Diploma in Animal Ecology | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Diploma in Animal Ecology

Learn about animals and turn your love of nature into a meaningful career. Study animals in their natural habitats to better understand how we can protect their future. The first step in a career in animal conservation. On successful completion of the Diploma in Animal Ecology, and subject to meeting all other entry criteria, you may receive up to 96 units of credit towards UniSC's Bachelor of Animal Ecology.

In this program you will:

  • Learn about biodiversity, conservation, human-animal interactions, and the impacts of a changing environment
  • Study a wide range of marine and terrestrial wildlife, including sharks, snakes, birds, turtles and whales
  • Develop your skills and knowledge to work in ecotourism, in entry-level roles within Government and non-government wildlife management and conservation organisations, or as an environmental educator

Location

CRICOS code

107195F

Entry threshold

50.00 50.00 50.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

1 year 1 year Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$9,312 - 2025 Fees CSP
CSP
A$23,500 Annual fee
Annual fee

QTAC code

013202 016611 019601

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Career opportunities

  • Conservation organisations
  • Ecotourism
  • Environmental education
  • Government roles
  • Non-government organisations
  • Wildlife management

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
8
Total units
96
Duration
1 year 1 year
CRICOS code
107195F
UniSC program code
SC107
Program coordinator

Required courses (8) 96 units

ANM100 Animal Ecology Field Course
ANM102 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
ANM103 Animal Form, Function and Evolution
ANM104 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
SCI100 Cell Diversity
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SCI113 Discovering Science

 

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 50.00
Moreton Bay 50.00
Fraser Coast 50.00

Additional entry information

Completion of Year 12 or equivalent

Recommended prior study
English and one or more of the Sciences (e.g Biology)

Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Prior study or work experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)

You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.

CSP estimate
A$9,312 - 2025 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$23,500

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

International fee-paying places

Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Sunshine Coast 013202
Moreton Bay 016611
Fraser Coast 019601
Receive credit towards the Bachelor of Animal Ecology
16th globally for ‘Life Below Water' THE Impact Rankings 2024
No. 1 in Qld for teaching quality in environmental studies Ranking of public universities. Good Universities Guide 2024/25

Student story

“On fieldwork excursions to Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) and K’gari (Fraser Island), I met a group of like-minded peers to study alongside and share these wonderful experiences."

Katharine Needham Graduate
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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