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Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science

Bachelors Double Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • 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, strength and conditioning, and motor control as well as core units in psychological science that include assessment, methodology and principles of behaviour. 

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

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate the level of information literacy, critical analysis, problem solving and decision making in exercise science and psychology.

GA2: Creativity

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

GA3: Ethical practice

Demonstrate a knowledge and application of professional conduct, ethics, legal principles and client centred care consistent with professional standards of conduct and ethical practice.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Apply and integrate knowledge of evidence-based practice in exercise science and psychology, including the use of technology and digital practices, to deliver a broad range of services.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate professional self-development in the field of exercise science and psychology through educational engagement and ongoing learning, self-evaluation of practice, inter- professional working relationships, innovative practice, and support new graduates.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Use a range of modalities to communicate effectively with clients and relevant stakeholders including families, carers and other health, exercise science and psychology professionals, and maintain appropriate documentation and records of services.

Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and advocate for client access to health services.

GA7: Cultural competence

Practice in a safe, respectful and inclusive way that is responsive to the diverse needs of people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, gender and sexually diverse persons, persons of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and persons living with a disability.

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 Term 1, Term 3 N/A N/A
Gold Coast Term 1, Term 3 N/A N/A
Lismore Term 1, Term 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 Exercise & 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

Language 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

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

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 all core units.

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health 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 Equity & 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 Equity & 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

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

HLTH1008 Physical Activity for Health
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
HLTH1004 The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
Term1,3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
HBIO1009 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Gold Coast
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Lismore
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PSYC1002 Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
Term2,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,5
Term2,5
NUTR1001 Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
Term2,3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term2,3
Term2
PSYC1001 Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
PSYC1009 Introducing Health Psychology
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2,4
Term2,4
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
PSYC1010 Positive Psychology
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4

Second Year

HBIO1010 Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Summer Term
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Lismore
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Pre-requisites HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HBIO2002 Motor Control
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy; OR HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
STAT2002 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
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.
HBIO1006 Growth and Development
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PSYC2005 Psychological Investigation I
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
PSYC2004 Lifespan Psychology
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
PSYC3003 Learning and Memory
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites PSYC1001 - Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition AND STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
HLTH2002 Exercise Physiology
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I AND HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO2001 Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.

Third Year

SCIN2002 Introductory Biomechanics
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology; OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PSYC3004 Biological Psychology
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites PSYC1001 - Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
HLTH2003 Exercise and Sport Assessment
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites HLTH2002 - Exercise Physiology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HLTH2001 Motor Learning for Coaching
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites HBIO2002 - Motor Control
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
SPRT2001 Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites HBIO2001 - Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PSYC2003 Exercise and Sport Psychology
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
HLTH2004 Exercise Prescription and Delivery
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites HLTH2003 - Exercise and Sport Assessment AND SPRT2001 - Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning
Enrolment information This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
PSYC2002 Understanding Psychological Diagnoses
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites PSYC1001 - Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition

Fourth Year

SPRT3001 Professional Preparation
Dual Term2
Term5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Dual Term2
Term5
Dual Term2
Term5
Gold Coast
Dual Term2
Term5
Dual Term2
Term5
Lismore
Dual Term2
Term5
Dual Term2
Term5
Pre-requisites HLTH2004 - Exercise Prescription and Delivery OR HLTH3002 - Exercise Physiology and Prescription
Anti-requisites BUSN2001 - Professional Development for the Workplace
Enrolment information This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements. This unit involves 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.
PSYC2001 Psychological Assessment
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites PSYC1001 - Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
PSYC3001 Social Psychology
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites PSYC1002 - Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
STAT3001 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
SCIN3001 Applied Biomechanics
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites SCIN2002 - Introductory Biomechanics
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PSYC3002 Psychological Investigation II
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites PSYC2005 - Psychological Investigation I
PSYC3005 Culture and Psychology
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites PSYC1002 - Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
HLTH1008 Physical Activity for Health
HLTH1004 The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
STAT2002 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC1002 Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
PSYC1001 Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
NUTR1001 Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
PSYC1009 Introducing Health Psychology
PSYC1010 Positive Psychology
HBIO1009 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HBIO1010 Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
HBIO1006 Growth and Development
HBIO2002 Motor Control
PSYC2004 Lifespan Psychology
STAT3001 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC3003 Learning and Memory
HLTH2002 Exercise Physiology
HBIO2001 Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy
SCIN2002 Introductory Biomechanics
PSYC3004 Biological Psychology
HLTH2003 Exercise and Sport Assessment
HLTH2001 Motor Learning for Coaching
SPRT2001 Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning
PSYC2003 Exercise and Sport Psychology
HLTH2004 Exercise Prescription and Delivery
PSYC2002 Understanding Psychological Diagnoses
SPRT3001 Professional Preparation
PSYC3005 Culture and Psychology
PSYC2001 Psychological Assessment
PSYC2005 Psychological Investigation I
SCIN3001 Applied Biomechanics
PSYC3001 Social Psychology
PSYC3002 Psychological Investigation II