor-level studies in fields such as allied health, public health, health services management, nutrition, speech pathology, occupational therapy, or physiotherapy.These elective choices include foundational units such as Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Psychology, Epidemiology and Statistics, Ethics in Health Care, and others that prepare students for smooth transition into higher qualifications at Charles Darwin University.Overall, this diploma equips students with essential health science knowledge and practical skills, helping them understand the broader determinants of health, work effectively with diverse populations, and prepare for advanced study or entry-level employment within the healthcare sector.