Program Overview

Master of Naturopathic Medicine

The Master of Naturopathic Medicine prepares students for entry into professional naturopathic medicine practice. Naturopathic medicine practitioners are primary healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills to assess, plan, manage and prevent disease and dysfunction across the lifespan. Naturopathic medicine practice is underpinned by a patient-centred, holistic, integrated and evidence-based approach, with a focus on promoting health and wellbeing, avoiding harm, and addressing the underlying causes/risks of ill-health.

Course Overview

Graduates of the Master of Naturopathic Medicine will develop a clear scope of practice across diverse clinical settings, a strong focus on patient-centred care, a solid understanding of the role of naturopaths within healthcare teams and the contemporary healthcare landscape, knowledge and skills in clinical reasoning, critical thinking, research methods and evidence-based practice. This course includes professional experience placements of 510 hours.

Career Outcomes

The Master of Naturopathic Medicine enables graduates to practice as a clinical naturopath. As a clinical naturopath, graduates will be qualified to work in private practice, as well as a range of integrative and acute healthcare settings, such as aged care, palliative care or an integrative health clinic.

Professional Accreditation

This course has been approved by the following associations:

• Australian Natural Therapist Association (ANTA)
• Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association (ANPA)
• Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
• Complementary Medicine Association (CMA)
• Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) This course has been accredited by Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH).

Requirements

An applicant for admission to the Master of Naturopathic Medicine must have completed:

• the Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) at Southern Cross University;
• a Bachelor degree in a clinical health discipline or equivalent, such as Nursing, Osteopathy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic or Medicine;
• study and professional experience determined by the Course Coordinator to be equivalent to a or b.

English Language Requirements

To meet the University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must satisfy one of the following criteria:

• completed Year 12 in Australia or comparable senior secondary study in another country as set out in the ELP Senior Secondary Study Schedule;
• achieved:
  • an International English Language Test System (IELTS) Academic test score equal to or above IELTS 7.0 with no band less than 7.0;
  • a Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic overall test score equal to or above 68 with no communicative score less than 68;
  • a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based (TOEFL iBT) overall test score equal to or above 96 with no reading/listening score less than 24, no writing score less than 27 and no speaking score less than 23;
  • an SCU College English Language Exit Test Score equal to 7.0.

Course Structure

The Master of Naturopathic Medicine prepares students for practice as a clinical naturopath. The course enables students to develop knowledge and skills in naturopathic practice, with a strong focus on naturopathic philosophy, herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, lifestyle medicine, mind-body medicine, integrative health care, evidence-based practice and patient-centredness. The 16 units of study in this course, including 15 core units and 1 elective unit, centre around three key themes:

• Profession and Principles
• Practitioner and Practice
• Patient and Population

Availability and Fees

Location: Gold Coast Teaching period: Term 1, Term 3 Annual Fees: $26,000 ($3,250 per unit) 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.

Why Study Naturopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University

• Top 800 worldwide: We're ranked in the global top 800 universities for Medical and Health Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject 2025
• Study at a National Centre: The National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine is an internationally recognised centre of excellence and innovation in naturopathic medicine
• Accelerated path to become a clinical naturopath: The only four-year Naturopathic Medicine program offered in Australia where students will graduate with a Master's degree

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students:

• Commonwealth Supported Places: In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
• Full Fee-Paying Places: A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. International students:
• Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements.
• Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.
• Southern Cross has also introduced Access, an initiative created to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.