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

Exercise Science Lismore campus

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

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. 

Scholarships

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

View our scholarships
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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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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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Entry pathways

There are many ways to get into Southern Cross University. Discover your options with an entry pathway.

Find your pathway
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