Southern Cross University

What you'll study

The program combines advanced coursework in the scientific foundations of lifestyle medicine with practical skills in patient assessment, behaviour change and program design. Core themes include the physiological basis of chronic disease, nutritional strategies, therapeutic exercise prescription, sleep and stress management, tobacco and substance use interventions, and the social determinants of health.

Typical subjects you can expect include:

• Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine – pathophysiology of chronic conditions and the evidence for lifestyle interventions.
• Behaviour Change and Counselling Skills – motivational interviewing, behaviour change theory and practical communication techniques.
• Clinical Nutrition for Prevention and Management – principles of therapeutic diets, dietary assessment and nutrition counselling.
• Physical Activity Prescription – exercise testing, prescription and adaptation for clinical populations.
• Sleep, Stress and Mental Health – interventions to optimise sleep and manage psychosocial contributors to chronic disease.
• Health Promotion and Program Design – designing, implementing and evaluating community or workplace wellness programs.
• Research Methods and Evidence Translation – critical appraisal, applied research skills and translating evidence into practice.
• Capstone Project or Clinical Practicum – an applied project or placement that integrates knowledge into a service, program or research output.

The curriculum is delivered through a mix of lectures, case-based learning, practical workshops and supervised placements or applied projects, with options for blended or online study to accommodate professional learners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a health, allied health or related discipline, or have substantial professional experience in a health-related field. Registered health professionals (for example, physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, exercise physiologists) will find the program directly applicable to clinical practice.

Applicants without a health background may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience and prior learning. All applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or prior study in English. Additional documentation such as a CV, statement of intent and referees may be requested as part of the admission process.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that integrate lifestyle medicine into clinical and community practice. Typical career destinations include:

• Primary care and specialist medical practice incorporating lifestyle interventions.
• Allied health and multidisciplinary chronic disease management teams.
• Health promotion, workplace wellness and corporate wellbeing program design and management.
• Public health policy and chronic disease prevention roles in government and non‑government organisations.
• Private practice or consultancy delivering lifestyle medicine services, group programs and digital health interventions.
• Research and academic positions focused on lifestyle interventions, program evaluation and implementation science.

Graduates often enhance their scope of practice by integrating lifestyle medicine approaches into existing clinical roles, or by developing new services targeted at non-communicable disease prevention and management.

Why study at Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University offers a practical, evidence-based approach to lifestyle medicine with strong links to regional health services and community organisations. The university emphasises applied learning, with opportunities for supervised placements and an industry-facing capstone that helps students translate knowledge into real-world programs.

Students benefit from small-group teaching, multidisciplinary academic staff with clinical and research experience in chronic disease, and flexible delivery modes that suit professionals balancing work and study. The course also reflects Southern Cross University's focus on addressing health needs in rural and regional contexts, preparing graduates to work across diverse settings.