The Southern Cross Model

The Southern Cross Model works by dividing the academic year into six teaching terms, with each term lasting six weeks. Most students study up to two units per term and typically enrol in four terms each year. A two-week break is scheduled between each term. 

Most full-time students complete eight units each year by studying two units in four teaching terms. Most part-time students complete around four units each year, although the exact number depends on their personal circumstances and study plan. International students are generally required to complete eight units per year to meet their visa requirements. 

You can possibly finish your degree faster by studying in every teaching term. While most courses limit students to eight units per year, some courses may allow up to 12 units (144 credit points) annually, depending on unit availability. If approved in your course, studying additional units may allow you to complete your degree earlier than the standard duration. 

Yes, you may be eligible for Austudy or Youth Allowance while studying in the Southern Cross Model. To meet the study-load requirement, you generally need to complete at least six units per year, including at least three units by July, and satisfy all other eligibility criteria. 

Most units include around three hours of scheduled teaching activities each week, delivered online or on campus. Some units may require up to six hours of scheduled teaching. Students should generally allow 20 to 25 hours per week in total for study, learning activities and assessment for each unit. 

Guided self-access learning is an approach that helps students take an active role in their learning while receiving support from teaching staff. Learning activities may include online and on-campus discussions, collaborative problem-solving, research tasks, and practical learning experiences that build knowledge and skills. 

The Southern Cross Model was introduced to improve student success and enhance the university learning experience. The model aims to help students stay engaged, achieve stronger academic outcomes, and successfully complete their degrees with greater flexibility to balance life, work and study. 

The Southern Cross Model is unique to Southern Cross University. While some universities use similar approaches, often called block models, the Southern Cross Model has its own structure and design. 

No, Southern Cross Model does not compress 12 weeks of study into six weeks. Units are designed specifically for six-week teaching terms and are not condensed versions of traditional 12-week units. Learning activities and assessments are intentionally structured to support student learning, build knowledge progressively, and connect study to real-world and professional contexts. 

Teaching in the Southern Cross Model focuses on active participation and real-world application. Rather than relying mainly on lectures and large reading loads, students may work on case studies, solve problems collaboratively, and apply their knowledge to authentic scenarios and projects. 

You can easily plan your casual work because final class timetables are published at least five weeks before each term begins. Timetables for Summer Term, Term 1 and Term 2 are usually released in December of the previous year, while timetables for Term 3, Term 4 and Term 5 are usually released in May of the current year. 

No, the Southern Cross Model does not increase the time it takes to complete your degree. Full-time students generally study eight units each year, allowing them to complete their course within the same timeframe as students at other universities. 

Practical placements, field trips and residentials remain an important part of many courses in the Southern Cross Model. Depending on your course and unit, the face-to-face component may involve more hours each week than other units. 

No, the Southern Cross Model does not affect tuition fees. You will pay the same tuition fees that apply to your course and enrolment.