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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
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
N/A
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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
3007420
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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.
Overview
The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is an industry-orientated degree with career-focused science specialisations. Graduates are equipped with both scientific knowledge and practical skills to address critical global issues.
The three specialisations in Environment, Agriculture and Marine offer focused expertise aligned with real-world applications, allowing students to tackle environmental challenges, sustainable agricultural practices, and marine conservation.
Graduates from the Bachelor of Science will have diverse employment opportunities across environmental, marine, and agricultural sectors, each offering local and international prospects.
Students will choose one of the following specialisations to focus their degree (the specialisation appears on your graduating testamur):
Environment
This specialisation focuses on understanding and managing the natural environment. Students learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change and sustainability. The program equips graduates with skills in environmental analysis, resource management and conservation, preparing them for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies and non-profit organisations.
Marine
This specialisation builds on introductory earth systems knowledge with units at our National Marine Science Centre, positioned near the Solitary Islands Marine Park. These units cover oceanography, marine ecology, fish and aquaculture, reefs, fisheries and marine parks management.
This specialisation dives into the study of marine ecosystems, oceanography and marine conservation. Students explore the dynamic relationships between marine organisms and their environments. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in marine research and conservation, fisheries management and environmental policy.
Agriculture
The Agriculture specialisation focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, crop science and food production systems. Students learn about soil management, plant biology and modern agricultural technology. This prepares graduates for roles in agronomy, agricultural consulting and food security sectors.
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 Apply holistic approaches and scientific methods to find solutions to complex and interdependent environmental and societal challenges. Select and apply appropriate scientific methods, techniques and tools to systematically collect and accurately record data. Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence. |
GA2: Creativity Select and apply appropriate scientific methods, techniques and tools to systematically collect and accurately record data. Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence. |
GA3: Ethical practice Develop reflective practice in the context of learning, professional development and ethical practice in science. Demonstrate professional judgement, ethical behaviour, academic and research integrity, and an understanding of relevant professional standards and regulatory frameworks. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence. Demonstrate broad and well-developed knowledge of the theory and application of scientific principles and techniques. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence. Develop reflective practice in the context of learning, professional development and ethical practice in science. Demonstrate collaborative skills and cultural competencies, including Indigenous perspectives. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Apply holistic approaches and scientific methods to find solutions to complex and interdependent environmental and societal challenges. Develop practical and cognitive skills to synthesise, critically evaluate, and interpret scientific data and other information to draw rigorous conclusions and solve problems with intellectual independence. Effectively communicate scientific knowledge, arguments and conclusions clearly and coherently to a range of audiences using well-developed oral and written communication skills and a variety of media. |
GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate collaborative skills and cultural competencies, including Indigenous perspectives. |
Students may choose to undertake an optional 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).
Students will choose from one of the following specialisations:
Environment
This specialisation focuses on understanding and managing the natural environment. Students learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change and sustainability. The program equips graduates with skills in environmental analysis, resource management and conservation, preparing them for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies and non-profit organisations.
Marine
This specialisation builds on introductory earth systems knowledge with units at our National Marine Science Centre, positioned near the Solitary Islands Marine Park. These units cover oceanography, marine ecology, fish and aquaculture, reefs, fisheries and marine parks management.
This specialisation dives into the study of marine ecosystems, oceanography and marine conservation. Students explore the dynamic relationships between marine organisms and their environments. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in marine research and conservation, fisheries management and environmental policy.
Agriculture
The Agriculture specialisation focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, crop science and food production systems. Students learn about soil management, plant biology and modern agricultural technology. This prepares graduates for roles in agronomy, agricultural consulting and food security sectors.
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).
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Lismore | Term 1, Term 3 |
| National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3 |
Career Outcomes
A Bachelor of Science degree opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, depending on the area of specialisation. Graduates can pursue roles in research, industry, government and non-profit organisations, where scientific knowledge is applied to solve practical challenges.
Environment
Graduates may pursue roles such as Environmental Scientist, Natural Resource Manager, Conservation Officer, or GIS Analyst. Demand for environmental expertise is high, with opportunities in government, consulting and NGOs focusing on sustainability, conservation and resource management.
Marine
Career paths include Marine Biologist, Marine Environmental Consultant, Fisheries Officer, and Marine Policy Analyst. With a growing focus on the “Blue Economy”, graduates will find roles in government agencies, research institutions and conservation organisations focusing on marine sustainability and eco-tourism.
Agriculture
This specialisation opens careers as Agricultural Scientists, Agronomists, Natural Resource Managers, and positions in food production and policy. The agriculture sector’s expanding needs provide strong job prospects, particularly in sustainable agriculture and food security.
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:
- 9 core units (108 credit points), and
- 1 specialisation in Environment or Marine or Agriculture (132 credit points), and
- 4 equivalent option units (48 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.
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 study Science and Environment at Southern Cross University
Global leader in Science
We're ranked in the top 150 universities for oceanography and top 500 for earth sciences and biological sciences
Global Rankings of Academic Subjects (Shanghai Rankings) 20245-star ratings for Environmental Studies
We're rated 5 stars for undergraduate Skills Development and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2025Guaranteed 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.
Apply now
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- 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.
How can we help?
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