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, sports 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.

Career opportunities exist as a psychologist (with additional training) or in careers that have therapeutic connections to sport and exercise, such as professional athlete counselling, rehabilitation or counselling within schools and colleges.

A substantial range of career trajectories exists for graduates of this combined program. Many psychology graduates do not continue to work as clinical psychologists, however, with an advanced knowledge of exercise science in conjunction with psychological studies, graduates are well positioned to enter other careers with therapeutic connections to sport and exercise. This may be in the area of professional athlete counselling or perhaps situated outside of professional sports within schools and colleges.

Other career pathways include health management and guidance with relation to behaviour change and rehabilitation management following injury.

Professional Placement

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 Recognition

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.