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 and the theory and application of sciences that underpin human movement and performance.
- 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 and the theory and application of sciences that underpin human movement and performance.
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.
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) and Sports Medicine Australia. 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 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. Students enrolled prior to 2016 should refer to the handbook applicable to the time of their admission.
Program structure
For students commencing 2016. All other students please refer to previous handbooks.
Introductory courses (8)
COR109 Communication and Thought
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
PUB104 Introduction to Behavioural Health
SPX101 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
SPX102 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX120 Sports Field Studies 1
SPX121 Exercise Testing and Measurement
Advanced courses (15)
NUT212 Principles of Nutrition
SPX201 Functional Anatomy
SPX202 Biomechanics I
SPX211 Exercise Physiology I
SPX212 Exercise Prescription and Programming
SPX221 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX222 Sport and Exercise Psychology
SPX231 Motor Control and Learning
SPX300 Introduction to Clinical Placement
SPX301 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
SPX302 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
SPX322 Biomechanics II
SPX331 Exercise Physiology II
SPX340 Professional Placement in Sport and Exercise Science
SPX352
Please note: SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1 of your final year of your degree, and requires course coordinator permission.
Plus select 1 Elective course:
Select 1 advanced elective course from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
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.
- 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. Students in this program 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.