What courses does Southern Cross University offer and how do I find the right one?

Southern Cross University (SCU) lets you search courses by course type (domestic or international) and keyword, or browse by study area. You can also start from your study level — undergraduate, postgraduate, research degree, or pathway program — and the site will point you to the recommended next steps, including entry requirements and how to apply. Use this guide if you're choosing a course and want a clear route from "what's available" to "what fits me."

Start with the course search and study areas

The SCU homepage has a Find a course tool. You select a course type (Domestic or International), optionally enter a keyword, and then browse all courses. This is the fastest way to see the full catalogue rather than guessing at degree names.

If you don't have a specific course in mind, browse by study area instead. The areas listed on the site are:

The site also lists Pathway Programs and Double Degrees as separate browse options, which matter if you don't meet direct entry requirements or want to combine two fields.

Choose the right course type for your situation

SCU organises study into four main levels. Picking the level first narrows the search dramatically.

Undergraduate courses

For school leavers and others starting a first degree. The site has a dedicated "I am a high school student" path, plus information on early offers for Year 12 students and preparing for university in Year 11.

Postgraduate courses

For study after a first degree. Use this if you're upgrading qualifications or changing fields.

Research degrees

If you want a research qualification, SCU directs you to the Graduate School, where you find a supervisor and explore research degrees before applying. This is a different application route from coursework degrees (the site references a separate HDR application process).

Pathway programs

Use these if you don't have a high school certificate, want to study a diploma, or need to improve your English before degree study. The site explicitly lists options for studying without a high school certificate and for English improvement.

If you're unsure, use the guided paths

The homepage asks "First, tell us a bit about yourself" and offers selections such as:

• I am interested in undergraduate study
• I am interested in postgraduate study
• I am looking to do a research degree
• I am looking for an alternative pathway

After you choose, it recommends next steps — typically Search courses, View our scholarships, Explore life at Southern Cross, and Find out how to apply. There's also an explicit "I'm unsure, help me decide" option in the course area. Use these instead of trying to interpret the whole catalogue at once.

Check entry requirements and application steps

Once you've shortlisted courses, the site's "How to apply" section covers:

• Starting an online application
• Entry requirements (including a path for those wanting to find out more about them)
• Credit for previous study — worth checking if you've studied before, since it can shorten your degree
• Information for international students and education agents

For research degrees, the route differs: explore the Graduate School, find a supervisor, then follow HDR application information.

A practical way to decide

1. Set your level — undergraduate, postgraduate, research, or pathway.
2. Browse by study area if you know your field, or use keyword search if you know the course name.
3. Check the course type filter — domestic vs international changes what you see.
4. Confirm entry requirements and credit options before applying.
5. Use the guided "tell us about yourself" path if you're still undecided; it surfaces scholarships and application steps alongside course suggestions.

One caution: the site promotes an October start with an enrol-by date, so intake timing changes. Always confirm current start dates and deadlines on the course page or through the application portal rather than relying on a homepage banner.