Key facts
Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.
Entry is based on recent secondary, higher education, VET study, or work/life experience.
View full entry requirements- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 year part-time
Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2025 | Trimester 2 – June 2025 | Trimester 3 – October 2025 |
---|---|---|---|
Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochureThis course is not offered in 2025. We encourage you to explore our suite of undergraduate courses for an alternative course that meets your goals.
The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development is a program of study for people from a broad range of backgrounds who want to begin developing skills for future careers or further study. Designed in response to rapid workplace and industry changes brought about by COVID19, it can help you develop knowledge and skills in a range of disciplinary areas. This program is available fully online and includes a core unit to help you articulate your career goals. For students in Tamworth there are options for face-to-face learning and the chance to undertake work experience with a local employer in some specialisations.
Specialisations in Business Studies, Community Welfare and Wellbeing, Creative Industries, Culture and Communication, Educational Studies, Information Technology, Science, and Sports Science are available.
Why study the Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development with UNE?
If you want to develop knowledge and skills to expand your career opportunities or pave the way for further study, this is the course for you. The Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development is a customisable online program designed for those wishing to explore their career opportunities.
Not only does this program offer you excellent opportunities to expand your career options to thrive in evolving workplaces and industries, but also the opportunity to gain highly transferable skills that will prepare you for your future study and career.
What makes our course different?
This program is designed with an emphasis on real-world learning that prepares you to successfully progress in your chosen career pathway. Choose the program to:
- Get expert support from UNE’s Academic Concierge staff during a core unit which helps you clarify and articulate your next career transition that will position you for success in future workplaces.
- Have the freedom to assemble your study from across UNE’s discipline areas.
- Gain transferable creative, critical and analytical skills to assist with your future employment or further study.
- Complete your study in as little as one trimester (full-time) or two trimesters (part-time).
- Learn from experienced professionals and internationally regarded research staff.
- Experience the high level of teaching and support that has earned UNE a consistent five-star rating in the Good Universities Guide.
Graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development may be eligible to apply to the equivalent Diploma or Bachelor courses and receive credit for completed units based on the chosen specialisation.
Pathways to further study
- Business Studies – Bachelor of Business
- Community Welfare and Wellbeing – Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Creative Industries – Bachelor of Arts
- Culture and Communication – Bachelor of Media and Communications
- Educational Studies – Bachelor of Educational Studies
- Information Technology – Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Information Technology with ONE major
- Science – Bachelor of Scientific Studies. Some unit choices may be restricted by the credit awarded.
- Sports Science - Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
UNE is a leader in the provision of online learning for aspiring and qualified professionals. Our supportive, streamlined online environment makes it easier for you to learn in a style and timeframe that suits your lifestyle. What’s more, we are consistently ranked as one of Australia’s top-rated providers of online education.
Tamworth study options
If you are located in Tamworth you can study online, with options for face-to-face learning and work experience opportunities with local employers within the Business Studies, Community Welfare & Wellbeing, Creative Industries, and Sports Science specialisations.
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 bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together to build real world networks for the future.
* 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 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 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 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.
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.
6 credit points
Complete the following unit- Demonstrate Your Professional Preparation (DYPP100) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete ONE Specialisations totalling 18 credit points18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from the following units- Introduction to Financial Accounting (AFM101) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals of Personal Finance (AFM104) – 6 credit points
- Economics for Management (ECON123) – 6 credit points
- Communication for Business (MM105) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals of Marketing (MM110) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from the following units- Information and Evidence in Health and Social Care (HLTH101) – 6 credit points
- Interprofessional Practice in Health and Social Care (HLTH102) – 6 credit points
- Communication for Health Professionals (HLTH103) – 6 credit points
- The Context of the Health and Community Services (HLTH104) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete the following unit- Creative Industries (COMM103) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units- Screen Media (COMM101) – 6 credit points
- Media Convergence and Culture (COMM102) – 6 credit points
- Indigenous Perspectives across Creative Industries (INK101) – 6 credit points
- Cross-Cultural Music Concepts and Analysis (MUSI131) – 6 credit points
- Performance From Ritual to Realism (THEA110) – 6 credit points
- Making Theatre New (THEA111) – 6 credit points
- Speaking in Public (THEA134) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
- Storytelling and Genre Writing (WRIT102) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from the following units- Media Convergence and Culture (COMM102) – 6 credit points
- Creative Industries (COMM103) – 6 credit points
- Communicating in Culturally Diverse Contexts (LING150) – 6 credit points
- Communication for Business (MM105) – 6 credit points
- Aboriginal Resilience and the Arts (OORA100) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from the following units- History of Australian Education (EDCX135) – 6 credit points
- English Language in Use (EDEE100) – 6 credit points
- Digital Literacy and Technologies Across the Curriculum (EDIT124) – 6 credit points
- Primary Mathematics 1: Numeracy (EDME145) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from the following units- Software Development Studio 1 (COSC101) – 6 credit points
- Data Science Studio 1 (COSC102) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Programming and the UNIX Environment (COSC110) – 6 credit points
- Object Oriented Programming (COSC120) – 6 credit points
- Computational Thinking (ICT100) – 6 credit points
- From Logic to Data Processing (ICT101) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete the following unit- Science in Practice (SCI100) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
And complete 12 credit points from the following units- Animals in Society (ANSC120) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Chemistry (CHEM100) – 6 credit points
- Ecology: Concepts and Applications (ECOL100) – 6 credit points
- Monitoring Health and Sports Performance (EXSC101) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals in Forensic Science (FSC102) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Human Physiology 1 (PSIO110) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Human Physiology 2 (PSIO120) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Statistical Modelling (STAT100) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
- Life on Earth (ZOOL100) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points from the following units- Introduction to Human Anatomy (ANAT110) – 6 credit points
- Functional Musculoskeletal Anatomy (ANAT120) – 6 credit points
- Sociocultural Foundations of Health and Physical Education (EDPE150) – 6 credit points
- Monitoring Health and Sports Performance (EXSC101) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Exercise and Sports Science (EXSC120) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Psychology I (PSYC101) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 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 (quotas apply) | $6,504* |
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $365 |
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
Being a tailored program of study, the career opportunities gained through this course are specific to you and your goals. The course may help you to:
- prepare for successful further study in your chosen career field
- diversify your skillsets to create more career choices.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development provides a springboard to further study that will equip you for successful entry into your chosen career.
Course outcomes
- take action to implement their planned career transition in their chosen field;
- demonstrate subject specific knowledge of discipline/area of study with the ability to communicate and/or collaborate appropriately with a range of stakeholders; and
- apply effective critical thinking, learning strategies and skills as independent learners.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will possess knowledge relevant to their fields of study, and have an introductory understanding of key principles, practices and boundaries of the disciplines they study.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have skills that enable them to communicate the ideas and information acquired from their areas of study. 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 an understanding of key problem solving strategies in their fields of study 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 critically 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, research subjects, 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 and critical thinking skills will enable candidates to be able to research, write about and discuss a range of 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 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying 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 enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
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 | 14 February 2025 | 24 February 2025 |
Trimester 2 | 13 June 2025 | 23 June 2025 |
Trimester 3 | 10 October 2025 | 20 October 2025 |