Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science

2024 course information for Domestic Students
2024 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Wed, 24 May

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
65
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

3.5 years for students commencing in July

3 years full-time
Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore
Start date
March, July
February
Course code
3005113
Course abbreviation
BSES
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

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.

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.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must have achieved:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components: or
  4. the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or
  5. the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills; or
  6. 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
  7. successful completion of the English for Academic Purposes 3 program at SCU College; or
  8. 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.

 

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.

CountryScore
Austria AMC3.4
Bangladesh HSC3.6
Brazil SSLC8.2
Canada High School OSSD50
Chile PSU6.4, overall 600-649
China Gao Kao449
Colombia CB (NAT)81, overall 300-349
Denmark USSLE6.2
France FB11
German Abitur3
Hong Kong HKDSE14
India CBSE (best 4)8.5 external exam
India CISCE71
India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4)78 in academic
Indonesia SMA8.2
International Baccalaureate24
Japan USSLC4
Korea, Republic of, CSAT298
Malaysia ICSSUEC71
Malaysia STPM5 (best 3 A levels)
Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate73
Nepal Proficiency Certificate82
Norway GPA1.5
Pakistan HSSC31
Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams77
Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams31
Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5)2.5
Peru OCSE17
Phillipines NSAT89
Russia FCCSE4.3
Saudi Arabia MESSLC83
Singapore SCGCE15.5
Spain SSSD8.2
Spain STBPU7.5
Sri Lanka GCE4.5
Sweden SSLC13
Taiwan GSAT54
Taiwan Senior High School Certificate87
Thailand CSE(Matayom 6) 1.9
Turkey HSD4
UK Board GCE A Levels13 (4 subjects)
USA SAT & ACTSAT 1410, ACT 20
Vietnam (in 4 subjects)7.5

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
Overall Score or equivalent7.0
Reading7.0
Writing7.0
Listening7.0
Speaking7.0

About the course

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. 

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
Coffs HarbourTerm  1, Term  3
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Coffs HarbourTerm  1$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)059883F
Gold CoastTerm  1$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)059883F
LismoreTerm  1$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)059883F

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Early Offer

If you're a current Year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.

Apply now for your Early Offer

International students studying in Australia

View domestic application details View international application details

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:

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


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Core Units
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
HLTH1008Physical Activity for Health
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HBIO1006Growth and Development
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
NUTR1001Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
HBIO2001Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy
HLTH2002Exercise Physiology
HBIO2002Motor Control
SCIN2002Introductory Biomechanics
HLTH2001Motor Learning for Coaching
HLTH2003Exercise and Sport Assessment
SPRT2001Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning
PSYC2003Exercise and Sport Psychology
HLTH2004Exercise Prescription and Delivery
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Majors

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
SPRT3001Professional Preparation
SCIN3001Applied Biomechanics
HLTH3004Transition to Practice
EDUC2007Physical Education Studies I: Athletics and Aquatics
EDUC2008Physical Education Studies II: Dance and Gymnastics
EDUC3008Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Young People
TCHR3012Physical Education Studies III: Games and Sports
AND
EDUC3009Contemporary Health Issues for Young People
OR
University Wide Elective

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
SPRT3001Professional Preparation
SCIN3001Applied Biomechanics
HLTH3004Transition to Practice
HLTH3006Applied Skill Acquisition
HLTH3007Advanced Strength and Conditioning
HLTH1003Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
HLTH3008Training for Performance
AND
HLTH3001Independent Study - Health Science
OR
University Wide Elective

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
SPRT3001Professional Preparation
SCIN3001Applied Biomechanics
HLTH3004Transition to Practice
HLTH1003Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
LEGL1003Introduction to Business Law
BUSN1004Starting a Business
MRKT2007Digital Marketing Strategies
AND
HLTH3001Independent Study - Health Science
OR
University Wide Elective



Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

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 information literacy, critical analysis, problem solving and decision making in sport and exercise science.

Demonstrate innovative and creative responses and solutions to problems encountered by professionals in sport and exercise science

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

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.

Demonstrate professional self-development in the field of sport and exercise science through self-evaluation of practice and inter-professional practice.

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.

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.


Assessment methods

Assessment items vary from unit to unit and generally comprise a mix of laboratory-based and readings-based assignments, seminar presentations, field and investigation reports, and formal practical examinations such as vivas or student-led practical sessions.

Teaching methods

Students experience a variety of teaching approaches including laboratory and practical classes, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. Our online units are highly interactive and promote collaboration and a sense of community. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Career opportunities

As an exercise scientist, graduates can expect to gain employment in sports coaching, strength training and conditioning, sport development, performance testing and talent identification, personal training and gym instruction, health promotion, occupational rehabilitation and sports or recreation facility and program management.

Some graduates choose to pursue further study at postgraduate or graduate entry level to become an allied health professional in areas such as clinical exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy or as a PDHPE teacher. Students who wish to pursue postgraduate study in nutrition should contact the relevant university to check enrolment requirements.

Other graduates choose to pursue postgraduate studies in research, allowing them to pursue careers in academia or industry.

Professional placement

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.

Professional recognition

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.

Undergraduate students are eligible for registration as an Exercise Professional with AUSactive after completing the first two years of their degree.

Graduates are eligible for registration as a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA).

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

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