Key facts
Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.
Entry is based on recent secondary, higher education (GPA), VET study or work experience.
View full entry requirements- 1 year part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
The study of Life and Earth Studies is diverse and multidisciplinary, involving science, geology, ecology, biology, chemistry, evolution and more.
Students at UNE are part of a rich history of life and earth science education in Australia, and benefit from the unique landscape that preserves half a billion years of history.
Our Undergraduate Certificate in Life and Earth Studies equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills to ensure you’re ready for placement in the industry or further study in the field.
Why study the Undergraduate Certificate in Life and Earth Studies with UNE?
UNE has a long history of teaching and research in the life and earth sciences and is conveniently located in the heart of the New England Fold Belt, providing an opportunity for studying earth and life processes right on our doorstep. Additionally, our academic team are a passionate, highly active community engaged in world-class research.
This foundational-level course takes our expertise and distils it into a manageable, practical course. Not only will you gain the knowledge and skills to enhance your career, but you will also pave the way for further study, should you wish to progress to a diploma or bachelor’s degree at UNE.
What makes our course different?
This is a broad foundational course covering wide range of topics in the disciplines of life and earth sciences. Not only does it equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand how and why earth – and life on it – has evolved over billions of years, but it also provides you with a lens to view the future of our planet.
You will have opportunities to:
- Learn how our planet works, what it is made up of, and why.
- Explore how life, water, soil and environmental issues are influenced by geology, and importantly why and how geology gives context to them.
- Be introduced to a wide range of solid earth and environmental geology issues
- Explore geology, the occurrence and origin of natural resources and key environmental issues.
- Learn about biological concepts and principles, including evolution, diversity of animals and plants, plant structure and function, and ecological principles and applications.
- Understand the underpinning principles of natural systems and cycles, as well as the complex problems that may arise from species' response to environmental change.
- Examine the story of the evolution of life on earth over its 4.5-billion-year history, from the earliest life forms to the vertebrate invasion of land, the emergence of dinosaurs, and the origin of humans.
- Discuss a constantly changing Earth, including major climatic shifts and extinction events, and how these changes have shaped the complexity of life we see today.
- Be introduced to the major fauna currently found on all the Earth's continents and in the oceans and how animals deal with other organisms (including humans) to maximise their survival.
- Learn about biological concepts and principles, such as cell structure and function, metabolism, reproduction, genes and inheritance and molecular genetics
- Through a “dinosaur lens”, learn about major transitions in the history of life and their relationship to earth systems
- Look at how science is carried out in practice, how scientific findings are communicated, and how science impacts upon and is perceived by society.
- Gain skills to boost your employability as a graduate, including communication, ethical practice, critical thinking, IT, research and problem-solving.
- Put your knowledge into practice with biological, ecological and geological laboratory exercises and the option to attend field trips, where you will learn to interpret various geological processes.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and form a community of adults who share the same challenges and priorities. They bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
Not Applicable
If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus are a requirement for units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
- Bachelor degrees
- Postgraduate degrees
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus are a requirement for units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:
- Level and type of qualification (Certificate III or above)
- Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
- Complete or incomplete.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus are a requirement for units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.
You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:
Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements
Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
Pathways Enabling Course
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online course designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Pathways Enabling Course
TRACKS (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a preparation course run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS
Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus are a requirement for units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- If you are applying through Mature Age Special Entry, you will need to include a completed Mature Age Special Entry form in your online application. Learn more about Mature Age Special Entry.
- If you are applying based on professional experience you will need to provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points.
- Our Blue Planet (GEOL110) – 6 credit points
- Dynamic Earth (GEOL120) – 6 credit points
- Organisms and the Diversity of Life (BIOL120) – 6 credit points
- Ecology: Concepts and Applications (ECOL100) – 6 credit points
- Life on Earth (ZOOL100) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Biology: Cells and Life (BIOL110) – 6 credit points
- Dinosaurs! (GEOL210) – 6 credit points
- Science in Practice (SCI100) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place | $4,464* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Your career
Graduates with life and earth sciences knowledge and skills can gain employment in a variety of workplaces and have a wide range of career paths to choose from. Areas of employment include:
- education (secondary and tertiary)
- energy and mineral resources and exploration
- environmental consultancies
- scientific organisations (e.g. CSIRO)
- government agencies (e.g. environment, water and natural resource departments)
- museums.
Graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate in Life and Earth Studies may apply for admission to a range of Bachelor courses.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate foundational technical and theoretical knowledge of life and earth studies with the ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders;
- use and apply technical, field and/or laboratory methods relevant to solve problems in life and earth sciences; and
- apply critical thinking, learning strategies and skills as independent learners.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will possess basic knowledge in life and earth studies, and have an introductory understanding of key principles and practices of this discipline.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have skills that enable them to communicate the basic ideas and information acquired in Life and Earth Studies. Graduates will recognise the importance of continuing to develop their communication skills, and to be able to use appropriate communication technologies.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will have a basic understanding of problem solving strategies in life and earth studies and be able to apply these skills.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will have skills in how to recognise relevant information and to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access and use information. They will be able to evaluate the sources, values and validity of information, and to interpret it.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will understand and practice academic integrity and ethical behaviour and appreciate their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, life and earth study contexts, the wider community and the environment.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have the skills to continue to investigate, evaluate issues and further their learning. The development of intellectual capacity will enable candidates to be able to research, write about and discuss foundational issues. These skills are transferable and essential lifelong skills.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will develop skills in independent study as well as the ability to work collaboratively. They will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
The most rewarding experience has been noticing my critical thinking and problem-solving skills rapidly improve. Skills that I have been able to apply in every aspect of my life.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 October 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
