Drive performance and improve health with the science of exercise.
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.
- 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.
- Gain in-depth knowledge in areas such as functional anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and learning, and sports nutrition
- 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 140 hours of supervised professional practice
Post-admission requirements
Students must complete 140 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for accreditation. Before undertaking placements (eg. 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
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.
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.
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 within a qualification lower than AQF level 7 Bachelor degree (eg TAFE/RTO level Advanced Diploma or lower), or for non-formal learning.
Program structure
Introductory courses (8) 96 units
COR109 Sport and Exercise Psychology
LFS112 Motor Control and Learning
LFS122 Nutrition for Health and Exercise
PUB104 Professional Placement in Sport Studies
SPX101 Human Development and Learning
SPX102 Foundations of Literacy and Numeracy
SPX120 Professional Experience: The role of the teacher
SPX121 Communication and Thought
Developing and Graduate courses (15) 180 units
NUT203 Integrating ICT into Learning
NUT310 Professional Experience: Connecting with Learning and Teaching
SPX201 Teaching Mathematics in the Early Years
SPX202 Teaching English: Curriculum and Pedagogy
SPX203 Playing with Words : an Introduction to Creative Writing Craft
SPX211 Teaching Science in the Early Years
SPX221 Teaching Arts in the Early Years
SPX222 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
SPX231 Individual Learner Needs
SPX300 Teaching Technologies: Curriculum and Pedagogy
SPX301 Professional Experience: Facilitating the Learning Environment
SPX302 Teaching Reading and Writing
SPX322 Teaching HPE in the Early Years
SPX331 Assessing Learning
SPX340 Teaching HASS in Primary School
Please note: SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1 of your final year of your degree, and requires course coordinator permission.
Elective course (1) 12 units
Select 1 elective course (12 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
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.