This unique double degree is the only one of its kind in South Australia and will develop your expertise in exercise and sport science, psychology, counselling, and behavioural research methodology. With a strong practical and multi-disciplinary industry focus, you will graduate with a specialised set of skills to meet emerging market needs.

The exercise and sport science component to design, deliver and assess exercise and physical activity programs to improve the health and wellbeing of clients, their performance, or to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. The psychological science component provides a balance of courses in psychology theory and counselling, meaning you will enter the workforce with the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

If you finish your degree with a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) you could also be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). Completion of this honours degree can lead to employment as a practicing psychologist (additional requirements must also be met).

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

What you'll learn

This unique double degree will provide you with expertise in the areas of exercise and sport science, and psychological science. You will graduate with a specialised set of skills to meet emerging market needs. You will gain expertise in human thought and behaviour, develop cognitive and creative skills to solve real-world scientific problems, and apply your knowledge in diverse contexts such as sports and mental health.  

The exercise and sport science component prepares you to provide counselling to athletes, rehabilitation services, and to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of the population. The psychological science component provides a balance of courses in psychology theory and counselling – for graduates this means you will enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology, as well as the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

During the first two years you will study exercise and sport science courses, which will give you a solid understanding of:

• human anatomy and physiology
• fundamental movement skills
• skill acquisition
• physical activity and health

The third and fourth years have a strong practical focus, where you will develop critical thinking and practice-based skills through learning about:

• develop influencing skills and intervention strategies
• gain knowledge of psychological disorders, including their causes and range of treatments
• study the relationship between psychology and physical activity

As the health, wellbeing and nutrition industries continue to grow, employment prospects for graduates of this double degree are promising. Careers to consider include:

• athlete counsellor (with further study):  concerned with the wellbeing, mental functioning and physical performance of athletes 
• Exercise Scientist: use a combination of biomechanics, physiology, and psychology to help assess and ultimately increase an individual’s fitness, sporting performance and general health
• school counsellor (with further study): work across primary and secondary schools to facilitate and advocate student wellbeing 
• strength and conditioning coach: prepare athletes for high performance, enabling them the greatest advantage in competition
• sport psychologist (with further study): working with athletes and coaches to increase athletic performance through psychology influences 

To become a professionally practicing or research psychologist you must complete a one-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree. You must finish your degree with at least a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) to be considered for or eligible to apply for honours. You will then need to complete a two-year Master of Psychology (Clinical), and on completion register with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This degree is accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an Accredited Exercise Scientist through ESSA.

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. On completion of the program, graduates will have met the prerequisites to apply for fourth year programs in Psychology.

Graduates are eligible to apply for level 1 membership of the Australian Counselling Association, provided that they have attended all practicals in the BEHL 2013 and BEHL 3018 courses during the degree.