Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science

Degree Level Undergraduate

Years

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City East

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IBXS

SATAC Code
414461 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry Requirements
Selection Rank (Internal): 80.00 (for 2024)
Selection Rank (Guaranteed): 90.00 (for 2025)
TAFE/RTO (Guaranteed): DIP
View full entry requirements

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV level or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Aim

The program prepares graduates to work in the field of exercise and sport science designing, implementing and evaluating exercise and physical activity for healthy people.

Content & Structure

This 108 unit program is structured around a suite of core courses (totaling 85.5 units). Students also select electives from the following study streams: Health and Physical Education, Advanced Exercise and Sport Science, Rehabilitation Sciences (pre-Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy/Clinical Exercise Physiology), Advanced Sports Science, Sports Coaching, Outdoor Education, Health Promotion and Nutrition.

From 4 August 2025, the University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students. Study at Adelaide University.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Anatomy 100	HLTH 1020	4.5
Foundations in Human Movement, Exercise and Sports Science	HLTH 1039	4.5
Physiology Essentials 100	BIOL 1051	4.5
Physical Activity and Health	HLTH 1044	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Group and Team Leadership	HLTH 1017	4.5
Motor Development and Ageing	HLTH 1065	4.5
Functional Anatomy	HLTH 1045	4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences	HLTH 1049	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2, or 3)
Exercise Physiology 1	HLTH 2006	4.5
Human Nutrition	HLTH 2001	4.5
Motor Control and Learning	HLTH 2026	4.5
Exercise Prescription and Delivery 1	HLTH 2027	4.5
Semester 2 (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Biomechanics of Human Movement	HLTH 2025	4.5
Exercise Physiology 2	HLTH 2005	4.5
Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology	HLTH 3014	4.5
Exercise Prescription and Delivery 2	HLTH 3011	4.5
THIRD YEAR
Semester 1 (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Professional Practice in Exercise Science	HLTH 3054	4.5
Exercise and Sport Science Project Design	HLTH 3053	4.5
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 1,2,3,4	Rule(s): 4
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 1,2,3,4	Rule(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Sociology of Health, Physical Activity and Sport	HLTH 3055	4.5
Elective 3		4.5	Note(s): 1,2,3,4	Rule(s): 4
Elective 4		4.5	Note(s): 1,2,3,4	Rule(s): 4
Elective 5		4.5	Note(s): 1,2,3,4	Rule(s): 4

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Advanced Exercise and Sport Science
Anthropometry and Body Image	HLTH 3016	4.5
Applied Exercise Physiology	HLTH 3018	4.5
Sports Biomechanics	HLTH 3019	4.5
Sports Nutrition	HLTH 3002	4.5
Performance Analysis and Player Monitoring	HLTH 3043	4.5
Human Movement Neuroscience	HLTH 3049	4.5
Advanced Exercise Assessment and Reasoning	HLTH 3056	4.5
UO Adapted Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport	HLTH 3087	4.5
Health and Physical Education
Game, Sports Theory, Practice and Participation	EDUC 3067	4.5
Health Risks and Relationship Education	HLTH 2013	4.5
Fitness and Lifestyle Management	HLTH 1013	4.5
Principles of Teaching and Coaching	HLTH 1027	4.5
Foundations of Outdoor Leadership	HLTH 2024	4.5
Dance as Education and Recreation	EDUC 3066	4.5
Outdoor Education
Foundations of Outdoor Leadership	HLTH 2024	4.5
Outdoor, Wilderness and Adventure Education	HLTH 3052	4.5
Leadership in Terrestrial Environments	HLTH 3051	4.5
Leadership in Aquatic Environments	HLTH 3050	4.5
Aboriginal Cultures	HUMS 1035	4.5
Professional Practice in Outdoor Leadership	HLTH 3068	4.5
Nutrition
Chemistry 100	CHEM 1006	4.5
Biochemistry	BIOL 2014	4.5
Physiology	BIOL 2035	4.5
Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Management	HLTH 3001	4.5
Microbiology	BIOL 2051	4.5
Sports Nutrition	HLTH 3002	4.5
Rehabilitation Sciences
Sports Nutrition	HLTH 3002	4.5
Anthropometry and Body Image	HLTH 3016	4.5
Human Anatomy 200	HLTH 2022	4.5
Human Anatomy 101	HLTH 1030	4.5
Advanced Exercise Assessment and Reasoning	HLTH 3056	4.5
Pain Mechanisms and Management	REHB 3066	4.5
Human Movement Neuroscience	HLTH 3049	4.5
Sports Coaching
Principles of Teaching and Coaching	HLTH 1027	4.5
Anthropometry and Body Image	HLTH 3016	4.5
Sports Nutrition	HLTH 3002	4.5
Performance Analysis and Player Monitoring	HLTH 3043	4.5
Health Promotion
Introduction to Public Health	HLTH 1038	4.5
Public Health and Wellbeing Practice	HLTH 3048	4.5
Health Promotion Concepts	HLTH 1041	4.5
Health Systems and Services	HLTH 1040	4.5
Designing and Managing Health Projects	HLTH 2023	4.5
Optional Electives
Peers, Relationships and Health	EDUC 4213	4.5
Small Business for Professionals	BUSS 2040	4.5
Cultural Experience in Health Science	HLTH 3069	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.

2. Students must have a 'Provide First Aid Certificate', Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR) and Mandatory Notification Training Certificate, prior to the commencement of any field placement.

3. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.

4. Students must complete at least three level 3 electives. One elective may be chosen from outside the Elective Groups listed. Additional electives from outside the Elective Groups listed can only be taken with the Program Director's permission.

5. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months after the 2nd year in the program will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.

Notes

1. There may be incidental fees depending on the choice of elective courses throughout the degree.

2. Students can select a secondary Study Stream by selecting at least four electives from a particular elective group. However, students may select electives from a variety of elective groups.

3. It is recommended that students select 5 courses from Advanced Exercise and Sports Science, Rehabilitation Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics or Sports Coaching, but may also undertake courses from Health and Physical Education and Outdoor Education study streams.

4. All electives may not be available each year but will be offered according to student demand.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates satisfy the academic requirements and are eligible to apply for registration as an Accredited Exercise Scientist through ESSA. Requirements for registration as determined by ESSA are available on their website.