This program targets the development of research skills in sport and exercise science, in combination with skills required for specialist qualification as an accredited sport scientist (ESSA ASpS Level 1). Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA), the national accreditation body for exercise and sport science disciplines, defines an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) as the base level of qualification in this discipline. The current Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science meets NUCAP AES competencies and will be the entry-level qualification (or equivalent) for this new Program. ESSA defines two specialist pathways, a clinical branch (the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science) and a branch for those seeking to specialise in sport and exercise science. This program is aligned to the latter. No current USC program meets the ESSA Sport Scientist accreditation (ASpS Level 1) requirements. Recent changes to national sport policies predicates that ESSA Sport Science accreditation is now required for employment with most Australian professional sports, all state institutes/academies of sport and/or by all Olympic/Paralympic sports. This new program will not only enhance graduate employability but will also contribute to USC research capacity by providing a stepping-stone for those wanting a research career in sport and exercise science. This Program will complement the USC High Performance Sport Project by providing enhanced opportunities for students in the Program to engage with USC’s high performance sport scientists, athletes and coaches.
- 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.
This program targets the development of research skills in sport and exercise science, in combination with skills required for specialist qualification as an accredited sport scientist (ESSA ASpS Level 1). Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA), the national accreditation body for exercise and sport science disciplines, defines an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) as the base level of qualification in this discipline. The current Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science meets NUCAP AES competencies and will be the entry-level qualification (or equivalent) for this new Program. ESSA defines two specialist pathways, a clinical branch (the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science) and a branch for those seeking to specialise in sport and exercise science. This program is aligned to the latter. No current USC program meets the ESSA Sport Scientist accreditation (ASpS Level 1) requirements. Recent changes to national sport policies predicates that ESSA Sport Science accreditation is now required for employment with most Australian professional sports, all state institutes/academies of sport and/or by all Olympic/Paralympic sports. This new program will not only enhance graduate employability but will also contribute to USC research capacity by providing a stepping-stone for those wanting a research career in sport and exercise science. This Program will complement the USC High Performance Sport Project by providing enhanced opportunities for students in the Program to engage with USC’s high performance sport scientists, athletes and coaches.
Admission requirements
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree (AQF 7) in a NUCAP accredited Sport and Exercise Science or Human Movement degree or equivalent and a minimum GPA of 5 or higher, on a seven-point scale. Enrolment will also be subject to availability of appropriate supervisors and research industry placements.
Program structure
To graduate from the Master of Sport and Exercise Science Program students are required to complete 192 units as outlined in the program structure:
Year 1:
SPX700 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
SPX701 Coastal and Marine Ecology
A 48 unit Thesis component
Year 2:
A 96 unit Thesis Component, which combined with the 48 unit Thesis Component culminates in a 40,000 word thesis that will be submitted for external examination as per USC HDR policy.