Bachelor of Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Southern Cross University

Program Overview

Bachelor of Science — Southern Cross University

The Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University is a practical, career-focused degree that lets you explore how science shapes the world around us. You can specialise in Environment, Agriculture, or Marine Systems, developing both a strong scientific foundation and the hands-on skills to address real environmental and sustainability challenges. It’s an ideal choice if you’re passionate about nature, marine life, food systems or sustainable living, and want a flexible pathway into meaningful work in the science sector.

Curriculum Structure

First Year
Your first year builds the core foundations of science — from understanding Earth’s systems to exploring the basics of biology and chemistry. You’ll take subjects like Planet Earth and Cells and Molecules, and learn how to communicate scientific ideas effectively. Courses such as Scientific Data Management and Analysis help you gain confidence in handling and interpreting scientific data, setting you up for success in later years.

Second Year
In second year, you’ll deepen your knowledge in your chosen specialisation.

Marine Science students might explore Fish Ecology and Aquaculture or Invertebrate Life.
Environmental Science students could study Environmental Chemistry or Ecology.
You’ll also build important research and professional skills through subjects like Quantitative Research Methods and Career Development and Professional Practice.

Third Year
Your final year focuses on advanced concepts and real-world applications.

In the Marine stream, you could study Reefs and Fisheries and Marine Parks Management, focusing on marine conservation and ecosystem management.
The Environment stream offers topics like Waste as a Resource and Protected Area Management.
You can also choose to complete an Integrated Project or an Internship, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in a professional or research setting.

Focus Areas

Specialise in Environment, Agriculture, or Marine Science — with plenty of opportunities for fieldwork, data analysis, and ecosystem management. This degree is designed to help you connect theory with practice in settings that mirror real-world science.

Learning Outcomes

By graduation, you’ll be able to:

Apply scientific methods to environmental, agricultural, or marine challenges.
Think critically, creatively, and ethically in scientific contexts.
Communicate complex scientific ideas clearly.
Work effectively in teams and with diverse communities.
Integrate Indigenous and cultural perspectives into scientific practice.

Professional Alignment

This degree is closely aligned with industry needs across environmental science, agriculture, and marine sectors. You’ll graduate ready for careers in environmental consulting, conservation, agronomy, aquaculture, and related fields — equipped with both scientific knowledge and the practical experience employers value.

Reputation

Southern Cross University is ranked #=638 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, reflecting its growing global reputation for research, innovation, and graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University

If you’re thinking about studying the Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University, you’ll be pleased to know this degree is all about learning by doing. From your very first day, you’ll move beyond the classroom — into real labs, field sites and team projects — using professional equipment to collect, analyse and interpret data.

Southern Cross gives you access to cutting-edge science and engineering facilities, with labs for biology, chemistry, geology and aquaculture, plus extensive field gear including boats, 4WD vehicles, drones, underwater cameras and sediment samplers.

Experiential Learning Highlights

Hands-on field experience every year:
No matter your specialisation — whether it’s Earth & Environmental Systems, Marine Systems, or Regenerative Agriculture — you’ll take part in fieldwork across Australia’s subtropical landscapes, coasts and marine environments.
State-of-the-art laboratories:
You’ll train in four fully equipped science labs and gain access to the Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL), where students and researchers work on real analytical projects. There’s also a scanning electron microscopy unit for advanced imaging and research.
Professional field equipment:
Learn with industry-standard tools such as boats, 4WD vehicles for remote fieldwork, sediment samplers, drones, underwater video systems, portable weather stations and data loggers — preparing you for professional scientific practice.
Marine Systems specialisation:
Study at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, featuring flow-through seawater systems, tank farms and dedicated marine laboratories.
Regenerative Agriculture specialisation:
Experience on-farm residential schools, essential field trips and practical classes in subjects like Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture and ecosystem modelling — where you’ll explore sustainable solutions firsthand.
Internships and placements:
You’ll have the opportunity to gain professional experience in science-related workplaces, giving you a head start on your career before you even graduate.
Six-week intensive units:
The program uses shorter, focused six-week units to keep your learning engaging, immersive and practical — helping you build knowledge step by step.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Here’s how your future could look if you choose the Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University — a closer look at where this degree can take you and the opportunities that come with it:

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates from the Bachelor of Science program develop a strong foundation in scientific theory and practical, hands-on skills. This prepares them for careers across a wide range of environmental, agricultural, and marine fields. Many go on to work as Environmental Consultants, Marine Scientists or Fisheries Managers, Sustainable Agriculture Advisors, or Research Assistants — roles that make a real difference in tackling today’s global challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University Employment Support
Southern Cross University’s Careers & Employability team provides dedicated support to help you step confidently into the workforce. Services include job-search workshops, CV and interview preparation, industry networking events, and access to internships and work-integrated learning opportunities that connect you directly with employers.

Employment Outcomes & Salary
According to the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey, 82.8% of Southern Cross University undergraduates were employed full-time, with a median salary of AUD 72,500 — a strong result that highlights the real-world value of the degree.

Industry Links & Partnerships
The Faculty of Science and Engineering maintains strong relationships with industry associations and partners, ensuring that your learning stays relevant and up-to-date. For instance, the university partners with Australasian agriculture event Primex Field Days, giving students a chance to engage directly with innovators and leaders in the primary industries sector.

Accreditation & Recognition
The Bachelor of Science is an industry-oriented, career-focused degree, designed with employability at its core. While not all specialisations carry formal professional accreditation, the program’s strong practical focus and close industry ties ensure its graduates are well recognised and highly regarded by employers.

Graduate Prospects
With this degree, you’ll be well placed to pursue roles across environmental, marine, and agricultural sectors — in Australia and internationally. The program’s flexibility and strong industry reputation open pathways to diverse and impactful careers.

Further Academic Progression

Your journey doesn’t have to stop at graduation. After completing the Bachelor of Science, you can advance your expertise with the Bachelor of Science (Honours) — a one-year research-focused extension that deepens your knowledge in your chosen field.
From there, many graduates go on to postgraduate study, such as a Master’s in Marine Science, Environmental Management, or Sustainable Agriculture, or even continue to a PhD if they’re passionate about scientific research and innovation.