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Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BSES

  • Course code

    3005113

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee


Overview

Do you dream of coaching athletes or inspiring people to achieve better health and wellbeing? Are you fascinated by human anatomy? Or are you keen to probe the minds of elite athletes and uncover what gives them the winning edge? The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science can turn your sporting passion into a career.

This degree provides a comprehensive study of sport sciences and how the human body responds to exercise. You’ll learn about human movement, exercise physiology, exercise and sport psychology, exercise prescription with the opportunity to specialise in either exercise science, nutrition or education.

Our graduates work in many areas of sport and health, including sports psychology, nutrition, teaching, coaching, performance testing, health promotion and education.

This degree also provides an accelerated pathway towards the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and professional accreditation as an exercise physiologist or a pathway to the Master of Teaching that can prepare students as PDHPE teachers in secondary settings.

Course Learning Outcome

Demonstrate the level of critical analysis, problem solving and decision making expected of a professional in sport and exercise science.

Exercise sound theoretical and practical judgement in dealing with the challenges and situations common to the work of a sport and exercise science professional

Demonstrate innovative and creative responses and solutions to problems encountered by a sport and exercise science professional

Demonstrate a knowledge of – and commitment to – social responsibility, ethics and legal principles consistent with what is expected of a professional in sport and exercise science

Demonstrate an ability to understand industry best practice in sport and exercise science.

Apply and integrate knowledge of industry best practice in professional settings in sport and exercise science

Integrate responsibility for independent, self-directed learning and reflective practice.

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

Communicate concisely and appropriately in oral and written form in academic and professional settings in sport and exercise science.

Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of teamwork in the profession of sport and exercise science

Demonstrate an understanding of social and cultural issues as they relate to the work of a sport and exercise science professional.

Apply cultural and indigenous competence and sensitivity in dealings with clients and stakeholders in sport and exercise science.

You'll complete a 140-hour exercise science placement in the final year of your course with the option for some students of an additional placement. These normally occur during the breaks between teaching sessions. This provides the opportunity to apply theory and knowledge in practical settings.

Placements are undertaken under professional supervision in clinical settings, the health and fitness industry, community and professional sport, elite programs of state and national sport organisations, schools, academies of sport, and within the wider sport, recreation and leisure industries.

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. 

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

Students select one major from the following:

Education: this major offers graduates a pathway to a Southern Cross University degree in secondary teaching (Master of Teaching), potentially leading to registration as a PDHPE teacher for eligible students. Please note education units are only available online.

Exercise science: this major includes subject areas such as advanced sport and exercise psychology as well as sport and fitness organisation management.

Nutrition studies: this major examines food and nutrition in the context of exercise science, human health, disease processes and social issues. It includes content such as exercise biochemistry, food science, nutritional science, and sports nutrition. [Note: Students who wish to pursue postgraduate study in nutrition should contact the relevant university to check requirements.]

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 Sport and Exercise Science is accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) at the Exercise Science level. All graduates, regardless of the major completed, will be eligible for full membership as Exercise Scientists with ESSA. 

Please note: In order to apply to be an Accredited Exercise Scientist, ESSA’s requirements for English language must be met.

The course is also recognised by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) of America. 

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

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 Sport 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 Sport and Exercise Science, students must complete 288 credit points, comprising:

  • all core units; and
  • one major.

Exit Awards

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

Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Health and Human Sciences after completing 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 pagemust 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
BIO71001 -  Human Growth, Development and Ageing Introductory
BIO71002 -  Human Physiology I Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
BIO71003 -  Human Physiology II Introductory
BIO00209 -  Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy Intermediate
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
MAT71004 -  Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
BIO10493 -  Motor Control Intermediate
SCI72001 -  Mechanics for Movement Intermediate
MNG00301 -  Management for Sport and Exercise Introductory
BIO00203 -  Exercise Physiology Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
BIO73003 -  Exercise Physiology and Prescription Advanced
HEA00332 -  Exercise Psychology Intermediate
HMS00203 -  Sports Conditioning and Training Methods Intermediate
HMS00328 -  Motor Learning Intermediate
Year 3, Session 1
HMS00223 -  Professional Preparation Advanced
PSY81001 -  Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology Introductory
HMV81001 -  Exercise Physiology for Specific Populations Introductory
MKT20001 -  Marketing and Promotion for Sport, Exercise and Allied Health OR HEA73006 -  Independent Study - Health Science Intermediate
Year 3, Session 2
BIO00324 -  Applied Biomechanics Advanced
MNG00306 -  Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
HLT81001 -  Metabolic Health Introductory
NUT73001 -  Sport and Exercise Nutrition OR HEA73006 -  Independent Study - Health Science Advanced

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
BIO71001 -  Human Growth, Development and Ageing Introductory
BIO71002 -  Human Physiology I Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
BIO71003 -  Human Physiology II Introductory
BIO00209 -  Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy Intermediate
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
MAT71004 -  Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
BIO10493 -  Motor Control Intermediate
SCI72001 -  Mechanics for Movement Intermediate
MNG00301 -  Management for Sport and Exercise Introductory
BIO00203 -  Exercise Physiology Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
BIO73003 -  Exercise Physiology and Prescription Advanced
HEA00332 -  Exercise Psychology Intermediate
HMS00203 -  Sports Conditioning and Training Methods Intermediate
HMS00328 -  Motor Learning Intermediate
Year 3, Session 1
HMS00223 -  Professional Preparation Advanced
HMV81001 -  Exercise Physiology for Specific Populations Introductory
EDU10694 -  Contemporary Health Issues for Young People Advanced
EDU10693 -  Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Young People Advanced
Year 3, Session 2
BIO00324 -  Applied Biomechanics Advanced
MNG00306 -  Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport OR HEA73006 -  Independent Study - Health Science Introductory
EDU10691 -  Physical Education Studies I: Athletics and Aquatics Intermediate
EDU10692 -  Physical Education Studies II: Dance and Gymnastics Intermediate

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
BIO71001 -  Human Growth, Development and Ageing Introductory
BIO71002 -  Human Physiology I Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
BIO71003 -  Human Physiology II Introductory
BIO00209 -  Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy Intermediate
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
MAT71004 -  Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
BIO10493 -  Motor Control Intermediate
SCI72001 -  Mechanics for Movement Intermediate
MNG00301 -  Management for Sport and Exercise Introductory
BIO00203 -  Exercise Physiology Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
BIO73003 -  Exercise Physiology and Prescription Advanced
HEA00332 -  Exercise Psychology Intermediate
HMS00203 -  Sports Conditioning and Training Methods Intermediate
HMS00328 -  Motor Learning Intermediate
Year 3, Session 1
HMS00223 -  Professional Preparation Advanced
HMV81001 -  Exercise Physiology for Specific Populations Introductory
ENV10702 -  Food Ecology Introductory
ENP10646 -  Food Technology as an Enterprise Intermediate
Year 3, Session 2
BIO00324 -  Applied Biomechanics Advanced
HLT81001 -  Metabolic Health Introductory
NUT73001 -  Sport and Exercise Nutrition Advanced
MNG00306 -  Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport OR HEA73006 -  Independent Study - Health Science Introductory

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
BIO71001 -  Human Growth, Development and Ageing Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
BIO00209 -  Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy Intermediate
MAT71004 -  Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners Introductory
HEA00332 -  Exercise Psychology Intermediate
From Year 3, follow the Session 1 Progression for your chosen Major from Year 2 (excluding HEA00332)

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Complete the unit under Session 3 below and then follow the Course Progression for Session 1 Commencement less the completed unit.
Session 3
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Core Units
BIO01302 Human Anatomy Introductory
HEA00331 Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity Introductory
BIO71001 Human Growth, Development and Ageing Introductory
BIO71002 Human Physiology I Introductory
BIO71003 Human Physiology II Introductory
BIO00209 Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy Intermediate
NUT00214 Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
MAT71004 Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners Introductory
BIO10493 Motor Control Intermediate
SCI72001 Mechanics for Movement Intermediate
MNG00301 Management for Sport and Exercise Introductory
BIO00203 Exercise Physiology Intermediate
BIO73003 Exercise Physiology and Prescription Advanced
HEA00332 Exercise Psychology Intermediate
HMS00203 Sports Conditioning and Training Methods Intermediate
HMS00328 Motor Learning Intermediate
Majors

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
HMS00223 Professional Preparation Advanced
BIO00324 Applied Biomechanics Advanced
HMV81001 Exercise Physiology for Specific Populations Introductory
PSY81001 Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology Introductory
MNG00306 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
HLT81001 Metabolic Health Introductory
Choose two of:
MKT20001 Marketing and Promotion for Sport, Exercise and Allied Health Intermediate
or
NUT73001 Sport and Exercise Nutrition Advanced
or
HEA73006 Independent Study - Health Science Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
HMS00223 Professional Preparation Advanced
BIO00324 Applied Biomechanics Advanced
HMV81001 Exercise Physiology for Specific Populations Introductory
EDU10691 Physical Education Studies I: Athletics and Aquatics Intermediate
EDU10692 Physical Education Studies II: Dance and Gymnastics Intermediate
EDU10693 Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Young People Advanced
EDU10694 Contemporary Health Issues for Young People Advanced
Choose either:
MNG00306 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
or
HEA73006 Independent Study - Health Science Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
HMS00223 Professional Preparation Advanced
BIO00324 Applied Biomechanics Advanced
HMV81001 Exercise Physiology for Specific Populations Introductory
ENP10646 Food Technology as an Enterprise Intermediate
HLT81001 Metabolic Health Introductory
NUT73001 Sport and Exercise Nutrition Advanced
ENV10702 Food Ecology Introductory
Choose either
MNG00306 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
or
HEA73006 Independent Study - Health Science Advanced