Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Psychology and Exercise Science)
Award abbreviation: BA/BSc
QTAC code: 014301
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-15 / Rank-69
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: SA305
CRICOS code: 058144E. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights

• Combine studies in physical conditioning with professional training in psychology
• Work in the field of sports performance
• Earn two degrees in only four years

Combine psychology and sport to work as an exercise scientist with specific knowledge in psychology, or choose to complete further study to become a registered psychologist.

This program provides you with an understanding of the physical and non-physical factors that influence athletic performance. In exercise science, you study scientific knowledge and procedures to assess and analyse the human body’s response to acute and chronic physical activity. In the psychology component, you learn how to help athletes and exercisers with motivation, goal-setting, positive thinking, concentration, emotional control and coping skills.

Career opportunities

Cardiac and pulmonary testing and rehabilitation, coaching, community recreation and fitness, personal training, exercise physiology, research, sports psychology (with further study).

Professional recognition

Depending on courses selected, graduates may become members of the Australian Coaching Council, and gain certification for Level I and Level II General Principles Coaching. 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)—to which you can gain direct entry upon completion of Pathway 1. Please note that a minimum grade point average in the Pathway 1 psychology courses is required for honours entry.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Select Pathway 1 or Pathway 2.
• In Pathway 1 students must complete 28 required courses, 1 elective from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and 3 (300 level) SPX courses.
• In Pathway 2 students must complete 22 required courses, 1 Arts and Social Sciences Minor, 3 electives from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and 3 (300 level) SPX courses.
• Complete a maximum of 5 introductory level courses from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
• Complete 12 required courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education 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.

Program structure

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.

Year 1

Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 core courses - ONE in your first Semester and ONE in your second Semester

Select 2 core courses from:

Required courses: (6)

^ Students who have not successfully completed the prerequisite courses of LFS100 or LFS103 (or equivalent) must seek permission from the Course Coordinator to enrol in this course. Students who have not met the prerequisite requirements, or who need to refresh their knowledge of biology and chemistry are advised to enrol in ENB126 , which is conducted prior to the commencement of Semester 2.

Year 2

Required courses: (8)

Required courses: (8)

Year 4

Required courses: (7)

PLUS select:
3 x 300 level SPX courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.

Elective courses: (1)
Select 1 elective course from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Pathway 2

This pathway will not lead to direct entry to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) program.

Indirect entry to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) program would require completion of 6 further Psychology courses, and would be subject to achievement of a minimum grade point average in Psychology courses.

Year 1

Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 core courses - ONE in your first Semester and ONE in your second Semester

Select 2 core courses from:

Required courses: (6)

^ Students who have not successfully completed the prerequisite courses of LFS100 or LFS103 (or equivalent) must seek permission from the Course Coordinator to enrol in this course. Students who have not met the prerequisite requirements, or who need to refresh their knowledge of biology and chemistry are advised to enrol in ENB126 , which is conducted prior to the commencement of Semester 2.

Year 2

Required courses: (6)

PLUS select 2 courses from:

Elective courses: (2)
Select 2 elective courses from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Year 3

Required courses: (6)

PLUS select 2 from:

Minor courses: (2)
Select 2 courses from your chosen Arts and Social Sciences Minor study area.

Year 4

Required courses: (5)

PLUS select:
3 x 300 level SPX courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education

Minor courses: (2)
Select 2 courses from your chosen Arts and Social Sciences Minor study area.

Elective courses: (1)
Select 1 elective course from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

TOTAL UNITS 384

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au

Program Leaders

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences 
Professor Mary Katsikitis 
Tel: +61 7 5456 5034
Email: mkatsiki@usc.edu.au

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Lisa Fraser
Tel: +61 7 5459 4638
Email: lfraser@usc.edu.au

Back to top