Do you dream of coaching athletes or inspiring people to achieve better health and wellbeing? Are you fascinated by human anatomy? Or 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, exercise physiology, exercise and sport psychology, exercise prescription with the opportunity to specialise in either exercise science, nutrition or education.

Our graduates work in many areas of sport and health, including sports psychology, nutrition, teaching, coaching, performance testing, health promotion and education.

This degree also provides an accelerated pathway towards the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and professional accreditation as an exercise physiologist or a pathway to the Master of Teaching that can prepare students as PDHPE teachers in secondary settings.

Students select one major from the following:

• 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.
• Exercise science: this major includes subject areas such as advanced sport and exercise psychology as well as sport and fitness organisation management.
• Nutrition studies: this major examines food and nutrition in the context of exercise science, human health, disease processes and social issues. It includes content such as exercise biochemistry, food science, nutritional science, and sports nutrition. [Note: Students who wish to pursue postgraduate study in nutrition should contact the relevant university to check requirements.]

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 also 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.

Professional Placement

You'll complete a 140-hour exercise science placement in the final year of your course with the option for some students of an additional placement. These normally occur during the breaks between teaching sessions. This provides 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 personal trainers, health educators, strength and conditioning or sports coaches, sporting event coordinators or recreation officers. 

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.

The course is also recognised by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) of America. 

Graduates 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 of the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science may undertake further postgraduate study to gain registration as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP).