Naturopathic medicine student standing in front of shelf of jars

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    July

  • Duration

    34 weeks part-time

  • Location

    Online

  • Placement

    No  

  • Course abbreviation

    GradCertAdvNatMed

  • Course code

    1008440

  • Credit points

    48

  • Equivalent units

    4

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    June

  • Duration

    1 year part-time

  • Location

    Online

  • Placement

    No  

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

The complementary medicines industry in Australia is worth an estimated $4.7 billion, and globally, close to $83 billion.

Naturopathic practitioners with advanced knowledge and skills may be well-placed to support this growing field.

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Naturopathic Medicine provides an introduction to advanced study in naturopathic medicine. The course is ideal if you are a recent naturopathy graduate wishing to develop specialised knowledge, or a practitioner in the field looking to expand your skills, attributes and career opportunities. The course also provides a pathway for graduates wanting to undertake further postgraduate or higher degree studies.

Delivered online in flexible part-time or full-time mode, the course covers critical aspects of naturopathic philosophy, research and evidence-based practice. You'll also be able to deepen your knowledge in a specialised area of clinical practice, such as gastrointestinal health, mental health or reproductive health, through the choice of an elective.

Woman in green shirt smiling at camera with shelves of bottles in background

“My study experience totally changed me, and my clients will benefit. Southern Cross University is very supportive of big wonderful ideas, and your lecturers just want you to succeed.”

 

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.

Learn more

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

Critically analyse the interplay between traditional and scientific knowledge within naturopathic medicine.

GA2: Creativity

Develop innovative, creative and effective responses to the integration of traditional and scientific knowledge in professional practice of naturopathic medicine.

GA3: Ethical practice

Develop an understanding of ethical and legal principles in research.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Analyse established naturopathic theories, guiding philosophies, principles of practice and apply these to the professional practice of naturopathic medicine.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate autonomy, well developed independent judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a learner and practitioner.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Communicate concisely and appropriately in an oral and written form in academic, professional and health care settings.

GA7: Cultural competence

Examine contemporary naturopathic medicine practice within the context of different integrative healthcare models.

You will study two core units in naturopathic philosophy and research:

  • Critical Perspectives in Naturopathic Philosophy
  • Practice-Based Health Research.

You'll also choose two electives from the following units to expand your knowledge in a specialist area:

  • Cognition and the Healthy Brain
  • Integrative Mental Health
  • Integrative Gastroenterology
  • Gut Microbiome and Health
  • Integrative Women's Health
  • Integrative Reproductive Health
  • Food as Medicine
  • Foundations of Clinical Hypnosis.

Location Teaching period
OnlineTerm  3
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
OnlineTerm  3$12,500 ($3,125 per unit)N/A

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 Graduate Certificate in Advanced Naturopathic Medicine enables practitioners to extend their knowledge and skills in naturopathic medicine. Career opportunities exist as a naturopathic practitioner or in any number of roles within the complementary medicines industry. You may also choose to pursue further postgraduate studies in advanced naturopathic medicine.

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

A Bachelor degree in Naturopathic Medicine, or equivalent.

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

CategoryScore
Overall6.5
Listeningminimum 6.0
Speakingminimum 6.0
Readingminimum 6.0
Writingminimum 6.0

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Naturopathic Medicine students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising

  • 2 core units (24 credit points), and
  • 2 option units (24 credit points).

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Access and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Other things to consider

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.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

NATM6002Critical Perspectives in Naturopathic Philosophy
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term3
Term3
HLTH5009Practice-Based Health Research
Term1,4,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term4,5
Term4,5
Pre-requisitesAdmitted to 1207235 - Master of Osteopathic Medicine OR 1209240 - Master of Advanced Naturopathic Medicine OR 1008440 - Graduate Certificate in Advanced Naturopathic Medicine; OR 192 credit points in 3007319 - Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) OR 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery; OR 60 credit points in 1209350 - Master of Naturopathic Medicine
Option Units
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
NATM5003Integrative Gastroenterology
HLTH6001Human Microbiome and Health
NATM5006Integrative Women's Health
NATM5004Integrative Reproductive Health
NATM6005Integrative Mental Health
NATM6006Cognition and the Healthy Brain
FOOD5004Food as Medicine
CMPL5001Fundamentals of Clinical Hypnosis
Option Units
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
NATM5003Integrative Gastroenterology
HLTH6001Human Microbiome and Health
NATM5006Integrative Women's Health
NATM5004Integrative Reproductive Health
NATM6005Integrative Mental Health
NATM6006Cognition and the Healthy Brain
FOOD5004Food as Medicine
CMPL5001Fundamentals of Clinical Hypnosis


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core Units

NATM6002Critical Perspectives in Naturopathic Philosophy
HLTH5009Practice-Based Health Research

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
NATM5003Integrative Gastroenterology
HLTH6001Human Microbiome and Health
NATM5006Integrative Women's Health
NATM5004Integrative Reproductive Health
NATM6005Integrative Mental Health
NATM6006Cognition and the Healthy Brain
FOOD5004Food as Medicine
CMPL5001Fundamentals of Clinical Hypnosis

Why Health at SCU

One of the best clinical lab facilities in Australia

Health Clinics on-campus provide safe and supervised environments for practicums

5-star health ratings

We are 5-star rated in psychology, nursing and health services and support

(GUG 2023)

Graduates in very high demand

Health graduates in very high demand as Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia's largest and fastest growing industry

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.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

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.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Online

International students studying online or outside of Australia

Online

Dates 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.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

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Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway