Course Overview

About This Course

Overview The World Health Organisation estimates a projected shortfall of 18 million health care workers by 2030, which has resulted in rebuilding the health care workforce as a core global health priority. The Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) is a foundation degree for students who wish to pursue a career in health, naturopathic medicine, or lifestyle medicine. Successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) is a direct pathway to a career as a Clinical Naturopath. Graduates can enrol in Southern Cross University's Master of Naturopathic Medicine with eight units of advanced standing to complete the accredited postgraduate qualification. The total full-time duration for this program is four years (3-year Bachelor and 1-year Masters). This course allows students to develop an understanding of health science, social science, lifestyle medicine, clinical science, scientific enquiry and naturopathic medicine. Students will also develop a theoretical and practical understanding of health promotion through undertaking a work-integrated health placement, health promotion project or professional engagement with Aboriginal communities. This degree provides graduates with a solid foundation in evidence-based practice and a deep understanding of naturopathic medicine's philosophical foundations of preventing ill-health, improving patient health outcomes, supporting a patient's innate ability to heal and addressing the underlying causes of illness. This is the only undergraduate Naturopathic Medicine degree in Australia offering Commonwealth Supported places (HECS-HELP). This course has travel expectations - please read the information below on placements carefully. Pathway option: Diploma of Health (Naturopathic Studies Specialisation). "My experience at Southern Cross has been really good. There has been a vast array of opportunities for me. I've seen the whole spectrum of what I'm capable of doing." Vincent Manze Clinical Exercise Physiology student Default --> "Having lifestyle medicine as an evidence-based strategy for preventing and managing diseases has set me up with a good arsenal of tools to help people move towards prevention rather than cure." Lauren Prictor Master of Lifestyle Medicine graduate and General Practitioner Understanding the Southern Cross Model The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study. Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning. On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit. Learn more Learning outcomes and graduate attributes Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA). Course Learning Outcome GA1: Intellectual rigour Interpret evidence-based clinical-decision making frameworks appropriate for contemporary health and lifestyle contexts GA2: Creativity Use initiative and problem-solving skills to respond creatively to intellectual, professional, environmental and social challenges GA3: Ethical practice Function within applicable professional competencies, scope of practice, codes of conduct, codes of ethics, laws and policies GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Apply health and lifestyle philosophies, theories and frameworks in applicable professional contexts Demonstrate a body of knowledge and skills derived from the physical, biological, behavioural, clinical and social sciences GA5: Lifelong learning Use reflection to guide professional development and to be a self-directed and life-long learner GA6: Communication and social skills Demonstrate and apply well-developed verbal and written communication skills applicable to diverse settings with high academic and professional integrity Collaborate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, groups and interdisciplinary teams GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate respect and responsiveness to socio-cultural preferences, needs and values of individuals and groups in diverse settings Display social responsibility to others in the community and within the broader healthcare setting Placements, work experience and study hours This course includes 52 hours of Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Elective units may include additional WIL hours. WIL is a vital part of your professional experience and comes with specific expectations and responsibilities. Please read the following carefully before applying for the course: Placement Locations: While we consider your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. It is essential to keep your address up to date in MyEnrolment , as inaccurate information may result in a placement that requires extended travel. Travel and Costs: You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses. Fit-to-Practice Requirements: Before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, immunisations (as per the Australian National Immunisation Program), mask-fit testing, First Aid and CPR certification and National Police Certificate checks. More detailed information on WIL is available on the Faculty WIL page . Specialisations, majors and minors The Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) provides a direct pathway into the Master of Naturopathic Medicine. The 23 core units of study in this course centre around three themes: Profession and Principles : professional contexts in naturopathic medicine 1-2; language and learning in your discipline. Practitioner and Practice : introductory pharmacology; nutritional medicine; botanical medicine; manual and mind-body medicine; clinical studies in naturopathic medicine 1-5. Patient and Population : introduction to science for health professionals; human anatomy; human physiology I and II; biological chemistry and human metabolism; psychology and sociology for health professionals; introduction to evidence for health science practitioners; health promotion and wellness; counselling theory and practice; practice-based health research. Availability Availability and fees Location Teaching period Gold Coast Term 1, Term 3 Lismore Term 1 Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS Gold Coast Term 1, Term 3 $26,000 ($3,250 per unit) 108299A Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Ground floor and Level 1-3, 60 Phillip St, SYDNEY, NSW 2000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

To meet the University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria: satisfactory completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the Recognised Countries (see below), including at least two years between years 7 and 12; or completed at least two years (full time equivalent combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed solely in English, in one of the Recognised Countries; or a. the IELTS (academic module) minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the four components: or the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 59 and a minimum score of 59 in each of the four communicative skills; or the TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 79 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 20 listening, 19 reading, 24 writing, and 20 speaking; or successful completion of the English for Academic Purposes 3 program at SCU College. Recognised Countries means the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK and USA. Please note, Rule 2 Schedule B test scores equivalencies do not apply to this course. Language requirements English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs . Category Score Overall Score or equivalent 6.5 Reading 6.5 Writing 6.5 Listening 6.5 Speaking 6.5

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Career Outcomes Potential occupations This course provides a direct pathway into the Master of Naturopathic Medicine , which enables graduates to practice as a Clinical Naturopath. As a clinical naturopath, graduates will be qualified to work in private practice, as well as in a range of primary and specialised healthcare settings, such as aged care, palliative care, rural health centres or integrative health clinics. In addition to careers in naturopathic medicine, students will be well-prepared for diverse roles working within health care teams (as an allied health assistant, associate massage therapist, health/lifestyle coach or care coordinator), community teams (as a health promotion officer, community development officer, or project officer), or independently (as a health/lifestyle consultant, or health communicator/writer). Professional accreditation Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with the Complementary Medicine Association and Massage & Myotherapy Australia .

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Relevant National Health Practitioner Board / AHPRA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

VETASSESS / relevant health board

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) at Southern Cross University?

The Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) is an undergraduate degree offered by Southern Cross University that focuses on health science with a specialisation in health promotion and lifestyle factors that influence individual and community wellbeing.

Where is Southern Cross University located?

Southern Cross University (SCU) has campuses in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia, including locations at Lismore, Coffs Harbour, and the Gold Coast.

Is detailed course information available online for this degree?

The specific course page was temporarily unavailable due to a security verification process at the time of access, so detailed information such as units, entry requirements, and intake dates could not be retrieved. Prospective students are encouraged to visit SCU's official website directly for the most up-to-date information.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $80,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $125,000 per year

Career Paths

Public Health OfficerHealth Promotion OfficerEpidemiologistBiostatisticianHealth Policy Analyst

Key Skills

Epidemiological analysis and disease surveillanceBiostatistics and quantitative data analysisHealth promotion program design and evaluationPublic health policy development and analysisHealth research methods (qualitative and quantitative)

Full Course Overview

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