Graduate Certificate of Science

The Graduate Certificate of Science is a postgraduate degree that allows students to enhance their professional skills in science, technology, or both. This degree is ideal for those who want to experience postgraduate study and see if it's the right fit for them.

Overview

The Graduate Certificate of Science is a great way to tailor your learning, selecting courses according to your professional needs, interests, and prior study. Students can choose four eligible units of study within their chosen area and enjoy the convenience of online study.

Specialisations

The Graduate Certificate of Science offers several specialisations, including:

• Agricultural Science: Delve into the field of agricultural science and build essential skills to broaden your career prospects in this growing industry.
• Astrophysics: Explore the universe through astrophysics, gaining essential skills in observation, measurement, and physics.
• Environment and Sustainability: Build a foundation in environmental science, exploring climate, ecology, and conservation. Understand human impacts, research ethics, and science communication in a changing technological world.
• Mathematics and Statistics: Develop your career by combining scientific thinking with real-world problem-solving and advanced mathematical skills.

Career Outcomes

As a graduate, you could find work in a wide range of industries depending on your area of specialisation. This includes agriculture, technology, government, scientific services, resources/mining industries, business, national parks, universities, defence organisations, CSIRO, State and Federal Government Departments, and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

Why Study Sciences and Agriculture at UniSQ?

UniSQ hosts the only ground-based support in the Southern Hemisphere for NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission. The university is rated 5/5 stars for overall educational experience in agriculture and has a 5/5 star rating for postgraduate science and mathematics teaching quality.

What You'll Study

To graduate from the Graduate Certificate of Science, you must successfully complete 4 units of study. The degree structure includes advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.

Degree Requirements

The Graduate Certificate of Science requires the completion of 4 units of study. You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.

Residential Schools

You will be required to attend on-campus residential schools as part of this degree. During these sessions, you will attend face-to-face practical classes and workshops, use the laboratory facilities and specialised equipment, and engage with staff and fellow students.

Entry Requirements

There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience, and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree:

• Completion of a 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, from an Australian university
• Equivalent professional work experience
• English language requirements: IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking

Fees and Scholarships

The estimated 2026 annual fee is AUD 4,768. This is an indicative guide only, and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select. You may be eligible for financial support from Services Australia, and UniSQ offers scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need.

How to Apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ. You can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2, or 3. The application closing dates are:

• Trimester 1, 2026: Monday, 16 February
• Trimester 2, 2026: Monday, 1 June
• Trimester 3, 2026: Monday, 14 September

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why study a Graduate Certificate of Science at UniSQ? Expand your skills and expertise with a Graduate Certificate in Science at UniSQ.
• What is the difference between a certificate and a bachelor's degree? A graduate certificate is usually the first step towards postgraduate study, while a bachelor's degree is an undergraduate qualification.
• How do I know which Graduate Certificate in Science specialisation is right for me? Reflect on your professional experience and what you're passionate about when trying to choose your science specialisation.
• What are the entry requirements? The entry requirements for Graduate Certificate in Science will vary depending on which university you choose, but at UniSQ, you'll generally need an Australian university three or four-year bachelor degree or equivalent in the form of professional work experience.
• How does this certificate enhance or complement the knowledge I have? A certificate in science is designed to build upon your existing knowledge by connecting you with world-class lecturers, opening new career possibilities, and adding advanced subject matter material to your bank of expertise.
• How long does a graduate certificate take to complete? At UniSQ, a Graduate Certificate in Science takes approximately half a year to complete with a total of four courses.
• Are flexible study options available? At UniSQ, you can study a Graduate Certificate of Science flexibly, whether it's on-campus, externally, full-time, or part-time.