Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science

Students select one major from the following:

Education: this major offers graduates a pathway to an SCU degree in secondary teaching, leading to registration as a PDHPE teacher for eligible students. Only available at Lismore.

Exercise Science: this major enables students to study at a more advanced level in subject areas such as exercise biochemistry and sport and exercise psychology. It also covers areas related to the operation and management of sport and fitness organisations.

Nutrition: this major examines food and nutrition in the context of exercise science, human health, disease processes and social issues. It includes content such as biochemistry, food science, nutritional science, and nutrition across the lifespan. This major is not available in 2017.

Students complete a 120-hour placement of their choice during their third-year studies and some students have the option of an additional placement. These normally occur during the breaks between teaching sessions. Field experience provides the opportunity to apply theory and knowledge in practical settings.

Placements are undertaken under professional supervision in health and fitness centres, sporting organisations or clubs, schools, academies and institutes of sport, or sport and recreation centres. The types of positions can include, but are not limited to, assisting personal trainers, health educators, strength and conditioning or sports coaches, sporting event coordinators or recreation officers. Students may also work as research assistants for sport products, manufacturing or business.

The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science delivered from the Lismore campus is accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) at the Exercise Science level. The course is also recognised by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) of America. Under current ESSA procedures, accreditation for Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour campuses will be completed in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Subject to successful accreditation, all graduates, regardless of the major completed, will be eligible for full membership as Exercise Scientists with ESSA. 

Graduates of the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science may undertake further postgraduate study at SCU to gain registration as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP).

All graduates are eligible to receive the Certificate III and IV in Fitness through TAFE NSW, and to apply for Exercise Professional Registration with Fitness Australia (FA). Graduates meet the requirements of the Level 1 Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) coaching accreditation, making them eligible to register as Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coaches.

The Nutrition major is designed to meet curriculum prerequisites for entry into several accredited postgraduate programs leading to registration as an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). Students interested in this pathway should refer to universities offering accredited postgraduate dietetic programs regarding enrolment requisites. Graduates of the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science who have completed the Nutrition major may be eligible to become an Associate Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia.