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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March, July
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Duration
1 year part-time
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Location
Online
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Placement
No
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ATAR
Not applicable
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.5
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
GradCertLifestyleMed
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Course code
1008441
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Credit points
48
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Equivalent units
4
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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
-
Start Date
February, June
-
Duration
1 year part-time
-
Location
Online
-
Placement
No
-
ATAR
Not applicable
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.5
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
GradCertLifestyleMed
-
Course code
1008441
-
Credit points
48
-
Equivalent units
4
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
Lifestyle Medicine is an internationally recognised discipline that focuses on the prevention and reversal of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases through the modification of behavioural, social and environmental determinants.
The Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine is designed for health practitioners working in general medicine, allied health, nursing or other health disciplines who wish to develop foundational skills and knowledge in the field of lifestyle medicine. The course assists practitioners to prescribe lifestyle interventions and facilitate behaviour change in order to support the prevention and management of chronic disease and to improve patient outcomes.
The Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine is taught by leaders in the field and uses an evidence based approach to examine the principles and practices of lifestyle medicine, including determinants of health, clinical processes, models of care, and strategies and interventions for preventing and managing disease.
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“Having lifestyle medicine as an evidence-based strategy for preventing and managing diseases has set me up with a good arsenal of tools to help people move towards prevention rather than cure.”
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 an evidence-based clinical-decision making framework using appropriate evidence and critical thinking within contemporary lifestyle medicine practice. Apply knowledge of the principles and methods of evidence-based practice to the practice of lifestyle medicine. |
GA2: Creativity Critically and creatively evaluate and respond to actual and potential health problems impacting individuals, families and communities. |
GA3: Ethical practice Exhibit professional competencies, scopes of practice, codes of conduct, codes of ethics, laws and policies. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Critically apply pertinent lifestyle medicine theories and frameworks in clinical and professional contexts. Apply knowledge of local and global determinants of health, for different populations and settings. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Critically reflect on current skills, knowledge, attitudes and practices to plan and implement ongoing personal and professional learning. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Apply autonomy, accountability, adaptability and professional advocacy in lifestyle medicine across diverse teams and settings. Demonstrate advanced verbal and written communication skills that drive appropriate patient and population outcomes in diverse settings. |
GA7: Cultural competence Advocate the socio-cultural preferences, needs and values of individuals and groups across diverse settings and within interdisciplinary teams. |
Students will study three core units and one elective unit across the following areas: principles and practice of lifestyle medicine – foundations, clinical processes, planning and management; psychological and environmental influences on health; and self management and chronic disease.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Online | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Term 1, Term 3 | $15,960 ($3,990 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
This course enables clinicians to enhance their practice by developing knowledge and skills in the area of lifestyle medicine, with a view to aiding the prevention and management of chronic disease, and improving health outcomes. The course may also increase graduate employment opportunities in the health and wellness industry, in such areas as fitness enterprises, wellness retreats, public/community health care, and consultancies (i.e. as lifestyle advisors or coaches).
The Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine provides a pathway to Fellowship with the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM).
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
An Australian equivalent Bachelor degree in biomedical science or a clinical health discipline.
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 | 6.5 |
| Listening | minimum 6.0 |
| Speaking | minimum 6.0 |
| Reading | minimum 6.0 |
| Writing | minimum 6.0 |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine, students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points) comprising:
- 3 core units (36 credit points) and
- 1 option unit (12 credit points).
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.
Course structure
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.
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.
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.
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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