Associate Degree of Science | Swinburne University, Melbourn

Associate Degree Science Full Time

Associate Degree of Science

at Swinburne University of Technology · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

111772K

CRICOS provider code

00111D

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

Not published

Per year

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Associate Degree of Science at Swinburne University of Technology offers a solid foundation in fundamental scientific principles and practical laboratory skills. Delivered over two years in Melbourne, this program covers core areas such as chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics, alongside elective options that enable students to explore interests or develop specialisations related to scientific careers.

Australian associate degrees like this one comprise a sequence of units of study, with each unit contributing to the total credit points required to graduate. Students typically complete their studies over four semesters, gaining both theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience. The structure often allows articulation into a full bachelor’s degree in science, providing a pathway to further study.

The course emphasises critical thinking, data analysis, scientific communication, and problem-solving skills relevant to both the laboratory and broader scientific workplaces. Students may have opportunities to engage in collaborative projects or industry-linked practicals, which are valued by Australian employers. This course is well-suited to those seeking science qualifications for technical roles or as a stepping stone to further university study.

International students located in Australia may have the right to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester, and upon completing the associate degree, may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, subject to government requirements. As Swinburne is a public institution in Melbourne, students benefit from industry connections in one of Australia’s leading science and technology hubs. Please confirm details, unit choices, and progression options on Swinburne's official page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Science laboratory assistant in research organisations or schools
Technical officer in environmental monitoring and analysis
Field assistant for biological or environmental surveys
Quality assurance technician in food, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing industries
Support and testing roles in diagnostic laboratories or biotechnology firms
Pathway to further study, graduate entry into bachelor degrees in science or related fields

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Associate Degree of Science at Swinburne University of Technology?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

What are the career outcomes?

Science laboratory assistant in research organisations or schoolsTechnical officer in environmental monitoring and analysisField assistant for biological or environmental surveysQuality assurance technician in food, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing industriesSupport and testing r...

Apply View university