What does a traditional business degree look like (and is it still fit for the future?)
In most Australian universities – and indeed around the world – a traditional business degree follows a well-established formula: students choose a major like marketing, accounting, HR or finance, and then build out their degree with a mix of core subjects, specialist electives, and capstone projects.
While this model gives students the chance to specialise, it also has limitations:
- Students are often asked to lock in their major early, before they truly understand the breadth of business (in other words, there is a risk of over-specialising too soon).
- Business functions are taught in isolation, without exploring how they interact in real-world decision-making.
- Industry exposure, if present, tends to come late in the degree, often during a final-year internship or capstone unit.
This structure worked well when business careers were more linear. But today, graduates are entering a dynamic landscape shaped by AI, sustainability, and digital transformation. The traditional model isn't keeping up.
How is Southern Cross University rethinking the business degree for a changing world?
Tomorrow's leaders deserve more than yesterday's models. At Southern Cross University, we believe business education should empower students not just to adapt to change – but to shape it. That belief has driven a bold redesign of our flagship Bachelor of Business, launching in 2026.
This future-focused program is the first of its kind in Australia, removing traditional majors and electives in favour of a cohesive, industry-connected curriculum. It reflects how business really works – integrated, fast-moving, and driven by collaboration and innovation.
"This is a bold new direction for how we teach, think about, and deliver business education at Southern Cross University," says Professor Mike Ewing, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business & Law.
This isn't about tweaking a few units. It's a ground-up rethink of how business education should look in an economy defined by uncertainty, digital transformation, and disruptive innovation. Whether students are heading into startups, community leadership, or boardrooms, this degree builds their capability to operate across disciplines, make high-level decisions, and drive outcomes that matter.
What makes the new Southern Cross Bachelor of Business different from the rest?
Traditional business degrees often ask students to choose a major early, narrowing their focus before they fully understand the field. Southern Cross has flipped that model. In this degree, every student gains a deep understanding of all major business functions – marketing, finance, human resources, entrepreneurship, AI, analytics, and strategy – without being locked into one path.
It's a structure designed in close consultation with industry, where employers consistently emphasise the need for whole-of-business thinking. As Associate Professor John Haw explains, "Industry told us that teaching students to stay in their lane is a mistake. They need to understand how every part of the organisation contributes to the mission."
What kind of real-world experience does Southern Cross Business degree provide?
The new degree embeds industry engagement from day one. Through the Small Biz Solutions Lab and a redesigned professional work experience program, students work on real business challenges for real clients, whether on the Gold Coast, in the Northern Rivers or on the global stage. These are not hypothetical exercises, but live briefs from companies seeking fresh thinking and practical outcomes.
"Students won't just learn about business – they'll experience it," says Professor Ewing.
"From local startups to global organisations, our students will solve real problems, engage with mentors, and test their thinking in boardroom-like environments".
Are there postgraduate options for small business owners or aspiring leaders?
The new Bachelor of Business is part of a broader refresh of Southern Cross University's business programs, designed to meet people wherever they are in their career:
- Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management – Designed for founders, freelancers or anyone scaling up, this course combines hands-on learning with expert guidance.
- Master of Management – A fast-track program built for those ready to step into senior leadership roles and drive change in their industries.
Whether you're building your first venture or stepping into your next executive role, Southern Cross University's approach to business education is built to support your goals.
What do Southern Cross University business graduates go on to do?
Our business graduates will be adaptable, future-focused professionals ready to lead across industries, not just enter them. They'll understand emerging technologies like AI and digital platforms, but also know how to collaborate, communicate, and lead. They'll have worked with real businesses on real problems, and they'll be ready to contribute across teams from day one.
