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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March, July
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Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
3.5 years for students commencing in July -
Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
65
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Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 7.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
BSES
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Course code
3005113
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Credit points
288
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Equivalent units
24
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Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
-
Start Date
February
-
Duration
3 years full-time
-
Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Lismore
-
Placement
Yes Learn more
-
ATAR
65
-
Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 7.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
BSES
-
Course code
3005113
-
Credit points
288
-
Equivalent units
24
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
Do you dream of coaching athletes or inspiring people to achieve better health and wellbeing? Are you fascinated by how the human adapts to participation in sport and exercise? Are you keen to probe the minds of elite athletes and uncover what gives them the winning edge? The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science can turn your sporting passion into a career.
This degree provides a comprehensive study of sport sciences and how the human body responds to exercise. You’ll learn about human movement, biomechanics, movement control, exercise physiology, exercise and sport psychology, coaching and exercise prescription, with the opportunity to specialise in either business management, physical education or strength, conditioning and coaching.
Our graduates work in many areas of sport and health, including sports psychology, nutrition, teaching, coaching, performance testing, health promotion and education.
This degree may also provide a pathway to the Master of Teaching that can prepare students as PDHPE teachers in secondary settings.
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“My experience at Southern Cross has been really good. There has been a vast array of opportunities for me. I've seen the whole spectrum of what I'm capable of doing."
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Demonstrate information literacy, critical analysis, problem solving and decision making in sport and exercise science. |
GA2: Creativity Demonstrate innovative and creative responses and solutions to problems encountered by professionals in sport and exercise science |
GA3: Ethical practice Demonstrate knowledge and application of professional conduct, ethics, legal principles and client centred care consistent with professional standards of conduct and ethical practice. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Apply and integrate knowledge of evidence-based practice in sport and exercise science, including the use of technology and digital practices, to deliver a broad range of services. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Demonstrate professional self-development in the field of sport and exercise science through self-evaluation of practice and inter-professional practice. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Use a range of modalities to communicate effectively with clients and other health professionals and maintain appropriate documentation and records of services. Demonstrate leadership and teamwork in the sport and exercise science setting. |
GA7: Cultural competence Practice in a safe, respectful and inclusive way that is responsive to the diverse needs of people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, gender and sexually diverse persons, persons of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and persons living with a disability. |
You’ll complete 140-hours of exercise science placement in the final year of your course. Professional placements provide the opportunity to apply theory and knowledge in practical settings.
Placements are undertaken under professional supervision in clinical settings, the health and fitness industry, community and professional sport, elite programs of state and national sport organisations, schools, academies of sport, and within the wider sport, recreation and leisure industries.
The types of positions can include, but are not limited to, assisting exercise physiologists, personal trainers, health educators, strength and conditioning or sports coaches, sporting organisations, academies or institutions, event coordinators or recreation officers.
Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements (e.g. a working with children check, immunisation and National Police Certificate). Prior to applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these requirements.
Students select one major from the following:
Business and Management: this major includes business law, starting a business, and digital marketing strategies. Please note business and law units are not offered at Coffs Harbour but are available online.
Physical Education: this major offers graduates a pathway to a Southern Cross University degree in secondary teaching (Master of Teaching), potentially leading to registration as a PDHPE teacher for eligible students. Please note education units are only available online.
Strength, Conditioning and Coaching: this major includes areas such as advanced strength and conditioning, applied skill acquisition and training for performance.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1 |
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Lismore | Term 1 |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1 | $30,832 ($3,854 per unit) | 059883F |
| Gold Coast | Term 1 | $30,832 ($3,854 per unit) | 059883F |
| Lismore | Term 1 | $30,832 ($3,854 per unit) | 059883F |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Career Outcomes
As an exercise scientist, graduates can expect to gain employment in sports coaching, strength training and conditioning, sport development, performance testing and talent identification, personal training and gym instruction, health promotion, occupational rehabilitation and sports or recreation facility and program management.
Some graduates choose to pursue further study at postgraduate or graduate entry level to become an allied health professional in areas such as clinical exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy or as a PDHPE teacher. Students who wish to pursue postgraduate study in nutrition should contact the relevant university to check enrolment requirements.
Other graduates choose to pursue postgraduate studies in research, allowing them to pursue careers in academia or industry.
The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science is accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) at the Exercise Science level. All graduates, regardless of the major completed, will be eligible for full membership as Exercise Scientists with ESSA.
Please note: In order to apply to be an Accredited Exercise Scientist, ESSA’ requirements for English language must be met.
Undergraduate students are eligible for registration as an Exercise Professional with AUSactive after completing the first two years of their degree.
Graduates are eligible for registration as a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA).
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must have achieved:
- satisfactory completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the Recognised Countries (see below), including at least two years between years 7 and 12; or
- completed at least two years (full time equivalent combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed solely in English, in one of the Recognised Countries; or
- the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components: or
- the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or
- the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills; or
- the TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 24 listening, 24 reading, 27 writing, and 23 speaking; or
- successful completion of the English for Academic Purposes 3 program at SCU College; or
- successful completion of the Diploma of Health at SCU College.
Recognised Countries means the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK and USA.
Please note, Rule 2 Schedule B test scores equivalencies do not apply to this course.
Language requirements
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score or equivalent | 7.0 |
| Reading | 7.0 |
| Writing | 7.0 |
| Listening | 7.0 |
| Speaking | 7.0 |
Credit for prior learning
For units of study accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) — recognition of prior learning (via advanced standing), cannot be granted for previous informal or non-formal learning, or for formal learning completed within a qualification lower than AQF level 7 — Bachelor Degree.
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Austria AMC | 3.4 |
| Bangladesh HSC | 3.6 |
| Brazil SSLC | 8.2 |
| Canada High School OSSD | 50 |
| Chile PSU | 6.4, overall 600-649 |
| China Gao Kao | 449 |
| Colombia CB (NAT) | 81, overall 300-349 |
| Denmark USSLE | 6.2 |
| France FB | 11 |
| German Abitur | 3 |
| Hong Kong HKDSE | 14 |
| India CBSE (best 4) | 8.5 external exam |
| India CISCE | 71 |
| India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4) | 78 in academic |
| Indonesia SMA | 8.2 |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 |
| Japan USSLC | 4 |
| Korea, Republic of, CSAT | 298 |
| Malaysia ICSSUEC | 71 |
| Malaysia STPM | 5 (best 3 A levels) |
| Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate | 73 |
| Nepal Proficiency Certificate | 82 |
| Norway GPA | 1.5 |
| Pakistan HSSC | 31 |
| Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams | 77 |
| Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams | 31 |
| Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5) | 2.5 |
| Peru OCSE | 17 |
| Phillipines NSAT | 89 |
| Russia FCCSE | 4.3 |
| Saudi Arabia MESSLC | 83 |
| Singapore SCGCE | 15.5 |
| Spain SSSD | 8.2 |
| Spain STBPU | 7.5 |
| Sri Lanka GCE | 4.5 |
| Sweden SSLC | 13 |
| Taiwan GSAT | 54 |
| Taiwan Senior High School Certificate | 87 |
| Thailand CSE | (Matayom 6) 1.9 |
| Turkey HSD | 4 |
| UK Board GCE A Levels | 13 (4 subjects) |
| USA SAT & ACT | SAT 1410, ACT 20 |
| Vietnam (in 4 subjects) | 7.5 |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
- 16 core units (192 credit points); and
- 1 major (96 credit points).
Professional Experience Learning
This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why Health at SCU
One of the best clinical lab facilities in Australia
Health Clinics on-campus provide safe and supervised environments for practicums
5-star health ratings
We are 5-star rated in psychology, nursing and health services and support
(GUG 2023)Graduates in very high demand
Health graduates in very high demand as Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia's largest and fastest growing industry
Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
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