Train your mind to help others improve their health.
Exercise scientists use the science of human movement to help people improve their health and fitness, and to prevent common lifestyle diseases. This program teaches you the science and theories behind human movement and sporting performance and gives you the hands-on skills to work as a qualified exercise scientist.
In this program you will:
- 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 scientists use the science of human movement to help people improve their health and fitness, and to prevent common lifestyle diseases. This program teaches you the science and theories behind human movement and sporting performance and gives you the hands-on skills to work as a qualified exercise scientist.
In this program you will:
- Gain in-depth knowledge in areas such as functional anatomy, motor control and learning, exercise physiology and biomechanics
- Test and train athletes in USC’s nationally accredited sports science labs
- Learn about sports psychology, performance analysis, coaching and exercise rehabilitation
- Get hands-on experience through a minimum of 270 hours of supervised professional practice
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 a minimum of 140 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for accreditation. Before undertaking placements (e.g. by year 3), students must provide evidence of immunisations, first aid training, satisfactory criminal history check, and hold a current blue card (working with children check). Students may also be required to complete QLD Health orientation package.
Career opportunities
Exercise scientist, strength and conditioning coach, sports laboratory technician, sports development officer, physical activity and health promotion officer, sports coach.
Membership
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and Sports Medicine Australia. Please note: External accreditation requirements for this program allow for credit transfer to be granted for study completed at minimum of AQF level 7 Bachelor degree level only. Credit transfer cannot be granted for study completed at TAFE/RTO level (Advanced Diploma or lower), or for non formal learning.
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
Introductory courses (8) 96 units
HLT140 Training and Development
LFS112 Managing Organisational Change
LFS122 Think Health
PUB104 Human Physiology
SCI110 Human Anatomy
SPX101 Introduction to Behavioural Health
SPX102 Science Research Methods
SPX121 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
NUT203 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX201 Exercise Prescription and Programming I
SPX202 Active Lifestyle Nutrition
SPX203 Functional Anatomy
SPX211 Biomechanics I
SPX221 Exercise Prescription and Programming II
SPX222 Exercise Physiology I
SPX231 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX300 Sport and Exercise Psychology
SPX312 Motor Control and Learning
SPX322 Exercise Science Professional Practicum
SPX331 Performance Enhancement
SPX340 Biomechanics II
SPX371 Exercise Physiology II
Elective course (2) 24 units
Select 2 elective course (24 units) from the undergraduate elective course options.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. 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:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- 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. Students in this program should be aware there are restrictions applicable to credit transfer in order to obtain ESSA membership
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- For more information on mandatory placement requirements refer to Sport and Exercise Science/Clinical Exercise Science - Placements