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Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science

Bachelors Double Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

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

  • Location

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    BExScPsychSc

  • Course code

    3207113

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Indicative Fee


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
Gold Coast Session 1, Session 2, Session 3 N/A N/A
Lismore 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.

Entry requirements

Credit for prior learning

For units of study accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), recognition of prior learning (via advanced standing) cannot be granted for previous informal or non-formal learning, or for formal learning completed within a qualification lower than AQF level 7 - Bachelor Degree.

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:

  • 29 core units (348 credit points); and
  • 3 elective units (36 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 Notes
Year 1, Session 1
HBIO1001 Human Anatomy
Session1,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1,3
Session1,3
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Lismore
Session1,3
Session1,3
PSYC1006 Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
HBIO1007 Human Physiology I
Session1,2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1,2
Session1,2
Gold Coast
Session1,2
Session1,2
Lismore
Session1,2
Session1,2
Anti-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology
PSYC1001 Introduction to Psychology I
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Year 1, Session 2
HBIO1008 Human Physiology II
Session2,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2,3
Session2,3
Gold Coast
Session2,3
Session2,3
Lismore
Session2,3
Session2,3
Pre-requisites HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I OR Students in the 2125150 - Diploma of Health must have completed HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions and have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology
Anti-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology
HBIO2001 Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIO01302 Human Anatomy
Enrolment information This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/clinicalplacements
NUTR1001 Food and Nutrition in Health
Session2,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2,3
N/A
PSYC1002 Introduction to Psychology II
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Year 2, Session 1
HBIO1006 Human Growth, Development and Ageing
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
SCIN2002 Mechanics for Movement
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites HBIO2001 - Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy
BUSN1001 Management for Sport and Exercise
Session1
Location Domestic International
Online
Session1
Session1
PSYC2004 Development across the Lifespan
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Year 2, Session 2
PSYC2003 Exercise Psychology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
SPRT2001 Sports Conditioning and Training Methods
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites HBIO2001 - Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy
STAT2002 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Enrolment information Students should have basic mathematical skills equivalent to Year 10 Maths. Students should have basic computer literacy and familiarity with a spreadsheet program, such as Excel.
HLTH1003 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
Session2
Location Domestic International
Online
Session2
Session2
Year 3, Session 1
HBIO2002 Motor Control
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR BOTH HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I AND HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II; AND HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy
HLTH2002 Exercise Physiology
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
Enrolment information The laboratory activities within this unit require students to fulfil certain vaccination compliance requirements prior to attending laboratory classes. As some vaccination protocols can take up to 5 months to complete, we encourage you to prepare now. Compliance requirements include SCU Vaccination requirements in accordance with state Health policies: NSW Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases; and QLD Health Vaccination Requirements. SCU has incorporated a combined NSW and QLD vaccination procedure as students may need to attend laboratory classes in both states. Full details of vaccination compliance requirements for this unit are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
PSYC2001 Psychological Assessment
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites PSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I
STAT3001 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites BHS20008 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Year 3, Session 2
HLTH3002 Exercise Physiology and Prescription
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites HLTH2002 - Exercise Physiology
Enrolment information The laboratory activities within this unit require students to fulfil certain vaccination compliance requirements prior to attending laboratory classes. As some vaccination protocols can take up to 5 months to complete, we encourage you to prepare now. Compliance requirements include SCU Vaccination requirements in accordance with state Health policies: NSW Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases; and QLD Health Vaccination Requirements. SCU has incorporated a combined NSW and QLD vaccination procedure as students may need to attend laboratory classes in both states. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
HLTH2001 Motor Learning
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIO10493 Motor Control
PSYC3004 Biological Psychology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Pre-requisites PSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Elective
Year 4, Session 1
SPRT3001 Professional Preparation
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites SPRT2001 - Sports Conditioning and Training Methods ANDHLTH3002 - Exercise Physiology and Prescription
Anti-requisites BUSN2001 - Professional Development for the Workplace
Enrolment information This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements This is a final year unit involving an internship in the sport, health or fitness industry. To equip students for placement they must have completed a minimum of two years full-time or equivalent study in a relevant degree in the Faculty of Health.
PSYC3003 Learning and Memory
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites BHS11001 Introduction to Psychology I AND STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC5001 Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites PSYC2003 - Exercise Psychology OR PSYC1006 - Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity OR be admitted to course: 1207247 - Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Elective
Year 4, Session 2
SCIN3001 Applied Biomechanics
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIO00207 - Mechanics for Movement OR SCIN2002 - Mechanics for Movement AND BIO00209 Biomechanics and Kinesiology
PSYC2002 Abnormal Psychology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites PSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I
PSYC3001 Social Psychology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Elective

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Year 1, Session 2
HBIO1007 Human Physiology I
Session1,2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1,2
Session1,2
Gold Coast
Session1,2
Session1,2
Lismore
Session1,2
Session1,2
Anti-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology
NUTR1001 Food and Nutrition in Health
Session2,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2,3
N/A
Year 1, Session 3
HBIO1008 Human Physiology II
Session2,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2,3
Session2,3
Gold Coast
Session2,3
Session2,3
Lismore
Session2,3
Session2,3
Pre-requisites HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I OR Students in the 2125150 - Diploma of Health must have completed HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions and have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology
Anti-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology
Year 2, Session 1
HBIO1001 Human Anatomy
Session1,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1,3
Session1,3
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Lismore
Session1,3
Session1,3
PSYC1006 Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
PSYC1001 Introduction to Psychology I
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Year 2, Session 2
HBIO2001 Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIO01302 Human Anatomy
Enrolment information This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/clinicalplacements
PSYC1002 Introduction to Psychology II
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Year 3, Session 1
From Year 3, following the Session 1 Commencement course progression from Year 2

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points 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.
HBIO1001 Human Anatomy
Session1,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1,3
Session1,3
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Lismore
Session1,3
Session1,3
NUTR1001 Food and Nutrition in Health
Session2,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2,3
N/A

Note 1:

ESSA Accredited Unit

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
Core Units
HBIO1001 Human Anatomy Note 1
PSYC1006 Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity Note 1
HBIO1007 Human Physiology I Note 1
PSYC1001 Introduction to Psychology I
HBIO1008 Human Physiology II Note 1
HBIO2001 Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy Note 1
NUTR1001 Food and Nutrition in Health Note 1
PSYC1002 Introduction to Psychology II
HBIO1006 Human Growth, Development and Ageing Note 1
SCIN2002 Mechanics for Movement Note 1
BUSN1001 Management for Sport and Exercise Note 1
PSYC2004 Development across the Lifespan
PSYC2003 Exercise Psychology Note 1
SPRT2001 Sports Conditioning and Training Methods Note 1
STAT2002 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
HBIO2002 Motor Control Note 1
HLTH2002 Exercise Physiology Note 1
PSYC2001 Psychological Assessment
STAT3001 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology Note 1
HLTH3002 Exercise Physiology and Prescription Note 1
HLTH2001 Motor Learning Note 1
PSYC2002 Abnormal Psychology
SPRT3001 Professional Preparation Note 1
PSYC3003 Learning and Memory
SCIN3001 Applied Biomechanics Note 1
PSYC3004 Biological Psychology
PSYC3001 Social Psychology
HLTH1003 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Note 1
PSYC5001 Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology Note 1
Elective Units
Three elective units from the University-wide offerings