Do you dream of coaching athletes or inspiring people to achieve better health and wellbeing? Are you fascinated by how the human adapts to participation in sport and exercise? 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, biomechanics, movement control, exercise physiology, exercise and sport psychology, coaching and exercise prescription, with the opportunity to specialise in either business management, physical education or strength, conditioning and coaching.
Our graduates work in many areas of sport and health, including sports psychology, nutrition, teaching, coaching, performance testing, health promotion and education.
This degree may also provide a pathway to the Master of Teaching that can prepare students as PDHPE teachers in secondary settings.
Course Learning Outcome
GA1: Intellectual rigour
Demonstrate information literacy, critical analysis, problem solving and decision making in sport and exercise science.
GA2: Creativity
Demonstrate innovative and creative responses and solutions to problems encountered by professionals in sport and exercise science
GA3: Ethical practice
Demonstrate 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 sport and exercise science, 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 sport and exercise science through self-evaluation of practice and inter-professional practice.
GA6: Communication and social skills
Use a range of modalities to communicate effectively with clients and other health professionals and maintain appropriate documentation and records of services.
Demonstrate leadership and teamwork in the sport and exercise science setting.
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’ll complete 140-hours of exercise science placement in the final year of your course. Professional placements provide 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 exercise physiologists, personal trainers, health educators, strength and conditioning or sports coaches, sporting organisations, academies or institutions, 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:
Business and Management: this major includes business law, starting a business, and digital marketing strategies. Please note business and law units are not offered at Coffs Harbour but are available online.
Physical 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.
Strength, Conditioning and Coaching: this major includes areas such as advanced strength and conditioning, applied skill acquisition and training for performance.
Location
Teaching period
UAC code
QTAC code
Coffs Harbour
Term 1
N/A
N/A
Gold Coast
Term 1, Term 3
N/A
N/A
Lismore
Term 1
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.
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
To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must have achieved:
satisfactory completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the Recognised Countries (see below), including at least two years between years 7 and 12; or
completed at least two years (full time equivalent combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed solely in English, in one of the Recognised Countries; or
the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components: or
the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or
the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills; or
the TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 24 listening, 24 reading, 27 writing, and 23 speaking; or
successful completion of the English for Academic Purposes 3 program at SCU College; or
successful completion of the Diploma of Health at SCU College.
Recognised Countries means the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK and USA.
Please note, Rule 2 Schedule B test scores equivalencies do not apply to this course.
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
Category
Score
Overall Score or equivalent
7.0
Reading
7.0
Writing
7.0
Listening
7.0
Speaking
7.0
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 the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
16 core units (192 credit points); and
1 major (96 credit points).
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
HLTH2003 - Exercise and Sport Assessment AND SPRT2001 - Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires 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 and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.
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) that requires 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. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning
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.
Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery OR 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3005113 - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science;
OR
Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007012 - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in SPRT3001 - Work Integrated Learning in Exercise Science;
OR
Students must complete 288 CP in 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology OR 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry;
OR
Students must complete 120 CP in 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)
Enrolment information
This unit must be done in the final year except for Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology students who should complete it in Year 3.
HLTH2003 - Exercise and Sport Assessment AND SPRT2001 - Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires 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 and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.
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) that requires 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. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning
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.
Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery OR 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3005113 - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science;
OR
Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007012 - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in SPRT3001 - Work Integrated Learning in Exercise Science;
OR
Students must complete 288 CP in 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology OR 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry;
OR
Students must complete 120 CP in 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)
Enrolment information
This unit must be done in the final year except for Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology students who should complete it in Year 3.
HLTH2003 - Exercise and Sport Assessment AND SPRT2001 - Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning
Enrolment information
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires 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 and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.
Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007229 - Bachelor of Midwifery OR 3005105 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 3005113 - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science;
OR
Students must complete 192 credit points in 3007012 - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in SPRT3001 - Work Integrated Learning in Exercise Science;
OR
Students must complete 288 CP in 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology OR 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007308 - Bachelor of Podiatry;
OR
Students must complete 120 CP in 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)
Enrolment information
This unit must be done in the final year except for Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology students who should complete it in Year 3.
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) that requires 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. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning
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.
Physical Education Studies I: Athletics and Aquatics
Term2
12
Location
Domestic
International
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Enrolment information
This unit includes 2 full day residentials at the Gold Coast held in a Gold Coast Sport and Recreation Centre. Online students are strongly encouraged to attend the residentials in person for a more immersive experience. The residentials will be held on the Saturday of Week 1 and Week 3. Students to provide own lunch/drink and accommodation arrangements, if required.
Physical Education Studies II: Dance and Gymnastics
Term4
12
Location
Domestic
International
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
Enrolment information
This unit includes 2 full day residentials at the Gold Coast held in a Gold Coast Sport and Recreation Centre. Online students are strongly encouraged to attend the residentials in person for a more immersive experience. The residentials will be held on the Saturday of Week 1 and Week 3. Students to provide own lunch/drink and accommodation arrangements, if required.