Study Sport and Exercise Science

Exercise science student Kiara Richardson running on a treadmill at the Lismore gym. She is completing her placement hours through NCAS, North Coast Academy of Sport and Southern Cross University Health Clinic.

Gain a winning combination

At Southern Cross University, you'll learn in modern laboratories and specialist facilities, and gain practical experience through supervised placements in our on-campus health clinics at Lismore and the Gold Coast.

These hands-on opportunities prepare you for careers in health and fitness, sport management, exercise rehabilitation, exercise physiology and sport science; fields where employment opportunities are growing in Australia and overseas.

Exercise Science and nutrition together provide a complete understanding of the human body, from chemical and biochemical processes to the muscles and nervous system. Our unique combined degree, the Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science, enables you to specialise and multiply your career options.

Learning under the Southern Cross Model, you can focus your study, achieve milestones more quickly and take confident steps into your future.

Clinical Exercise Physiology student Vincent Manze at the Exercise lab on Gold Coast campus

“My experience at Southern Cross has been really good. There has been a vast array of opportunities for me. I've seen the whole spectrum of what I'm capable of doing.”

Vincent Manze Clinical Exercise Physiology student
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Undergraduate

Undergraduate

Higher Degrees Research

Study Sport, Exercise Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology

Top 800 worldwide

We're ranked in the global top 800 universities for Clinical and Health

(Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject 2025)

5-star ratings in Sport and Leisure

We're rated 5 stars in undergraduate Learner Engagement, Skills Development and Student Support

(Good Universities Guide 2025)

Guaranteed entry with Diploma of Health

Successful completion of the Diploma guarantees entry and eight (8) units of credit towards a linked Bachelor degree

Start uni this July

Thinking about studying soon? We have a number of study options starting in July, explore them along with the full range of available courses.

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Get uni ready. Choose your best pathway

Preparing for Success Program

Over 18? This free 12-week pathway program will develop the study skills necessary for succss at university.

Transition to Uni

Graduating school and worried you might not get the ATAR you need? This free 6-week course will develop your academic skills to prepare you for uni.

Diplomas

Not ready to commit to Bachelor-level study? Start with a Diploma and build your pathway. Our Diplomas can fast‑track you into the second year of a range of Bachelor degrees if you choose to continue your studies.

English language programs

Choose a English language pathway program to suit your needs and work with our team to prepare yourself for your future.

Frequently asked questions

Our main exercise science degrees are delivered on campus at Coffs Harbour, the Gold Coast and Lismore, giving you access to specialist labs, modern facilities and on-campus health clinics.

You’ll study areas such as human movement, biomechanics, movement control, exercise physiology, exercise and sport psychology, coaching and exercise prescription, with hands-on placements in clinical and community settings.

As an exercise scientist, graduates can work 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. Further studies can open doors to clinical exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy or as a PDHPE teacher. 

A better way to learn

We’re always looking for a better way to do things. That’s why we’re delivering our courses in six-week terms.

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Scholarships

The University offers a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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Come visit

Get a taste of the Southern Cross University experience through our webinars, campus tours and info sessions.

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Your future starts here

Take a closer look at Southern Cross and explore study options tailored to help you choose your path with confidence.

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