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.
In this program you will:
- 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 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
LFS112 Adult Development and Ageing
LFS122 Introduction to Behavioural Health
PUB104 Public Health Foundations
SPX101 Health Promotion Needs Assessment and Planning
SPX102 Health Promotion Principles
SPX120 Health Promotion Settings
SPX121 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
Developing and Graduate courses (15) 180 units
NUT203 Public Health Project
NUT310 Health Practicum
SPX201 Public Health Foundations
SPX202 Health Promotion Needs Assessment and Planning
SPX203 Health Promotion Principles
SPX211 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
SPX221 Economics for Managers
SPX222 Evidenced Based Decision Making
SPX231 Finance and Accounting for Managers
SPX300 Innovation Management and Professional Development
SPX301 Managing Across Global Cultures
SPX302 International Trade and Finance
SPX322 Leading and Managing Organisations
SPX331 Strategy, Governance and Ethics
SPX340 Global Business Management
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 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