4.5 years minimum for students commencing in Sessions 2 or 3
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
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.
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 | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
Exercise science: anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, sports conditioning and motor control.
Psychological science: assessment, methodology, principles of behaviour.
Domestic students
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Session 1, Session 2, Session 3 |
| Gold Coast | Session 1, Session 2, Session 3 |
| Lismore | Session 1, Session 2, Session 3 |
International students
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Session 1, Session 2 | $30,800 ($3,850 per unit) | 0102160 |
| Gold Coast | Session 1, Session 2 | $30,800 ($3,850 per unit) | 0102160 |
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| 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. |
Assessment methods vary from unit to unit and might comprise a mix of laboratory-based and readings-based assignments, seminar presentations, online discussion boards, field and investigation reports, as well as practical and written examinations.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Graduates of this degree will be uniquely positioned to combine sport and exercise services with psychological knowledge creating a highly valued point of difference for their clients.
Career opportunities exist as a psychologist or exercise physiologist (both require additional training). Graduates of this degree will be eligible to obtain accreditation as an exercise scientist and strength and conditioning coach and to pursue opportunities in counselling in the sport or school setting, sports science, coaching and health research.
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.
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.
Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.
Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.
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:
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.
| Note 1: | ESSA Accredited Unit |