What undergraduate degrees does Southern Cross University offer and how do I choose one?

Updated

Southern Cross University (SCU) offers undergraduate degrees across study areas including business, education and teaching, engineering, health, hotel management, information technology, Indigenous knowledge, law, science and environment, and veterinary sciences. To choose one, start from the study area that matches your intended career, then use SCU's course search to filter by course type (domestic or international) and keyword, and check the entry requirements and application steps for the specific course before applying. The sections below explain each part of that process.

The main undergraduate study areas

SCU groups its courses under these study areas, as listed on its course exploration page:

  • Business
  • Education and Teaching
  • Engineering
  • Health
  • Hotel Management
  • Information Technology
  • Indigenous Knowledge
  • Law
  • Science and Environment
  • Veterinary Sciences

Alongside these, SCU lists Pathway Programs and Double Degrees as separate categories. Those are not additional study areas; they are different ways of structuring study, explained below.

How to browse and search for courses

SCU's site provides two routes into the course catalogue:

  1. Find a course — select a course type (Domestic or International), enter a keyword, or browse all courses. Use this when you already have a subject or career in mind.
  2. Explore our study areas — start from the list above when you know the field but not the specific degree.

If you are undecided, the site also offers an "I'm unsure, help me decide" option, which routes you toward guidance rather than a course list.

A practical search sequence:

  • Know the field, not the degree: open the study area, then compare the degrees listed within it.
  • Know the job title: search by keyword (for example, the profession you are aiming for) and check which courses appear.
  • Studying from overseas: set the course type to International first, so you see the correct course information and entry requirements.

Undergraduate degrees vs pathway programs vs double degrees

These three categories answer different questions, and mixing them up is a common source of confusion.

Category What it is Choose it when
Undergraduate degree A bachelor-level course in a study area such as business, health, or law You meet the entry requirements and want to study your chosen field directly
Pathway program A preparatory route into university study You need an alternative entry route, such as studying without a high school certificate, improving your English, or starting with a diploma
Double degree Two degrees studied together You want to combine two fields and are prepared for a longer, heavier program

SCU's site explicitly lists pathway options for people who want to study without a high school certificate, study a diploma, improve their English, or take short courses. If any of those describe you, look at pathway programs before comparing bachelor degrees — the entry requirements are the deciding factor, not the subject matter.

Checking entry requirements and applying

Once you have a shortlist, the site's "How to apply" section is organised around your situation rather than around the course. It asks you to identify yourself first, with options including:

  • I am interested in undergraduate study
  • I am a high school student
  • I am an international student
  • I am looking for an alternative pathway
  • I'm ready to apply

Selecting the option that matches you produces the relevant next steps, including starting an online application. For international applicants, the site also provides a search for an Education Agent.

Before applying, confirm two things for each course on your shortlist: the entry requirements for that specific degree, and whether your circumstances (for example, previous study) qualify for credit. SCU lists "Understand credit for previous study" as a support option, which is worth checking if you have studied before — it can change which course level makes sense for you.

Support options while you decide

SCU's site points to several forms of help that are useful before committing:

  • Scholarships — searchable from the homepage and referenced throughout the application guidance.
  • Visiting a campus — listed under "Come visit", useful if location and campus life are part of your decision.
  • Information for parents and caregivers, and for schools and educators — relevant if you are a school student weighing options with family or career advisers.
  • Early Offer for year 12 and preparation for university in year 11 — specific routes for high school students.

A short decision checklist

  1. Identify your study area from the list above, or search by keyword if you know the profession you want.
  2. Decide whether you are applying as a domestic or international student, and set the course type accordingly.
  3. Check whether a pathway program fits your entry situation better than a bachelor degree.
  4. Confirm entry requirements and credit for previous study for each shortlisted course.
  5. Review scholarships and, if possible, visit a campus.
  6. Apply through the "How to apply" route that matches your situation.

The site notes an October start with an enrolment deadline of Wednesday, so if you are working toward a specific intake, check the current dates on the course and apply pages rather than relying on a general timeline.