Southern Cross University

What you'll study

This master’s programme covers core knowledge and clinical skills across a range of integrative medicine disciplines, emphasising evidence-informed practice and safe, person-centred care. Typical topics include the scientific foundations of integrative therapies, clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning, pharmacology and herb/drug interactions, nutrition and lifestyle medicine, therapeutic use of botanical and nutritional medicines, manual therapies and mind–body approaches, and the ethics, law and professional practice of integrative care.

Research and evaluation are embedded through units in research methods, critical appraisal and a capstone project or thesis option that develops applied research skills relevant to integrative health. Many students also undertake clinical practicum or supervised placement in university-affiliated clinics, giving practical experience in case management, treatment planning and interprofessional collaboration.

• Foundations of integrative medicine and health systems
• Clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning for integrative practice
• Pharmacology, herb–drug interactions and safety
• Nutrition, lifestyle and metabolic health
• Botanical medicine and therapeutic modalities
• Mind–body therapies and pain management approaches
• Research methods, evidence appraisal and a capstone research project
• Professional practice, ethics and interprofessional collaboration

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a health, biomedical or related discipline, or have substantial relevant professional experience and recognised prior learning. Specific pathways are available for registered health practitioners and for graduates from complementary and allied health backgrounds. Selection may involve assessment of academic transcripts, curriculum vitae and a statement of intent; some applicants may be invited to an interview.

International applicants must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements and provide certified documentation of prior qualifications. Applicants with non-traditional backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis where professional experience demonstrates readiness for postgraduate study.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers across clinical, research and leadership roles in integrative and allied health settings. Common pathways include working as integrative medicine practitioners, clinical naturopaths or herbalists (where locally regulated), allied health clinicians adopting integrative approaches, and roles in multidisciplinary primary care teams. Graduates also find opportunities in health promotion, clinical education, policy development, practice management and industry roles related to natural products and complementary therapies.

For those interested in research or academic careers, the programme provides training to progress to higher research degrees or to contribute to clinical research, evaluation and evidence translation in integrative health.

Why study at Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University offers a practitioner-orientated curriculum with flexible delivery modes to accommodate working professionals, combining online study with on-campus workshops and supervised clinical practicum. The university emphasises applied research and evidence-informed practice, with academic staff experienced in integrative, complementary and allied health disciplines.

Students benefit from access to university-affiliated clinics and industry links that support clinical training and professional development. The programme’s focus on safe, ethical and interprofessional practice prepares graduates to work effectively within contemporary health systems and community settings.