Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine

2024 course information for Domestic Students
2024 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Sat, 3 June

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
Duration
1 year part-time
1 year part-time
Location
Online
Online
Start date
March, July
February, June
Course code
1008441
Course abbreviation
GradCertLifestyleMed
Credit points
48
Equivalent units
4
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

Lifestyle Medicine is an internationally recognised discipline that focuses on the prevention and reversal of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases through the modification of behavioural, social and environmental determinants.

The Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine is designed for health practitioners working in general medicine, allied health, nursing or other health disciplines who wish to develop foundational skills and knowledge in the field of lifestyle medicine. The course assists practitioners to prescribe lifestyle interventions and facilitate behaviour change in order to support the prevention and management of chronic disease and to improve patient outcomes.

The Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine is taught by leaders in the field and uses an evidence based approach to examine the principles and practices of lifestyle medicine, including determinants of health, clinical processes, models of care, and strategies and interventions for preventing and managing disease. 

Lifestyle Medicine is an internationally recognised discipline that focuses on the prevention and reversal of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases through the modification of behavioural, social and environmental determinants.

The Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine is designed for health practitioners working in general medicine, allied health, nursing or other health disciplines who wish to develop foundational skills and knowledge in the field of lifestyle medicine. The course assists practitioners to prescribe lifestyle interventions and facilitate behaviour change in order to support the prevention and management of chronic disease and to improve patient outcomes.

The Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine is taught by leaders in the field and uses an evidence based approach to examine the principles and practices of lifestyle medicine, including determinants of health, clinical processes, models of care, and strategies and interventions for preventing and managing disease. 

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.

An Australian equivalent Bachelor degree in biomedical science or a clinical health discipline.

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
Overall6.5
Listeningminimum 6.0
Speakingminimum 6.0
Readingminimum 6.0
Writingminimum 6.0

About the course

Students will study three core units and one elective unit across the following areas: principles and practice of lifestyle medicine – foundations, clinical processes, planning and management; psychological and environmental influences on health; and self management and chronic disease.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3$15,960 ($3,990 per unit)N/A

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

International students studying online or outside of Australia

View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine, students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points) comprising:


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
HLTH5006Principles & Practice of Lifestyle Medicine I: Foundations
HLTH5007Principles & Practice of Lifestyle Medicine 2: Clinical Processes
HLTH6003Principles & Practice of Lifestyle Medicine 3: Planning and Management

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
HLTH6004Psychological & Environmental Influences on Health
HLTH6005Self-management and Chronic Disease


Unit groups

Option Units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
HLTH6004Psychological & Environmental Influences on Health
HLTH6005Self-management and Chronic Disease

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 an evidence-based clinical-decision making framework using appropriate evidence and critical thinking within contemporary lifestyle medicine practice.

Apply knowledge of the principles and methods of evidence-based practice to the practice of lifestyle medicine.

Critically and creatively evaluate and respond to actual and potential health problems impacting individuals, families and communities.

Exhibit professional competencies, scopes of practice, codes of conduct, codes of ethics, laws and policies.

Critically apply pertinent lifestyle medicine theories and frameworks in clinical and professional contexts.

Apply knowledge of local and global determinants of health, for different populations and settings.

Critically reflect on current skills, knowledge, attitudes and practices to plan and implement ongoing personal and professional learning.

Apply autonomy, accountability, adaptability and professional advocacy in lifestyle medicine across diverse teams and settings.

Demonstrate advanced verbal and written communication skills that drive appropriate patient and population outcomes in diverse settings.

Advocate the socio-cultural preferences, needs and values of individuals and groups across diverse settings and within interdisciplinary teams.


Assessment methods

A variety of assessment methods are used in this course including essays, case studies, presentations, discussion forums, and literature reviews. Each unit comprises three assessment items.

Teaching methods

Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video material, online content, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.



 

Career opportunities

This course enables clinicians to enhance their practice by developing knowledge and skills in the area of lifestyle medicine, with a view to aiding the prevention and management of chronic disease, and improving health outcomes. The course may also increase graduate employment opportunities in the health and wellness industry, in such areas as fitness enterprises, wellness retreats, public/community health care, and consultancies (i.e. as lifestyle advisors or coaches).

Professional recognition

The Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine provides a pathway to Fellowship with the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM).

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.

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