The program combines psychology and sport to prepare students to work as exercise scientists with specific knowledge in psychology, or complete further study to become registered psychologists.
Students gain an understanding of the physical and non-physical factors that influence athletic performance. In exercise science, they study scientific knowledge and procedures to assess and analyse the human body's response to acute and chronic physical activity. In the psychology component, students learn how to help athletes and exercisers with motivation, goal-setting, positive thinking, concentration, emotional control, and coping skills.
- 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.
Students gain an understanding of the physical and non-physical factors that influence athletic performance. In exercise science, they study scientific knowledge and procedures to assess and analyse the human body's response to acute and chronic physical activity. In the psychology component, students learn how to help athletes and exercisers with motivation, goal-setting, positive thinking, concentration, emotional control, and coping skills.
Career opportunities
Community recreation and fitness, personal training, research, sport and exercise psychology (with further study), exercise science.
Registration
The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) has accredited Pathway 1 of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Psychology and Exercise Science) as a three-year undergraduate sequence in psychology. Following successful completion of an accredited honours year plus either further accredited postgraduate study or supervision following the guidelines of the Psychologists Registration Board in their state or territory, graduates may be eligible for registration as a psychologist in that state or territory.
Honours
USC offers an accredited honours year—the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours). At the completion of third year, students who meet the entry criteria may apply for Honours. Note that a minimum grade point average in Pathway 1 psychology courses is required for honours entry.
Program structure
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Select Pathway 1 or Pathway 2.
- In Pathway 1 students must complete 27 required courses, 1 elective from the School of Communication and School of Social Sciences, 3 (300 level) SPX courses, and 1 elective from either faculty.
- In Pathway 2 students must complete 21 required courses, 1 School of Social Sciences Minor, 3 electives from the School of Communication or School of Social Sciences, 3 (300 level) SPX courses, and 1 elective from either faculty.
- Complete a maximum of 5 introductory level courses from the School of Communication and School of Social Sciences.
- Complete no more than 192 units of introductory level courses in total, including the core course.
- Complete 12 required courses from the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering and undertake 3 x 300 level SPX elective courses.
- Register your selected Majors and Minors with Student Administration.
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.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 Study Plan.
Pathway 1
This pathway may lead to direct entry into the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) program, subject to achievement of a minimum grade point average in Psychology courses.
Core course
1 core course:
COR109 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
Faculty of Arts and Business courses
Required introductory courses (2):
PSY100 Human Pathophysiology
PSY101 Indigenous Wellbeing Research
Required advanced courses (12):
PSY200 Integrated Physiology
PSY201 Biochemistry
PSY202 Pathophysiology
PSY203 Food Studies
PSY204 Principles of Nutrition
PSY205 Food and the Consumer
PSY300 Complementary Approaches to Food and Nutrition
PSY301 Therapeutic Skills
PSY302 Enabling Occupation: The Child and Adolescent
PSY303 Enabling Occupation: The Adult
PSY304 Enabling Occupation: The Older Person
PSY305 Occupational Therapy in Mental Health
Elective courses
Select 1 elective course from the School of Communication or School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering courses
Required introductory courses (6):
LFS100 Epidemiology and Biostatistics
LFS112 Functional Anatomy
LFS122 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SCI105 Motor Control and Learning
SCI107 Biomechanics II
SCI110 Exercise Physiology II
Required advanced courses (6):
LFS251 Advanced Coaching Science
SPX201 Introduction to Criminology
SPX202 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence
SPX211 Homicide, Investigations & Forensic Science
SPX212 Justice and the Australian Legal System
SPX221 Foundations of Australian Law A
3 required SPX coded courses:
3 x 300 level SPX courses from the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Elective course
Select 1 elective course from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Pathway 2
This pathway will not lead to direct entry into the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) program.
Indirect entry to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) program would require completion of 6 further Psychology courses, and would be subject to achievement of a minimum grade point average in Psychology courses.
Core course
1 core course:
COR109 Criminal Law and Procedure A
Faculty of Arts and Business courses
Required introductory courses (2):
PSY100 Professional Practice: Legal Frameworks and Issues
PSY101 Professional Development
Required advanced courses (2):
PSY200 Torts A
PSY201 Contracts A
Select 4 courses from the following:
PSY202 Property A
PSY203 Constitutional Law
PSY204 Equity & Trusts
PSY205 Administrative Law
PSY300 Evidence
PSY301 Intellectual Property
PSY302 Midwifery Foundations
PSY303 Practice Principles for Midwifery and Nursing
PSY304 Contexts of Practice: Mental Health Care
PSY305 Practice Foundations
Minor (4 courses)
Select a minor from the School of Communication or School of Social Sciences
Elective courses
Select 3 elective courses from the School of Communication or School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering courses
Required introductory courses (6):
LFS100 Health, Culture and Society
LFS112 Paramedic Professional Studies
LFS122 Developing Midwifery
SCI105 Leadership and Governance in Maternity Care
SCI107 Injury in the Community
SCI110 Maternal and Child Health
Required advanced courses (6):
LFS251 Leadership in Clinical Practice
SPX201 Animal Ecology Field Course
SPX202 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
SPX211 Construction Technology
SPX212 Concrete Structures and Technology
SPX221 Foundations of Engineering
3 required SPX coded courses :
3 x 300 level SPX courses from the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Elective course
Select 1 elective course from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).