Program Overview

Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle)

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. This course allows students to develop an understanding of health science, social science, lifestyle medicine, clinical science, scientific enquiry, and naturopathic medicine.

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. To practice as a Clinical Naturopath, students must successfully complete the Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) and the Southern Cross University Master of Naturopathic Medicine.

Career Outcomes

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.

Professional Accreditation

Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with the Complementary Medicine Association and Massage & Myotherapy Australia.

Requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle), students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points) comprising:

• 23 core units (288 credit points)
• 1 elective unit

Entry 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.
• 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.
• The IELTS (academic module) minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the four components.
• The PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 59 and a minimum score of 59 in each of the four communicative skills.
• 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.

Course Structure

The course progression is in the recommended order students should complete their course in. It is essential that students follow this to ensure they meet the course requirements.

Core Units

The 24 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: exercise physiology; introductory pharmacology; nutritional medicine; botanical medicine; manual and mind-body medicine; clinical studies in naturopathic medicine 1-5; work-integrated health placement (elective); working with Aboriginal communities I (elective).
• 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.

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic Students

• Commonwealth Supported Places: The Government pays some of the fees, and students pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
• Full Fee-Paying Places: A full fee-paying place is where students pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for their course.

International Students

The annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) can be found on the International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for the course under fees.

Why Study Health Science at Southern Cross University

• Graduates in high demand: 79% of graduates are employed full-time within four months of completing their course.
• Pathway to further study: This degree forms part of the only four-year program in Naturopathic Medicine offered in Australia where students will graduate with a Masters degree.
• Guaranteed entry with Diploma of Health: Successful completion of the Diploma guarantees entry and eight (8) units of credit towards a linked Bachelor degree.