Skip to content

University of the Sunshine Coast

Diploma in Social and Human Services

Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

  • Level

    Diploma

  • Duration

    1F or 2P

  • Campus

    Fraser Coast (QLD)

  • Intl. Tuition

    Fee not confirmed

  • Intake

    July 2027

See how your grades stack up for this course

With an Ascenda account you get your fit and admit odds for every programme, a shortlist you can compare, and your deadlines and applications in one place.

Course Overview

Diploma in Social and Human Services at University of the Sunshine Coast in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia is a diploma programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Social science graduates develop analytical and research skills valued across the civil service, consultancy, research organisations, NGOs and business. Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.

Student life (indicative)

Sunshine Coast offers a comfortable, outdoor-focused student lifestyle. Great weather, natural surroundings and a friendly community create a welcoming environment, with cafés, bars and local events to fill your downtime.

The University at a Glance

Student Population

18,850

Staff Ratio

18.0:1

International

12.0%

Career Prospects

Employment Rate

74.0%

of graduates employed

Avg Starting Salary

£32,390

First-year earnings

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

Fee not confirmed

Check the university's official fee page

City & Location

Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Diploma in Social and Human Services
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Entry Requirements

Subjects

  • Completion of Year 12 or attained age 17 years
  • No prior study | For additional information about the admissions criteria for UniSC - University of the Sunshine Coast and for this course, refer to UniSC - University of the Sunshine Coast's website. | The Inherent Academic Requirements of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program. For information, visit Inherent Academic Requirements on the UniSC - University of the Sunshine Coast website .

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

18,850

Total students

Staff Ratio

18:1

Students per staff

International Students

12%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

City Size

Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Mild coastal

Safety Index (indicative)

8.5/10

Transport

Good (close to station or regional airport)

Social Scene

Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle

Student Life & City (indicative)

Sunshine Coast offers a comfortable, outdoor-focused student lifestyle. Great weather, natural surroundings and a friendly community create a welcoming environment, with cafés, bars and local events to fill your downtime.

  • Sunshine Coast offers a comfortable, outdoor-focused student lifestyle.
  • Great weather, natural surroundings and a friendly community create a welcoming environment, with cafés, bars and local events to fill your downtime.

What Students Love

  • Outdoor & nature activities
  • Great café culture
  • Thriving student social scene
  • Beach lifestyle

University Stats

Total Students18,850
Student-to-Staff Ratio18:1
International Students12%
Safety Index (indicative)8.5/10

Career & Outcomes

Graduate Employment

74%

Employed after graduation

Avg Starting Salary

£32,390

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✗ Not offered

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Social science graduates develop analytical and research skills valued across the civil service, consultancy, research organisations, NGOs and business. Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.

  • Social science graduates develop analytical and research skills valued across the civil service, consultancy, research organisations, NGOs and business.
  • Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Business
  • Education
  • Healthcare

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

Fee not confirmed

Check the university's official fee page

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

HIGH

This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£821/mo
Food & Groceries£331/mo
Transport£86/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£1,429
Annual living costs£17,158/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

Like most major Australian cities, Sunshine Coast carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $1,810/month (housing $1,040, food $420, transport $110). A comfortable lifestyle at costs below Australia's major east-coast cities.

  • Like most major Australian cities, Sunshine Coast carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $1,810/month (housing $1,040, food $420, transport $110).
  • A comfortable lifestyle at costs below Australia's major east-coast cities.