100% Online

Diploma in Health

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

100% Online

Start date

January, April, June, September

Duration

1 year(s) full-time

Program code

XDHEA

Study as

Full-time

Time commitment

10-15 hours per week per course

Indicative annual fees

$27,100

Non-tuition fees

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate III (AQF level 3) or higher.

International non-student visa holders

This program is delivered online. It is open to international students who:

are studying online outside of Australia; or
do not require a student visa to undertake this program in Australia.

It is not available to international students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Note:

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Why Diploma in Health?

Prepare for university study and gain credit towards a bachelor degree in health.

With our 100% online Diploma in Health, you’ll be introduced to anatomy, human physiology and biosciences while building core skills like critical thinking and research abilities. Get a personalised learning plan to help you choose health electives to take you closer to your career or study goals.

Receive credit toward a bachelor degree in a health discipline and apply to a wide range of Adelaide University degrees.

Overview

Adelaide University’s 100% online Diploma in Health is designed for anyone who’s new to study, returning after time away, or looking for a pathway into a university bachelor degree. It’s the perfect starting point for those interested in health and those that want to build essential university skills.

Receive up to two credits towards a bachelor degree in a health discipline and be eligible to apply to a wide range of Adelaide University degrees, online or on campus. You will also earn a grade point average (GPA) which can give you access to competitive degrees including medical radiation science and pharmacy.

Study core courses in health science, along with key university study courses to prepare you for bachelor-level coursework. You’ll also receive help from a student adviser along the way, who will assist you with selecting the right elective courses for your goals.  

What you'll learn

Our 100% online Diploma in Health will cover introductory topics in health and essential university skills courses.

Your health courses will expose you to anatomy, human physiology and biosciences. Your university skills courses will include critical approaches to online learning, applied computer practices and critical thinking in media and academia.

Your courses will give you key competencies such as:

Writing academic assignments
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Using Excel to analyse data
Using various computer programs.

You’ll also choose two degree-level health courses to put your writing, communication, and research skills into practice. Health elective courses will include, but are not limited to:

First nations’ health
Foundations of health and nutrition
Foundations of health and physical activity
Foundations of human biology
Health and society
Health systems and services
Introduction to mental health
Psychology concepts.

What courses you'll study

Complete 48 units comprising:

36 units for all Core courses, and
12 units for Electives

Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	Course code COMM1007	Units 6
Course name UO Applied Computer Practices	Course code COMP1024	Units 6
Course name UO Introduction to Biosciences	Course code EART1011	Units 6
Course name UO Introduction to Anatomy	Course code HLTH1028	Units 6
Course name UO Introduction to Human Physiology	Course code HLTH1029	Units 6
Course name UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning	Course code SOCI3014	Units 6

Complete 12 units for one of the following:

12 units from Program electives - Community health pathway, or
12 units from Program electives - Health science pathway, or
12 units from Program electives - Health science (healthy ageing) pathway, or
12 units from Program electives - Nutrition and exercise pathway, or
12 units from Program electives - Nursing and midwifery pathway, or
12 units from Program electives - Public health pathway, or
12 units from Program electives - General health pathway

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 1	Course code BIOL1028	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 2	Course code BIOL1029	Units 6
Course name UO Introduction to Mental Health	Course code HLTH1025	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Nutrition and Health	Course code NUTR1001	Units 6
Course name UO Psychology Concepts	Course code PSYC1017	Units 6
Course name UO First Peoples' Health	Course code PUBH1007	Units 6
Course name UO The Social World	Course code SOCI1012	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 1	Course code BIOL1028	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 2	Course code BIOL1029	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Health and Physical Activity	Course code HLTH1026	Units 6
Course name UO Psychology Concepts	Course code PSYC1017	Units 6
Course name UO First Peoples' Health	Course code PUBH1007	Units 6
Course name UO Health and Society	Course code PUBH1008	Units 6
Course name UO Health Systems and Services	Course code PUBH1009	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 1	Course code BIOL1028	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 2	Course code BIOL1029	Units 6
Course name UO Psychology Concepts	Course code PSYC1017	Units 6
Course name UO First Peoples' Health	Course code PUBH1007	Units 6
Course name UO Health and Society	Course code PUBH1008	Units 6
Course name UO Health Systems and Services	Course code PUBH1009	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 1	Course code BIOL1028	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 2	Course code BIOL1029	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Health and Physical Activity	Course code HLTH1026	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Nutrition and Health	Course code NUTR1001	Units 6
Course name UO Health and Society	Course code PUBH1008	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Introduction to Mental Health	Course code HLTH1025	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Nutrition and Health	Course code NUTR1001	Units 6
Course name UO Psychology Concepts	Course code PSYC1017	Units 6
Course name UO Health and Society	Course code PUBH1008	Units 6
Course name UO Health Systems and Services	Course code PUBH1009	Units 6
Course name UO The Social World	Course code SOCI1012	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 1	Course code BIOL1028	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 2	Course code BIOL1029	Units 6
Course name UO First Peoples' Health	Course code PUBH1007	Units 6
Course name UO Health Systems and Services	Course code PUBH1009	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 1	Course code BIOL1028	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Human Biology 2	Course code BIOL1029	Units 6
Course name UO Introduction to Mental Health	Course code HLTH1025	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Health and Physical Activity	Course code HLTH1026	Units 6
Course name UO Foundations of Nutrition and Health	Course code NUTR1001	Units 6
Course name UO Psychology Concepts	Course code PSYC1017	Units 6
Course name UO First Peoples' Health	Course code PUBH1007	Units 6
Course name UO Health and Society	Course code PUBH1008	Units 6
Course name UO Health Systems and Services	Course code PUBH1009	Units 6
Course name UO The Social World	Course code SOCI1012	Units 6

Career outcomes

Your diploma in health will give you the core skills to transition into various areas of health. These areas might include:

Biosciences
Exercise physiology
Human movement
Medical sonography
Medical radiation science
Midwifery
Nursing
Nutrition and food sciences
Occupational therapy
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Speech pathology
Sport sciences.

Your diploma could earn you up to two credits toward our online bachelor degrees in health, including:

Bachelor of Community Health
Bachelor of Health Science
Bachelor of Health Science (Healthy Ageing)
Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise)
Bachelor of Public Health.

Using your Diploma as a launch pad into future study, you could end up working in emergency services, triaging patients who need immediate attention as a hospital nurse. Perhaps you’ll work as a nutritionist, providing expert advice around food and nutrition to individuals. With further study, you might one day work as an exercise physiologist, designing exercise programs for people with a range of health issues.

Industry trends

The shortage of healthcare workers is evident around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there could be a deficit of 10 million healthcare professionals by 2030 (WHO, 2023). Take the first steps toward a career in health and prepare to work in one of the most in-demand industries globally.

How to apply

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026.

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Fit study around your life

From 24/7 access to specialised support, discover the benefits of studying online with Adelaide University.

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Ask Adelaide University

You’ll access all your learning resources, submit assessments, and engage with your academic team and peers via Adelaide University's unique online learning platform, available 24/7.

You'll learn through a mix of interactive experiences including videos, virtual forums, online discussions and activities, with no need to attend an Adelaide University campus, not even for assessments or exams.

Our degrees are specifically designed for online learning, and you'll be fully supported throughout your studies by our local student support team and our expert academics, available seven days a week. You'll stay engaged with networking opportunities and virtual events, and once you graduate, you're invited to either join us in Adelaide, or celebrate via livestream with your family and friends.

As a general rule, any desktop or laptop computer produced in the last three years will be capable of meeting the online learning requirements. While mobiles and tablets are able to access most of your online content, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer to make the most of the online learning experience. You'll also require a reliable internet connection, and you may need a webcam.

As an Adelaide University student, you'll have free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. If your degree requires specialised software, you'll also be able to download this to your device for free.

You'll have 24/7 access to your learning resources via the online learning platform, and can study when and where it suits you. In some rare instances, assessments or contact with your online academic team may require you to be online at a set time, however these times are generally flexible. You'll be able to discuss your requirements with your academic team or speak to our student support team if you need assistance.

If your course has an exam, you will generally need to sit this at a designated date and time.

Yes, if you have studied at university or completed a VET qualification (Certificate IV or above), or can demonstrate significant and relevant work experience, you could be eligible to receive credit towards your degree.

Your eligibility for credit will be assessed once you have submitted your application, and you will be informed of your credit outcome before your application is approved and you need to enrol. If you don't have the information required to be considered for credit when you apply to study, you will still be able to apply for credit after your application has been approved, with an outcome usually determined within a few days.

No, if you are enrolled in a 100% online Adelaide University program, you are not able to enrol into an on-campus course as part of your degree. However, as an Adelaide University student, you are welcome to visit our Adelaide campuses and participate in student events and clubs, utilise our sporting facilities and libraries, and attend your graduation ceremony in-person.

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Your study experience and support

Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.

Student support services

Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.

As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.

Online academic support

From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.

Tech support

We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.

Study hours

Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.

Assessment

All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:

An industry-relevant project or case study
An online presentation
Essays and reports.

Diploma in Health