Train your mind to help others improve their health.
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools in the battle to prevent common lifestyle diseases. In this program, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge in areas such as functional anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, motor control and learning, nutrition, performance analysis, coaching and exercise rehabilitation.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools in the battle to prevent common lifestyle diseases. In this program, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge in areas such as functional anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, motor control and learning, nutrition, performance analysis, coaching and exercise rehabilitation.
There are six elective options in your final year to allow you to tailor your degree towards your chosen career path. There’s also an opportunity to complete 150 hours of work placement to build industry connections and possibly secure a job before you graduate.
Our sport and exercise science teaching staff are highly qualified specialists, and several have held major coaching and sport science roles with high profile international sporting teams. Our sport and exercise science laboratory facilities are recognised nationally, USC is the first Australian university to receive laboratory accreditation under the National Sport Science Quality Assurance Program. This program is also an excellent stepping stone if you choose to take on further study in Physical Education and allied health.
Post-admission requirements
Students must complete 140 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for accreditation.
Career opportunities
Sport / exercise science, exercise prescription / programming, strength and conditioning, sports coaching, fitness industry, sports administration.
Membership
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) (Pathway 2 only - students must complete 140 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for membership); Sports Medicine Australia (Pathways 1 and 2). Graduates who select the minor in exercise science can apply for membership with ESSA as exercise scientists. Please note: Students intending to seek membership with ESSA as exercise scientists are advised that ESSA will allow recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-university studies to a maximum of 12.5% of load. USC recommends, therefore, that students holding TAFE studies in fitness seek RPL for not more than three courses upon entering the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science.
Accreditation
USC's Exercise Science laboratories are accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport's National Sport Science Quality Assurance program.
The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science - Minor in Exercise Science (ESSA minor) is accredited at the level of Exercise Science with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates from this program may identify themselves as exercise scientists.
Program structure
For students commencing 2015. All other students please refer to previous handbooks.
Introductory courses (8)
COR109 Neonatal and Infant Health
LFS103 Perinatal and Infant Mental Health
LFS112 Life Crisis
LFS122 Communication and Thought
PSY100 Introductory Bioscience
SCI110 Human Physiology
SPX101 Human Anatomy
SPX102 Introduction to Psychology A
Advanced courses (10)
LFS201 Science Research Methods
SPX201 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
SPX202 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX211 Systemic Physiology I
SPX212 Functional Anatomy
SPX221 Biomechanics I
SPX222 Exercise Physiology I
SPX231 Exercise Prescription and Programming
SPX331 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX352 Sport and Exercise Psychology
Students choose whether they are going to follow Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 in the 3rd year of their program.
Pathway 1:
Elective courses (6)
ESSA membership NOT available
Select 6 elective courses, of which 4 must be at advanced (200 / 300) level. Courses may be chosen from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Students holding TAFE studies in Fitness who seek RPL for 4 or more courses, must follow Pathway 1.
OR
Pathway 2:
To be eligible to apply for membership with ESSA as an Exercise Scientist, students must complete the following:
Minor in Exercise Science (Exercise and Sport Science Australia requirement)
4 required courses:
SPX300 Motor Control and Learning
SPX301 Exercise Physiology II
SPX302 Sports Nutrition
SPX322 Introduction to Clinical Placement
Please note: SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1 of your final year of your degree, and requires course coordinator permission.
Plus select 2 Elective courses:
Select 2 advanced elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete no more than 10 introductory (100 level) courses, including COR109 .
- Complete a minimum of 14 advanced (200 and 300 level) courses from any Faculty.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- Students have a choice of two study pathways:
Pathway 1 allows students to undertake 6 elective courses within the 3 year program. Graduates who elect to complete Pathway 1 CANNOT apply for membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
Students holding a TAFE Diploma of Fitness are eligible for 8 courses credit if they complete Pathway 1.
Pathway 2 allows students who undertake this pathway and who have completed all the required courses as listed in Pathway 2, to apply for Exercise Scientist membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Note: Students who have a variation to the program will not be able to apply for accreditation with ESSA. - Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues. Students undertaking Pathway 2 should be aware there are restrictions applicable to credit transfer in order to obtain ESSA membership and they should contact their Program Advisor.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.