Southern Cross University

What you'll study

This master’s focuses on advanced clinical assessment and case management, the scientific basis of complementary therapies, and the development of research literacy. Core study areas typically include advanced clinical practice and diagnostics, botanical and nutritional therapeutics at an advanced level, clinical pharmacology and herb–drug interactions, evidence‑based practice and critical appraisal, and research methods including a substantial research project or capstone clinical portfolio.

• Advanced clinical assessment and pathology interpretation
• Therapeutics: advanced herbal medicine and nutritional interventions
• Clinical pharmacology and safety in integrative care
• Case management, professional and ethical practice
• Research methods and a thesis or practice‑based research project
• Placement or supervised clinical practice in a teaching clinic or partner health setting

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate qualification in naturopathy, naturopathic medicine, complementary medicine or a related health discipline from an accredited institution. Relevant professional experience in clinical practice is highly regarded. Applicants without a direct naturopathic degree may be considered if they can demonstrate substantial, relevant clinical experience plus prior study in relevant bioscience and therapeutics.

Typical admission requirements include:

• A recognised bachelor degree in naturopathy, complementary medicine or a closely related health field
• Evidence of clinical experience and professional standing in naturopathic practice or allied health
• Academic transcripts and a curriculum vitae outlining clinical experience
• English language proficiency where the previous qualification was not taught in English

Career prospects

Graduates build on clinical competencies to pursue advanced private practice roles, senior positions within integrative health clinics, or leadership in multidisciplinary primary care teams. The degree also prepares practitioners for roles in education, professional development, product development and regulatory or policy advisory roles within the complementary medicines sector. Those who complete the research project may transition into research assistant roles or further research degrees.

• Senior naturopath or clinical director in private or integrative clinics
• Practice educator, clinical supervisor or university teaching roles
• Clinical research or industry roles in evidence and product development
• Health policy, professional association or regulatory positions
• Telehealth and multidisciplinary primary care practice

Why study at Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University combines applied clinical training with research‑informed teaching, offering students supervised clinical placement opportunities through university teaching clinics and partner health services. The university emphasises evidence‑informed naturopathic practice, with coursework that integrates biosciences, clinical reasoning and research skills. Flexible delivery options and support for practice‑based research make the program suitable for practising professionals seeking to advance clinical capability and career opportunities across clinical, educational and industry settings.

Students benefit from access to academic staff with clinical and research experience in complementary medicine, and from the regional health networks where Southern Cross has established partnerships for placements and community engagement.