Discovering the Faculty of Business, Law and Arts at Southern Cross University
The Faculty of Business, Law and Arts at Southern Cross University (SCU) stands as a vibrant hub for interdisciplinary learning and research in northern New South Wales, Australia. Nestled across scenic campuses in Lismore, Coffs Harbour, and the Gold Coast, this faculty brings together business acumen, legal expertise, humanities, social sciences, and creative arts to address real-world challenges. For those considering working at the Faculty of Arts within this structure, opportunities abound in teaching, research, and community engagement, particularly in humanities and social sciences, even as the landscape evolves with recent strategic shifts.
Arts at SCU emphasizes critical thinking, cultural understanding, and creative expression. Academics here contribute to programs that equip students with transferable skills for diverse careers in media, education, policy, and beyond. The faculty's low student-to-staff ratios foster close-knit teaching environments, allowing lecturers and professors to build meaningful relationships with students while pursuing innovative research.
Academic Roles and Responsibilities in Arts
Working as an academic in the Arts discipline involves a blend of teaching, research, and service. Lecturers and senior lecturers deliver courses in areas like media studies, cultural studies, and social sciences. For instance, responsibilities include designing curricula, leading tutorials, assessing student work, and supervising honors or postgraduate projects. Associate lecturers often focus on first-year transition programs, helping students adapt to university life through engaging discussions on cinema, post-colonialism, and everyday politics.
Course coordinators play pivotal roles, such as overseeing Bachelor programs in digital media or contemporary music—though standalone undergraduate offerings have transitioned. Daily tasks might involve preparing lectures on music theory, musicianship, or art history, facilitating ensemble practices, or guiding studio-based projects in printmaking and design. Administrative duties, like program reviews and accreditation compliance, add variety, ensuring a dynamic workday.
- Develop and deliver engaging lectures and workshops
- Conduct research leading to publications and exhibitions
- Mentor students in creative and analytical skills
- Collaborate on interdisciplinary faculty initiatives
Research Opportunities and Impact
Research in Arts at SCU is applied and collaborative, with staff as practicing artists, musicians, and scholars exhibiting globally. Key areas include music composition, audio technology, contemporary art philosophies, journalism ethics, and sustainable practices in creative industries. The Sustainability, Environment and the Arts in Education (SEAE) research cluster exemplifies this, blending arts with educational and environmental themes to drive community change.
Academics secure grants from bodies like the Australian Research Council, publish in journals, and present at international forums. For example, researchers explore digital storytelling, locative media, and the aura of originality in print technologies. This environment supports higher degree research supervision, fostering the next generation of scholars while enhancing personal portfolios.
Opportunities extend to partnerships with local industries, such as Northern Rivers arts organizations, enriching both academic profiles and regional culture. Explore SCU's research strengths here.
Teaching Environment and Student Engagement
The teaching load at SCU Arts balances classroom instruction with practical, hands-on learning. Small class sizes enable personalized feedback, from critiquing student artworks to debating social theories. Staff lead field trips to cultural events like the Byron Writers Festival, where students produce journalism under expert guidance.
Transitioning first-year students benefit from supportive media studies classes, building confidence in analysis and production. Ensemble direction in music programs hones performance skills, while studio sessions in art encourage experimentation with painting, sculpture, and digital tools. This immersive approach not only fulfills teaching obligations but also sparks innovation.
Facilities and Campus Lifestyle
SCU's campuses offer modern facilities tailored for arts professionals. Lismore's purpose-built spaces support music production, digital media labs, and art studios with professional-grade equipment for printmaking, audio engineering, and design prototyping. The Gold Coast campus provides urban access to industry networks, while Coffs Harbour emphasizes community ties.
Working here means enjoying stunning natural surroundings—beaches, rainforests—promoting work-life harmony. Campuses feature wellness programs, collaborative spaces, and events like faculty seminars, fostering a sense of belonging amid a relaxed Australian coastal vibe.
Compensation, Benefits, and Professional Development
SCU offers competitive remuneration under its Enterprise Agreement. Academic salaries commence at approximately AUD 85,000–105,000 for Level A (Associate Lecturer), rising to AUD 120,000 for Lecturers and AUD 140,500+ for Associate Professors, plus 17% superannuation. Salary packaging, incremental progression, and performance-based promotions enhance earnings.
Benefits include flexible hours, study assistance, special studies leave, relocation support, and wellness initiatives like Thrive and Employee Assistance Programs. Professional development covers academic promotion pathways, research training, and industry secondments. Review full benefits details.
| Academic Level | Base Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Level A | 85,000 - 105,000 |
| Level B (Lecturer) | 120,000 - 140,000 |
| Level C (Senior Lecturer) | 145,000 - 165,000 |
| Level D/E | 170,000+ |
Work Culture and Employee Experiences
Employee feedback paints a balanced picture. SEEK rates SCU at 3.8/5, excelling in work-life balance (4.2/5) and diversity (4.3/5). Staff praise supportive environments, modern facilities, and regional lifestyle perks like affordable housing and outdoor activities. However, career development scores 3.4/5, with some noting administrative hurdles.
Glassdoor insights highlight collaborative teams but occasional toxicity in academic circles—gossip or inconsistent workflows. Positives include reliable jobs, good pay relative to the region, and student enthusiasm. Overall, many recommend SCU for its community focus and natural beauty.
Navigating Recent Developments and Challenges
In 2024, SCU discontinued standalone undergraduate creative arts degrees (contemporary music, digital media, art/design, Bachelor of Arts) due to declining enrollments—a national trend exacerbated by funding changes. These now pair with Education or continue for current students until 2028. No staff redundancies were announced, shifting focus to postgraduate, research, and double degrees.
This pivot challenges but also refines roles toward humanities/social sciences and interdisciplinary work. Community reactions express concern for local culture, yet SCU invests in high-demand areas like teaching. Adaptable academics thrive by embracing research and hybrid programs. Read more on program changes.
Spotlight on Arts Academics
Meet trailblazers: Dr. Marian Tubbs, Senior Lecturer and Art/Design Coordinator, researches vision technologies and poor materials' agency. Darren Bryant, Lecturer, innovates printmaking by fusing traditional and digital methods. A/Prof. Annie Mitchell teaches music across genres, performing on piano and double bass. Dr. Barry Hill coordinates Contemporary Music, blending performance with sustainable tech research.
These profiles illustrate diverse paths—from PhD-led inquiries to industry exhibitions—highlighting fulfillment in mentorship and creative output.
Career Progression and Pathways
Progression at SCU rewards excellence via promotions, special studies, and leadership like Associate Dean roles. Early-career staff gain from mentorship, while seniors lead research clusters. Interdisciplinary ties with Business/Law open unique opportunities, such as policy advising or media consulting.
- Entry via PhD/postdoc or industry experience
- Mid-career: Grant leadership, publications
- Senior: Program coordination, external partnerships
Future Outlook for Arts Careers at SCU
Despite shifts, Arts at SCU promises growth in research-intensive, postgraduate-focused roles amid Australia's humanities resurgence. Emphasis on sustainability, digital ethics, and cultural policy aligns with national priorities. Regional demand for skilled educators and creators sustains positions, positioning SCU as a launchpad for impactful careers.
Prospective academics should monitor SCU careers for openings in humanities, media, and education-integrated arts.
Photo by Nihar Reddy Jangam on Unsplash
Steps to Join the Faculty
Application involves tailoring CVs to teaching philosophy statements, showcasing research tracks. Interviews assess passion for regional impact. Networking via conferences or SEAE events aids entry. With SCU's commitment to equity, diverse candidates excel.
