New courses, new future for Southern Cross in Coffs

From 2019 students will be able to study the full Bachelor of Marine Science and Management, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and a new degree in Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science at Southern Cross in Coffs Harbour.

The University will launch a campaign to attract more students to the Coffs Coast today, ahead of the campus Open Day this Friday.

“Southern Cross is constructing a new $12 million health education complex at our Coffs Harbour campus and has also introduced these new courses, so that we can redefine Coffs Harbour as a study destination,” Professor Shoemaker said.

“Coffs Harbour is the only place in Australia and one of few places in the world where undergraduate students can swim with and study whales as part of their degree.

“Bachelor of Marine Science students have a unique combination of opportunities – researching whales, sharks, dolphins and other marine creatures in the pristine waters off Coffs Harbour.”

“Students interested in sports psychology and the mindset that helps great athletes achieve their personal best will be attracted to the new degree in Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science.

“We have world-class researchers who have been studying NRL and Olympic athletes to identify ways to help them improve - as well as ways that the rest of the population can improve their lives and health through exercise and an understanding of the workings of the mind.

“We are already noticing strong demand for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, which will be offered in Coffs Harbour for the first time in 2019 and will be one of the first courses offered in our new allied health building. Occupational Therapy students receive extensive training, completing 1000 hours of workplace training as part of their degree and can receive $3,000 in funding to participate in international work placements in Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia.

“These courses add to our programs in business, health, education and other disciplines to provide a really exciting range of new opportunities for students at Coffs Harbour in 2019.”

People wanting to know more about courses available at Southern Cross in 2019 can visit the University’s Coffs Harbour Open Day on Friday 27 July from 3-7pm. The National Marine Science Centre and the Solitary Islands Aquarium will also be open to the public on Saturday 28 July from 10am-3pm (free entry to the Aquarium), with information about courses and a range of talks introducing the public to research conducted on site.