Postgraduate Diploma in Science (290AA) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• an undergraduate degree with a major in an appropriate discipline, or equivalent; and
• appropriate prerequisite studies for the stream into which entry is sought

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Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider prior academic performance.

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Admission and Selection into Course Policy.

Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

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Stream Specific Appropriate Disciplines and Subject Prerequisites

Botany

Appropriate disciplines – any science discipline

Chemistry

Appropriate discipline – Chemistry or equivalent

Computer Science

Appropriate discipline – Computer Science or equivalent, with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) in the best 50 points in appropriate discipline studies at third year

Subject prerequisites – at least 25 points of university-level Mathematics or Statistics subjects (in addition, some knowledge of formal logic and discrete mathematics, and second-year University-level Mathematics/Statistics are recommended)

Earth Science

Appropriate disciplines – Agricultural Science, Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Science, Food Science, Genetics, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, Plant Science or Zoology

Genetics

Appropriate disciplines ­– biological sciences, with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) in the best 50 points in appropriate discipline studies at third year

Mathematics and Statistics

Appropriate discipline – Mathematics and Statistics or equivalent, with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) in the best 25 points in appropriate discipline studies at level 2 or above

Subject prerequisites - at least two level 1 or above and three level 2 or above Mathematics or Statistics subjects. If students have completed accelerated subjects then one fewer level 2 or above subject can be deemed appropriate.

Physics

Appropriate disciplines – Physics, Mathematical Physics, Chemical Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering; or equivalent

Subject prerequisites – at least 50 points of level 2 or above Physics and both MAST20009 Vector Calculus and MAST200026 Real Analysis or equivalents

Zoology

Appropriate disciplines - Zoology, Biomedicine, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Science, Genetics, Physiology, Veterinary Science

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the degree.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science requires all students to enrol in subjects where they will require:
(1) the ability to comprehend complex science and technology related information;
(2) the ability to clearly and independently communicate a knowledge and application of science, and technology principles and practices during assessment tasks;
(3) the ability to actively and safely contribute in clinical, laboratory, and fieldwork/excursion activities.

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

There may be additional inherent academic requirements for some subjects, and these requirements are listed within the description of the requirements for each of these subjects.

Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the relevant Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Last updated: 6 April 2025