Bachelor of Nursing

2023 course information for Domestic Students
2023 course information for International Students

updated 6:03 AM on Fri, 2 June

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
70
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
3 years full-time
Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore
Start date
March, July
February, June
Course code
3005105
Course abbreviation
BN
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

At Southern Cross University in the Bachelor of Nursing, we are committed to preparing the highest quality nursing graduate with knowledge and attributes that meet the needs of a challenging and complex healthcare environment.

Course learning for the Bachelor of Nursing is progressively scaffolded over the three years and during this time students are immersed in a range of innovative learning experiences from which their cognitive, emotional and clinical capabilities actively grow, and their capacity to engage, think critically and reflect are refined to inform their nursing interventions. 

Theoretical learning is coupled with supervised clinical placements which provide invaluable real-world learning opportunities for students. Sourced to meet the learning outcomes of our program, we offer a range of primary, secondary and tertiary placements in local, regional and remote facilities where students can explore diverse career options.

Key information to be aware of prior to enrolling:

At Southern Cross University in the Bachelor of Nursing, we are committed to preparing the highest quality nursing graduate with knowledge and attributes that meet the needs of a challenging and complex healthcare environment.

Course learning for the Bachelor of Nursing is progressively scaffolded over the three years and during this time students are immersed in a range of innovative learning experiences from which their cognitive, emotional and clinical capabilities actively grow, and their capacity to engage, think critically and reflect are refined to inform their nursing interventions. 

Theoretical learning is coupled with supervised clinical placements which provide invaluable real-world learning opportunities for students. Sourced to meet the learning outcomes of our program, we offer a range of primary, secondary and tertiary placements in local, regional and remote facilities where students can explore diverse career options.

Key information to be aware of prior to enrolling:

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must:

1. provide a written declaration that English is their primary language1;

or

2. have achieved:

  1. the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components: or
  2. the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or
  3. the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills; or
  4. the TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 24 listening, 24 reading, 27 writing, and 23 speaking.

1Refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia requirements regarding English as Primary Language.

In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency [AHPRA]’s standards for English language must be met. See AHPRA’s English Language Skills for further information.

Credit for prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for this course. For more information please view the Bachelor of Nursing RPL Guide.

CountryScore
Austria AMC3.4
Bangladesh HSC3.6
Brazil SSLC8.2
Canada High School OSSD50
Chile PSU6.4, overall 600-649
China Gao Kao449
Colombia CB (NAT)81, overall 300-349
Denmark USSLE6.2
France FB11
German Abitur3
Hong Kong HKDSE14
India CBSE (best 4)8.5 in external exam
India CISCE71
India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4)78 academic
Indonesia SMA8.2
International Baccalaureate24
Japan USSLC4
Korea, Republic of, CSAT298
Malaysia ICSSUEC71
Malaysia STPM5 (best 3 A levels)
Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate73
Nepal Proficiency Certificate82
Norway GPA1.5
Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams77
Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams31
Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5)2.5 pass Eng & Math
Peru OCSE17
Phillipines NSAT89
Russia FCCSE4.3
Saudi Arabia MESSLC83
Singapore SCGCE15.5
Spain SSSD8.2
Spain STBPU7.5
Sri Lanka GCE4.5
Sweden SSLC13
Taiwan GSAT54
Taiwan Senior High School Certificate87
Thailand CSE(Matayom 6) 1.9
Turkey HSD4
UK Board GCE A Levels13 (4 subjects)
USA SAT & ACTSAT 1410, ACT 20
Vietnam (in 4 subjects)7.5 Average

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score or equivalent7.0
Reading7.0
Writing7.0
Listening7.0
Speaking7.0

About the course

The Bachelor of Nursing provides a well-balanced curriculum that provides students anatomical knowledge, and an understanding of the principles of nursing and the legal and ethical framework within which we practise. As they move through the program, students will develop critical-thinking, leadership and clinical skills in preparation for their application to a wide range of clinical settings.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
Coffs HarbourTerm  1, Term  3
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Coffs HarbourTerm  1, Term  3$29,360 ($3,670 per unit)016165C
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3$29,360 ($3,670 per unit)016165C
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3$29,360 ($3,670 per unit)016165C

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Coffs Harbour
Term 3 July 2023
Gold Coast
Term 3 July 2023
Lismore
Term 3 July 2023

International students studying in Australia

Coffs Harbour
Term 3 June 2023
Gold Coast
Term 3 June 2023
Lismore
Term 3 June 2023
View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Nursing, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Progression

Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of any two (2) units with professional experience learning.

Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular unit with professional experience learning.

Students who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 12 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake specified practice or theory to ensure currency prior to continuation of the course.

Duration

The maximum duration for completion of the award of Bachelor of Nursing is seven (7) years in total which includes any period for a leave of absence.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
HLTH1007Foundations of Clinical Practice
NURS1005Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
NURS2004Foundations of Health Assessment
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
PBHL1003Foundations of Health and Health Care Systems
NURS2014Positive Approaches to Chronic Health and Disability
NURS2015Partnering with Older People in Healthcare
NURS2016Introduction to Nursing Research
NURS2017Nursing Practices 1
NURS2018Building Healthy Communities through Impactful Partnerships
NURS2005Mental Health Nursing
NURS3006Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
NURS3007Nursing Practices 2
HLTH3004Transition to Practice
HLTH3005Interprofessional Health Practice
NURS3008Paediatric Health: Conception to Adolescence
NURS3001The Nurse as a Leader
NURS3009Nursing Practices 3 Note 1


Course progressions

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment

Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.

Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
Term1,3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
Term1,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,4
Term1,4
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Lismore
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Term1,4
Term1,4
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
HLTH1007Foundations of Clinical Practice
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
NURS1005Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesMust have completed or be currently enrolled into HLTH1007 - Foundations of Clinical Practice
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. It is recommended that this unit is taken with HLTH1007 - Foundations of Clinical Practice.
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Summer Term
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
Summer Term
Term2,4
NURS2004Foundations of Health Assessment
Dual Term4
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Gold Coast
Dual Term4
Term1
Dual Term4
Term1
Lismore
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Pre-requisitesHLTH1007 - Foundations of Clinical Practice OR NURS2002 - Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning; AND NURS1005 - Fundamentals of Nursing Practice OR NURS1002 - Essentials of Nursing and Care; AND HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology; OR both HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
Enrolment informationThis unit contains professional experience learning that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements

Second Year

PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
Term1,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term1,5
Term1,5
Pre-requisitesBe admitted to 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
PBHL1003Foundations of Health and Health Care Systems
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
NURS2014Positive Approaches to Chronic Health and Disability
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesNURS2004 - Foundations of Health Assessment
Enrolment informationTeaching in this unit is delivered in a three-week intensive mode. This unit contains professional experience learning that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
NURS2015Partnering with Older People in Healthcare
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Enrolment informationThis unit is delivered in intensive mode across three weeks.
NURS2016Introduction to Nursing Research
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
NURS2017Nursing Practices 1
Term3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3,5
Term3,5
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesNURS2014 - Positive Approaches to Chronic Health and Disability OR NURS2013 - Promoting Wellness in Chronic Health and Disability
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
NURS2018Building Healthy Communities through Impactful Partnerships
Dual Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Gold Coast
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Lismore
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Pre-requisitesNURS2014 - Positive Approaches to Chronic Health and Disability OR NURS2013 - Promoting Wellness in Chronic Health and Disability
NURS2005Mental Health Nursing
Dual Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Gold Coast
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Lismore
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Pre-requisitesNURS2013 - Promoting Wellness in Chronic Health and Disability OR NURS2001 - Nursing Practices; OR NURS2014 - Positive Approaches to Chronic Health and Disability
Enrolment informationThis unit contains professional experience learning/ laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the Professional Experience Learning and/or stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at https://www.scu.edu.au/health/health-placements/. Please note Full Covid-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers. It is strongly recommended that only students who meet this requirement enrol in this unit.

Third Year

NURS3006Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
Summer Term
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term1
Summer Term
Term1
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1
Summer Term
Term1
Lismore
Summer Term
Term1
Summer Term
Term1
Pre-requisitesNURS2016 - Introduction to Nursing Research OR STAT2001 - Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
NURS3007Nursing Practices 2
Summer Term
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term1
Summer Term
Term1
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1
Summer Term
Term1
Lismore
Summer Term
Term1
Summer Term
Term1
Pre-requisitesNURS2017 - Nursing Practices 1; OR both NURS2008 - Human Response to Health Breakdown AND NURS2006 - Chronic Illness and Nursing Care; AND NURS2018 - Building Healthy Communities through Impactful Partnerships; OR both NURS2009 - Health Maintenance and Restorative Nursing Care AND NURS2007 - Primary Health Care and Nursing Practices; AND NURS2005 - Mental Health Nursing; OR NURS2001 - Nursing Practices
Enrolment informationThis unit contains professional experience learning that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
HLTH3004Transition to Practice
Summer Term
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Lismore
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Pre-requisites(Students must complete 192 CP in 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery OR 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3005113 - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science) OR 3007012 - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology OR (Students must complete 288 CP in 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology OR 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry)
Enrolment informationThis unit must be done in the final year.
HLTH3005Interprofessional Health Practice
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesAdmission to 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry AND PODR2014 - Work Integrated Learning in Podiatry III ORREHB2002 - Clinics in Multimodal Intervention: Internal; OR be admitted to course: 3207309 - Bachelor of Podiatry, Bachelor of Pedorthics AND PODR2014 - Work Integrated Learning in Podiatry III; OR be admitted to course: 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery AND MIDW3006 - Midwifery Practice: Mentorship A; OR be admitted to course: 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing AND HLTH1006 - Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice; OR be admitted to course: 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing AND NURS2012 - Professional Practice OR NURS2002 - Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning; OR 96 credit points for all other students.
NURS3001The Nurse as a Leader
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesNURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2 OR NURS2010 - Acute Care Nursing
NURS3008Paediatric Health: Conception to Adolescence
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesNURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2 OR NURS2010 - Acute Care Nursing
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
NURS3009Nursing Practices 3
Dual Term4
Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Gold Coast
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Lismore
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Pre-requisitesNURS3007 - Nursing Practices 2 OR NURS2010 - Acute Care Nursing
Enrolment informationTeaching in this unit is delivered over a two-week intensive mode.


Notes

Note 1: Double-weighted unit

Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcome

Apply in-depth knowledge and skills, with accountability, to inform clinical reasoning in constructing and delivering safe, high quality, person-centred nursing practices.

Use and contribute to research and scholarship as a basis for ongoing professional inquiry and effective knowledge translation to ensure evidence-based and holistic nursing practice.

Incorporate self-reflection, innovation and creativity, integrity, responsibility and accountability in professional practice and lifelong learning.

Meet and adhere to relevant national professional, ethical and legal standards to ensure safe and competent nursing practice.

Apply analytical, clinical and reflective skills in planning, prioritising, implementing and evaluating nursing practices across a range of diverse circumstances and settings.

Work independently and collaboratively with individuals, the nursing team, interdisciplinary healthcare teams and effectively empower and build leadership in the delivery of nursing.

Incorporate self-reflection, innovation and creativity, integrity, responsibility and accountability in professional practice and lifelong learning.

Demonstrate cultural responsivity and respect for the identity and dignity of all persons, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Use threshold academic knowledge and skills including literacy, numeracy and academic integrity to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form with a variety of audiences.

Analyse regional, national and global healthcare systems, processes and ecological changes that affect healthcare to inform policy to meet changing societal needs.


Assessment methods

Students complete a wide variety of individual and group assessment items during the course including but not limited to written exams, oral exams, academic writing, clinical and practical exams.

Teaching methods

The Bachelor of Nursing offers a self-access approach to learning facilitated through our University learning sites. It is flexible, delivered both on-line and on-campus, through a range of tutorials, workshops and clinical labs. It is accompanied by interactive learning activities which are designed to help students gauge their understanding of the material and help academics assess student learning engagement and progress. Some units are offered as an intensive which requires full-time attendance for a period of time.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing will be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and practice in a diverse range of primary, secondary or tertiary healthcare settings throughout Australia. We are world renown for our leadership, education and clinical expertise meaning we are highly sought after across the globe. With further qualifications registered nurses can pursue clinical specialties, become nurse practitioners, senior defence force personnel, research coordinators, academics or business owners.

Professional placement

Approximately 840 hours of supervised clinical placement must be completed to meet the requirements of the Bachelor of Nursing degree and be able to apply for nursing registration with AHPRA. Clinical placement will be anywhere between two and six weeks in length at an agreed facility. Placement must be attended every day during this time and are subject to shift allocation within the facility. 

In order to attend clinical placements, all students are required to complete extensive compliance requirements as mandated by NSW and QLD Health legislation. This includes but is not limited to: immunisations listed on the Australian National Immunisation program, COVID-19 vaccinations, mask-fit testing, first aid, CPR, working with children and National Police Certificates.  

Prior to applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these compliance requirements.

 

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Nursing is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and provides the necessary academic qualification for eligibility as a Registered Nurse in Australia.

Please note: In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) standards for English language must be met. See the AHPRA web site for further information.

As a nursing student it is important to be aware of the registration standards required by the NMBA.  See the details on the NMBA website.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing will be registered by Southern Cross University with NMBA as an enrolled student and will remain registered for the duration of study.  Please see the AHPRA website for more details.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is responsible for the registration and accreditation of various health professions in Australia. If you are enrolled in a course to enter one of these professions, we will provide AHPRA with your details for student registration. 
 
You do not need to apply or pay for your student registration. We will provide all the required information to AHPRA directly. You can find more information about AHPRA student registration and what we are required to report to AHPRA on their website.
 
Please be aware that as part of the registration process, AHPRA will collect your personal information (including your USI). AHPRA’s Privacy Policy explains how you may access and seek correction of your personal information held by AHPRA; complain to AHPRA about a breach of your privacy; and how a complaint will be dealt with. AHPRA’s Privacy Policy can be accessed on AHPRA’s Privacy webpage.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

Related courses