Prepare for a career in sport and exercise science, sports coaching or exercise programming in the fitness industry.
Understand human movement and performance. Gain knowledge of exercise sciences, including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, sports psychology, sports medicine, sports nutrition, performance analysis and sports coaching. Graduates who select the minor in Exercise Science (ESSA requirement) may apply for membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia as Exercise Scientists. Eleven industry-based certificates have been built into required and elective courses throughout the program.
- 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.
Understand human movement and performance. Gain knowledge of exercise sciences, including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, sports psychology, sports medicine, sports nutrition, performance analysis and sports coaching. Graduates who select the minor in Exercise Science (ESSA requirement) may apply for membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia as Exercise Scientists. Eleven industry-based certificates have been built into required and elective courses throughout the program.
Career opportunities
Sport / exercise science, exercise prescription / programming, strength and conditioning, sports coaching, coach development, coach education, fitness industry, sports administration, research.
Membership
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) (Pathway 2 only — students must complete 140 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for membership); Sports Medicine Australia (Pathways 1 and 2).
Note: Students intending to seek membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) as Exercise Scientists are advised that ESSA allows recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-university studies to a maximum of 12.5% of load. USC recommends, therefore, that students holding TAFE studies in Fitness seek RPL for not more than 3 courses upon entering the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science.
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 currently under consideration with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) for program accreditation.
Program structure
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete no more than 10 introductory (100 level) courses, including the core course.
- Complete a minimum of 14 advanced (200 and 300 level) courses from any Faculty.
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.
- Students have a choice of two study pathways:
Pathway 1 allows students to undertake 6 elective courses within the 3 year program. Graduates who elect to complete Pathway 1 CANNOT apply for membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
Students holding a TAFE Diploma of Fitness are eligible for 8 courses credit if they complete Pathway 1.
Pathway 2 allows students who undertake this pathway and who have completed all the required courses as listed in Pathway 2, to apply for Exercise Scientist membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Note: Students who have a variation to the program will not be able to apply for accreditation with ESSA. - 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 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. Students undertaking Pathway 2 should be aware there are restrictions applicable to credit transfer in order to obtain ESSA membership and they should contact their Program Advisor.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.
Core courses (1)
COR109 Integrating Theory and Skills into Practice: Doing, Being and Becoming an OT II and III
Introductory courses (7)
LFS103 Public Health Foundations
LFS112 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
LFS122 Professional Issues in Occupational Therapy
PSY100 OT (Occupational Therapy) as a Complex Process
SCI110 Biodiversity and Ecology
SPX101 Plant Diversity and Ecology
SPX102 Animal Diversity and Ecology
Advanced courses (10)
LFS201 Introduction to Weather and Climate
SPX201 An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
SPX202 Integrated Environmental Management
SPX211 Environmental Project
SPX212 Communication and Thought
SPX221 Introductory Bioscience
SPX222 Human Physiology
SPX231 Human Anatomy
SPX331 Introduction to Psychology A
SPX352 Science Research Methods
Students choose whether they are going to follow Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 in the 3rd year of their program.
Pathway 1:
Elective courses (6)
ESSA membership NOT available
Select 6 elective courses, of which 4 must be at advanced (200 / 300) level. Courses may be chosen from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Students holding TAFE studies in Fitness who seek RPL for 4 or more courses, must follow Pathway 1.
OR
Pathway 2:
To be eligible to apply for membership with ESSA as an Exercise Scientist, students must complete the following:
Minor in Exercise Science (Exercise and Sport Science Australia requirement)
4 required courses:
SPX300 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
SPX301 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX302 Systemic Physiology I
SPX322 Functional Anatomy
Please note: SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1 of your final year of your degree, and requires course coordinator permission.
Plus select 2 Elective courses:
Courses maybe chosen from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). Students completing the Minor in Exercise Science are encouraged to select 2 elective courses from these four options:
SPX312 Biomechanics I
SPX340 Exercise Physiology I
SPX341 Exercise Prescription and Programming *
SPX342 Introduction to Sports Medicine *
* Courses not available until 2014.