Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle)

The Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) at Southern Cross University is a three-year degree for people who want to work in health promotion, community health, or lifestyle coaching. You'll study how the body works, what shapes health behaviour, and how to design programmes that help people and communities live well. Core subjects usually cover human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, exercise and health, psychology, and public health principles. You'll also look at how social, cultural, and environmental factors influence health, and how to plan, run, and evaluate health interventions.

How the degree is structured

Like most Australian bachelor degrees, this one is built on units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You'll typically complete 24 units over three years of full-time study, split into semesters. Most students take four units per semester. The degree usually includes a mix of core health science units, electives, and a capstone unit in your final year where you bring together what you've learned, often through a real project with a community organisation or health service. Some students choose to add an honours year, which is a fourth year of research training and a thesis, if they want to go on to a research career or higher degree.

Work-integrated learning

Health promotion and community health are hands-on fields, so the degree includes work-integrated learning. That might be a placement with a local health district, a non-government organisation, a council health team, or a workplace health programme. You'll get to apply theory in a real setting, build professional contacts, and see how health programmes actually run. Southern Cross University has campuses in northern New South Wales and the Gold Coast, and strong links to health services in those regions. Placements are usually arranged by the university and count towards your degree.

Skills you'll gain and who it suits

You'll learn to assess health needs, plan and deliver health promotion activities, communicate health messages clearly, and evaluate whether a programme worked. You'll also build skills in teamwork, project management, and working with people from different backgrounds. This degree suits school leavers and mature-age students who care about prevention and community wellbeing. It's a good fit if you want a health career that isn't clinical, you won't be diagnosing or treating patients, but you'll be shaping the conditions that keep people healthy. It also works as a pathway to further study in public health, health management, or research. English language requirements for international applicants are set by the university; check the official course page for the exact scores and accepted tests. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after graduating. Always confirm details on the official Southern Cross University page or the CRICOS listing.

• Health promotion officer, plan and run health campaigns with local health districts, NGOs, or government agencies.
• Community health worker, support communities to access health services and improve wellbeing, often in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations or multicultural services.
• Lifestyle coach or health coach, help individuals make changes to nutrition, exercise, and habits, in private practice, corporate wellness, or insurance settings.
• Health project officer, coordinate health programmes and events for councils, hospitals, or not-for-profits.
• Workplace health and wellbeing coordinator, design and deliver employee health programmes in large organisations.
• Public health officer, assist with disease prevention, health education, and policy support in state or federal health departments.
• Research assistant, support public health and health services research at universities or research institutes.
• Further study, graduates can pursue a Master of Public Health, Master of Health Management, or an honours year leading to research.

Australian industries that hire these graduates include public health, community services, local government, hospitals and health services, non-government organisations, fitness and wellness, and corporate health. Some roles may require additional qualifications or registration, check with the employer or professional body.