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Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science

Bachelors Double Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    View in availability

  • Duration

    4 years full-time; 8 years part-time
    4.5 years minimum for students commencing in Sessions 2 or 3

  • Location

    View in availability

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    BExScPsychSc

  • Course code

    3207113

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

From the elite athlete to the growing teenager, physical and mental health are essential to a balanced life. In this course you can immerse yourself in the psychology of what drives our behaviour and how this relates to sport and exercise.

Our accredited Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science provides a scientific understanding of the structure and function of the human body as it relates to movement, the interrelationships between health and disease, and the psychological basis of physical activity.

You will complete core units in exercise science including anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, sports conditioning and motor control as well as core units in psychological science that include assessment, methodology and principles of behaviour. A range of elective subjects is also available.

Career opportunities exist as a psychologist (with additional postgraduate training) and in careers that carry therapeutic connections to sport and exercise, such as professional athlete counselling, rehabilitation, or within the education sector.

Course Learning Outcome

Demonstrate the level of critical analysis, problem solving and decision making expected of professionals aligned to psychology and exercise science.

Apply knowledge of the scientific method in thinking about problems related to behaviour and mental processes.

Use reasoning and evidence to recognise, develop, defend, and criticise arguments and persuasive appeals.

Demonstrate innovative and creative responses and solutions to problems encountered by health professionals aligned with psychology and exercise science.

Demonstrate practical skills in laboratory-based and other research in psychology and exercise science.

Demonstrate an attitude of critical thinking that includes persistence, open-mindedness, and intellectual engagement.

Demonstrate a knowledge of – and commitment to – social responsibility, ethics and legal principles consistent with expectations of health professionals aligned to psychology and exercise science.

Use information in an ethical manner (e.g., acknowledge and respect work and intellectual property rights of others through appropriate citations in oral and written communication).

Promote evidence-based approaches to understanding and changing human behaviour.

Demonstrate an ability to understand industry best practice relating to psychology and exercise science.

Acquire an understanding of core topics in the disciplines of psychology and exercise science.

Manage personal and professional behaviour in response to the outcomes of self-directed learning and reflective practice.

Demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal and professional development in a changing healthcare environment.

Apply psychological principles to promote personal development in setting and achieving career and personal goals; incorporate feedback for improved performance; and purposefully evaluate the quality of one’s thinking (metacognition).

Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of teamwork in health professions aligned to psychology and exercise science.

Write effectively in a variety of formats (e.g., essays, research proposals, reports using American Psychological Association conventions) and for a variety of purposes (e.g., informing, arguing).

Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats (e.g., debate, group discussion, presentation) and for various purposes.

Demonstrate an understanding of social and cultural issues (including prejudice, discrimination, and inequity) relative to the work of health professionals aligned with psychology and exercise science.

Recognise and respect social, cultural, linguistic, spiritual, and gender diversity.

Reflect on one’s experiences and learn from them in order to identify and articulate one’s personal, sociocultural, and professional values; demonstrate insightful awareness of one’s feelings, motives, and attitudes based on psychological principles.

You will complete a 140-hour exercise science professional placement in the third year of the course. Placements might be in health and sporting centres, clubs, schools and academies or sport and recreation centres under professional supervision. As part of your professional placement you might assist personal trainers, health educators, strength and conditioning or sports coaches, sporting event coordinators or recreation officers. 

Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites (e.g. a working with children check, immunisation and National Police Certificate). Before applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these requirements.

Exercise science: anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, sports conditioning and motor control. 

Psychological science: assessment, methodology, principles of behaviour.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Session 1 , Session 2 , Session 3 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

The Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and has qualifying accreditation from Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). All graduates may apply for full membership as Exercise Scientists with ESSA and are eligible for registration as an Exercise Professional with Fitness Australia (FA) and as a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA).

Graduates may also choose to pursue further training to gain registration as a psychologist or as an accredited exercise physiologist.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:

  • 27 core units (324 credit points); and
  • 5 equivalent elective units (60 credit points) from University wide offerings.

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Health and Human Sciences after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising any 16 core units.

Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Health and Human Sciences after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising any 8 core units.

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on School of Health and Human Sciences Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Entry 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

Language requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:

  • 27 core units (324 credit points); and
  • 5 equivalent elective units (60 credit points) from University wide offerings.

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Health and Human Sciences after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising any 16 core units.

Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Health and Human Sciences after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising any 8 core units.

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on School of Health and Human Sciences Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
HEA00331 -  Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity Introductory
BIO71002 -  Human Physiology I Introductory
BHS11001 -  Introduction to Psychology I Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
BIO71003 -  Human Physiology II Introductory
BIO00209 -  Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy Intermediate
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
BHS11002 -  Introduction to Psychology II Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
BIO71001 -  Human Growth, Development and Ageing Introductory
SCI72001 -  Mechanics for Movement Intermediate
MNG00301 -  Management for Sport and Exercise Introductory
BHS30003 -  Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
HEA00332 -  Exercise Psychology Intermediate
HMS00203 -  Sports Conditioning and Training Methods Intermediate
BHS20008 -  Quantitative Methods in Psychology Intermediate
Elective
Year 3, Session 1
BIO10493 -  Motor Control Intermediate
BIO00203 -  Exercise Physiology Intermediate
BHS20001 -  Psychological Assessment Intermediate
BHS30001 -  Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology Advanced
Year 3, Session 2
BIO73003 -  Exercise Physiology and Prescription Advanced
HMS00328 -  Motor Learning Intermediate
BHS30004 -  Biological Psychology Advanced
Elective
Year 4, Session 1
HMS00223 -  Professional Preparation Advanced
BHS20007 -  Learning and Memory Advanced
Elective
Elective
Year 4, Session 2
BIO00324 -  Applied Biomechanics Advanced
BHS30002 -  Abnormal Psychology Intermediate
BHS20006 -  Social Psychology Advanced
Elective

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 2
BIO71002 -  Human Physiology I Introductory
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
Year 1, Session 3
BIO71003 -  Human Physiology II Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
HEA00331 -  Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity Introductory
BHS11001 -  Introduction to Psychology I Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
BIO00209 -  Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy Intermediate
BHS11002 -  Introduction to Psychology II Introductory
Year 3, Session 1
From Year 3, following the Session 1 Commencement course progression from Year 2

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 3
Complete one or both of the below units and then follow the course progression for Session 1 Commencement excluding the completed unit/s.
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory

Note 1:

ESSA Accredited Unit

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Core Units
BIO01302 Human Anatomy Introductory Note 1
HEA00331 Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity Introductory Note 1
BIO71002 Human Physiology I Introductory Note 1
BHS11001 Introduction to Psychology I Introductory
BIO71003 Human Physiology II Introductory Note 1
BIO00209 Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy Intermediate Note 1
NUT00214 Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory Note 1
BHS11002 Introduction to Psychology II Introductory
BIO71001 Human Growth, Development and Ageing Introductory Note 1
SCI72001 Mechanics for Movement Intermediate Note 1
MNG00301 Management for Sport and Exercise Introductory Note 1
BHS30003 Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
HEA00332 Exercise Psychology Intermediate Note 1
HMS00203 Sports Conditioning and Training Methods Intermediate Note 1
BHS20008 Quantitative Methods in Psychology Intermediate
BIO10493 Motor Control Intermediate Note 1
BIO00203 Exercise Physiology Intermediate Note 1
BHS20001 Psychological Assessment Intermediate
BHS30001 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology Advanced Note 1
BIO73003 Exercise Physiology and Prescription Advanced Note 1
HMS00328 Motor Learning Intermediate Note 1
BHS30002 Abnormal Psychology Intermediate
HMS00223 Professional Preparation Advanced Note 1
BHS20007 Learning and Memory Advanced
BIO00324 Applied Biomechanics Advanced Note 1
BHS30004 Biological Psychology Advanced
BHS20006 Social Psychology Advanced
Elective Units
Five elective units from the University-wide offerings