student standing in front of health clinic

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    2 years part-time

  • Location

    Online

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    MIntegrativeMed

  • Course code

    1209310

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • 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

    February, June

  • Duration

    2 years part-time

  • Location

    Online

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

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

Overview

Integrative medicine (IM) is a model of healthcare where practitioners work together in interdisciplinary teams to understand and address the matrix of factors that contribute to illness in each individual. Patients are central to IM, and remain active participants in co-designing and managing their care. IM specialises in preventive medicine and treating complex and chronic conditions.

The Master of Integrative Medicine assists practitioners to more confidently practice in integrative health care teams and settings, and to prescribe interventions that facilitate behaviour change in order to support the prevention and management of chronic disease, and to improve patient outcomes.

The Master of Integrative Medicine is taught by leaders in the field and uses an evidence-based approach to examine the principles and practices of IM, including models of care, clinical reasoning, self-management, behaviour change, and strategies and interventions for preventing and managing disease. An observational placement is undertaken at the end of the degree to enable students to consolidate their understanding of IM in a real-life setting.

Master of Lifestyle Medicine graduate Dr Lauren Prictor standing in clinic reception

“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.

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

Apply an evidence-based clinical-decision making framework using appropriate evidence and critical thinking within contemporary integrative medicine practice.

Apply knowledge of research principles and methods to investigating integrative medicine practice.

GA2: Creativity

Critically and creatively evaluate and respond to actual and potential health problems impacting individuals, families and communities.

GA3: Ethical practice

Understand and function within applicable professional competencies, scopes of practice, codes of conduct, codes of ethics, laws and policies.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical application of pertinent integrative medicine theories and frameworks in clinical and professional contexts.

Apply an integrated body of knowledge of, and be responsive to, local and global determinants of health across a range of populations in a safe and competent manner.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Critically reflect on current skills, knowledge, attitudes and practices to plan and implement ongoing personal and professional learning.

Apply autonomy, accountability, adaptability, professional advocacy, responsibility and leadership in integrative medicine across diverse teams and settings.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Demonstrate advanced verbal and written communication skills that drive appropriate patient and population outcomes in diverse settings.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate an ability to advocate the socio-cultural preferences, needs and values of individuals and groups across diverse settings and within interdisciplinary teams.

Students are required to complete a 24-hour observation placement at the end of their degree. The placement will be undertaken within an integrative health care setting, and will enable students to consolidate their understanding of IM in a real-life context. 

Students will study seven core units and one elective unit across the following areas: the principles and practice of integrative health care; nutritional medicine; botanical medicine; environmental medicine; integrative gastroenterology; integrative mental health; integrative women's health; and metabolic health and management.

Location Teaching period
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3$31,920 ($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

The Master of Integrative Medicine, and subsequent Fellowship of Integrative Medicine with the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association, provide graduates with a recognised specialisation in Integrative Medicine.

Graduates may find opportunities to practise in more diversified roles (e.g. care/team coordinator, rural generalist, health/lifestyle consultant) and in settings that may include integrative clinics or specialist centres, fitness enterprises, wellness retreats or public/community services. The qualification is also a pathway to other postgraduate offerings, academia and early career research. 

Graduates of the Master of Integrative Medicine will be eligible to apply for Fellowship with the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM).

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 a clinical health discipline AND two years of documented, relevant clinical experience.

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 Master of Integrative Medicine students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

  • 7 core units (84 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.

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

First Year

HLTH5008Principles and Practice of Integrative Health Care: Foundations
Term1,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
NUTR2001Nutritional Medicine
Term1,2,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term2,3
Term2,3
Pre-requisitesBIOL1004 - Biological Chemistry and Human Metabolism OR BIOL2007 - Biochemistry OR be admitted to course: 1209350 - Master of Naturopathic Medicine OR 1209310 - Master of Integrative Medicine
Enrolment informationOn-campus students will be required to attend workshops online, and tutorials on-campus. Online students will be required to attend workshops and tutorials online.
NATM2001Botanical Medicine
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term5
Term5
Pre-requisitesPHAR2001 - Introductory Pharmacology OR Admitted to 1209350 - Master of Naturopathic Medicine OR 1209310 - Master of Integrative Medicine
Enrolment informationOnline enrolment is only available for students admitted to the Master of Integrative Medicine. All other students must enrol into Lismore (weekly) or Gold Coast (intensive) classes. Students are required to attend on-campus classes and/or participate in online activities. Prior knowledge of chemistry and pharmacology is desirable.
HLTH6001Human Microbiome and Health
Term1,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term1,5
Term1,5

Second Year

HLTH6002Metabolic Health and Management
Summer Term
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Enrolment informationPrior knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and pathology is desirable.
HLTH6004Psychological & Environmental Influences on Health
Summer Term
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Summer Term
Term4
Summer Term
Term4
Option Units
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
NATM6005Integrative Mental Health
NATM5003Integrative Gastroenterology
NATM5006Integrative Women's Health
HLTH6006Principles and Practice of Integrative Health Care: Application
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesHLTH5008 - Principles and Practice of Integrative Health Care: Foundations
Enrolment informationStudents will be required to complete 24 observational clinical placement hours. This unit contains professional experience learning that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
HLTH5008Principles and Practice of Integrative Health Care: Foundations
NATM2001Botanical Medicine
NUTR2001Nutritional Medicine
HLTH6001Human Microbiome and Health
HLTH6004Psychological & Environmental Influences on Health
HLTH6002Metabolic Health and Management
HLTH6006Principles and Practice of Integrative Health Care: Application

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
NATM6005Integrative Mental Health
NATM5003Integrative Gastroenterology
NATM5006Integrative Women's Health

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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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.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

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

Find a pathway