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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March, July
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Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
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Location
Lismore, National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour, Online
Online students attend compulsory residential workshops for some units. -
Placement
Yes Learn more
-
ATAR
65
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
BSc
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Course code
3007004
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Credit points
288
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Equivalent units
24
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
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Start Date
March
-
Duration
3 years full-time
-
Location
Lismore, National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
-
Placement
Yes Learn more
-
ATAR
65
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
BSc
-
Course code
3007004
-
Credit points
288
-
Equivalent units
24
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a flexible degree allowing you to incorporate a wide range of subjects with career-focused science specialisations.
Choose a specialisation (the specialisation appears on your graduating testamur):
Earth and Environmental Systems
Develops skills and understanding of environmental science and management. Units cover ecology, ecosystem regeneration, biochemistry, modelling and resource management (including water, catchments and waste/resources in the circular economy).
Marine Systems
Builds on introductory earth systems knowledge with units at our National Marine Science Centre Islands Marine Park. These units cover oceanography, marine ecology, fish and aquaculture, reefs, fisheries and marine parks management.
Regenerative Agriculture
Investigates human ecology, soil processes, regenerative strategies and soil management, planning of rural landscapes, developing specialist knowledge and taking a holistic approach to food production and farm management. Includes practical, on-farm residential schools.
Alternatively, you can major in Applied Chemistry, Biology or a shared major from other disciplines across the University.
The Bachelor of Science is characterised by practical field experience in all years, making use of our easy access to a variety of subtropical terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems.
Online students must complete on-campus compulsory residentials for some units (please see Notes for relevant units in the Course Structure/Progression section).
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"The degree gave me a lot of skills in communicating and working with different people, writing reports and liaising with all types of stakeholders, having the ability to understand the science, but then relay it."
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.
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 Use complexity thinking and critical analysis in relation to scientific methods of inquiry. |
GA2: Creativity Respond creatively to complex intellectual, professional, practical and societal challenges in the Anthropocene. |
GA3: Ethical practice Apply professional judgement based on ethical behaviour, academic integrity, professional standards, regulatory frameworks, and respect for principles of social justice to support adaptability. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Select and apply appropriate practical and theoretical scientific methods, techniques and tools to collect and accurately record data through systematic inquiry. Demonstrate broad and well-developed knowledge of the theory and application of scientific principles, system knowledge and associated practices |
GA5: Lifelong learning Synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence Reflect on the role of self in the context of learning, professional development and ethical practice in science. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Effectively communicate science and practice in a systems approach using a variety of modes to engage with a range of audiences. Work collaboratively, responsibly and safely as part of a team. |
GA7: Cultural competence Incorporate diverse cultural perspectives and Indigenous ways of knowing to inform understandings of complex and interconnected physical, social and economic systems. |
Within their study program, students will have the option for an internship placement at career-relevant workplaces.
Online students must complete on-campus compulsory residentials for some units (please see Notes for relevant units in the Course Structure/Progression section).
Specialisations
Specialisations are a group of units which develop specialist skills and knowledge. All specialisations provide capstone units that reinforce your chosen field via research and applied practice.
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Earth and Environmental Systems covers ecology, ecosystem regeneration, biogeochemistry, modelling and resource management (including water, catchments and waste/resources in the circular economy). You can choose from a range of elective units, including ecological economics, wildlife conservation, and protected area management.
- Marine Systems builds on introductory earth systems knowledge by studying units at our National Marine Science Centre adjacent to the Solitary Islands. These cover oceanography, marine ecology, fish and aquaculture, reefs, fisheries and marine parks management. You can choose from a range of elective units including marine megafauna, ocean change biology, drone technology and special analysis, and coastal fluvial hydrodynamics.
- Regenerative Agriculture covers human ecology, soil processes, regenerative strategies and soil management as well as the planning of rural landscapes, developing specialist knowledge and taking a holistic approach to food production and farm management. A key aspect of this specialisation is on-farm residential schools.
Majors
You can choose one major plus a range of elective units or a double major and an elective unit. Majors available include:
- Applied Chemistry
- Biology
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or one of the following:
- Art and Design
- Aviation Management
- Biomedical Science
- Business and Data Analytics
- Creative Writing
- Cultural Studies
- Digital Media
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- History
- Indigenous Knowledge
- International Business
- Law and Justice
- Marketing
- Politics and International Relations
- Psychology
- Regenerative Agriculture
- Social Science
- Tourism Management.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Lismore | Term 1 |
| National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour | Term 1 |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lismore | Term 1 | $25,000 ($3,125 per unit) | 104730A |
| National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour | Term 1 | $25,000 ($3,125 per unit) | 104730A |
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. | |||
Career Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science prepares students for employment or further study in the sciences, developing graduates who can apply science in the context of broader systems to address complex intellectual, professional, practical and societal challenges in the Anthropocene.
Career opportunities are diverse, including natural resource management in local council, state, Commonwealth Government or not-for-profit organisations, consulting, as an industry adviser or practitioner, research technician, quality control/quality assurance officer, data analyst or science communicator.
Specialisations allow students to develop expertise in an area of practice such as Marine, Forest, Earth and Environmental Science or Regenerative Agriculture and may have more specific career outcomes.
Graduate outcomes for specialisations might include:
Earth and Environmental Systems
Career opportunities exist in public and private sectors, national park and protected area management, environmental protection, waste management, environmental impact assessment and monitoring, environmental education and interpretation, ecotourism, land/river/coast care programs; and in environmental science research.
Marine Systems
Career opportunities exist in marine park management, fisheries and aquaculture, reef restoration, marine monitoring, marine-based tourism, state or federal government, marine consulting, or marine research and technical assistance.
Regenerative Agriculture
Career opportunities exist in public and private sectors as a regenerative agriculture specialist/consultant, farmer, resource manager, regenerative agronomist, sustainability advisor and planner, policy developer, biologist, ecologist, soil health scientist, or in scientific research. Combined with our education course, graduates may also be prepared for roles in high school agricultural science.
Graduates may be eligible for membership of professional associations such as the Institute of Foresters of Australia, depending on the specialisation or major studied.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
- 1 specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems or Marine Systems or Forestry Systems or Regenerative Agriculture or a double specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems and Marine Systems; (288 credit points) or
- 6 core units (72 credit points), and 1 science major (96 credit points), and 10 equivalent elective units (120 credit points); or
- 6 core units (72 credit points), 2 science majors (192 credit points), and equivalent 2 elective unit/s (24 credit points); or
- 6 core units (72 credit points), 1 science major (96 credit points), 1 shared major (96 credit points), and equivalent 2 elective unit/s (24 credit points).
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why Science and Environment at SCU
Global top 350
We're ranked in the global top 350 in Agriculture and Forestry
(QS Rankings 2023)5-star rating
We’re rated 5-stars for learning resources, student support and teaching quality
(Good Universities Guide 2023: Science and Mathematics)Guaranteed entry with Diploma of Science
Guaranteed entry with Diploma of Science into our Bachelor of Science with a choice of specialisations
Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
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).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
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 Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Early offer
If you're a current year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.
Apply now for your early offerDates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway