Study Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Start date
February

Campus
Magill
City East

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IBXP

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2021: AUD$ 30,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
IELTS listening [6.5]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
094937F

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 Diploma level or above

OR
Work and life experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 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

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as a second language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these standards, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
IELTS listening [6.5]

See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Australia	80
IB (best 6)	29
USA SAT (1600)	1270
Nepal NEB	2.81
Kenya KCSE (average)	B+
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	9
Malaysia UEC	26
Norway GPA	4
Bangladesh HSC	4
Canada High School (OSSD)	75
Eynesbury FSP	370
German Abitur	2.3
India (best 4)	70
Pakistan HSSC	85
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	9
Sweden GPA	15
Vietnam	8.5
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	9
HKDSE	18

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Study South Australia’s only double degree in Exercise and Sport Science and Psychology.
Undertake SA's only fully accredited Exercise and Sport Science degree¹, also accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
Complete more than 140 hours of industry placement across a range of settings including schools, fitness centres and sporting clubs, whilst benefiting from elite sporting partnerships.
Learn from experts and world-class researchers, including Australia’s leading exercise scientists.
Enjoy state-of-the-art on-campus facilities designed for exercise testing and performance analysis.
UniSA’s Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) is ranked in the World Top 50 for Sport Science.²
Join SA’s number one university for psychology research³, number one in SA for student satisfaction in Psychology⁴, and number one in SA for graduate careers in Psychology and Social Work.⁵

¹Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).
2Ranked equal #41, 2020 ARWU Global Ranking for Sport Science.
3The only university in SA to have all its assessed Psychology and Cognitive Sciences research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
4ComparED (QILT): Course Experience Questionnaire 2018-19 (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
5ComparED (QILT): Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-19 – Full-time and Overall Employment Indicators (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.

Snapshot

Biomechanics Laboratory.jpg

This unique double degree is the only one of its kind in South Australia and will develop your expertise in exercise and sport science, psychology, counselling, and behavioural research methodology. With a strong practical and multi-disciplinary industry focus, you will graduate with a specialised set of skills to meet emerging market needs.

The exercise and sport science component will equip you with the skills to design, deliver and assess exercise and physical activity programs to improve the health and wellbeing of clients, their performance, or to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. The psychology component provides a balance of courses in psychology theory and counselling, meaning you will enter the workforce with the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

If you finish your degree with a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) you could also be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). Completion of this honours degree can lead to postgraduate training options which are required for psychologist registration (additional requirements must also be met).

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

What you'll learn

This unique double degree will provide you with expertise in the areas of exercise and sport science and psychology. You will graduate with a specialised set of skills to meet emerging market needs. You will gain expertise in human thought and behaviour, develop cognitive and creative skills to solve real-world scientific problems, and apply your knowledge in diverse contexts such as sports and mental health.

The exercise and sport science component prepares you to provide exercise advice, deliver strength and conditioning services, biomechanical analyses, and skill acquisition knowledge to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of generally healthy individuals, ranging from children to elite athletes to older persons.

The psychology component provides a balance of courses in psychology theory and counselling – for graduates this means you will enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology, as well as the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

During the first two years you will study exercise and sport science courses, with an introduction to psychology, which will give you a solid understanding of:

human anatomy and physiology
fundamental movement skills
skill acquisition
physical activity and health.

The third and fourth years have a strong practical focus, where you will develop critical thinking and practice-based skills through learning about:

develop influencing skills and intervention strategies
gain knowledge of psychological disorders, including their causes and range of treatments
study the relationship between psychology and physical activity.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Periods 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
Psychology 1A	BEHL 1003	4.5
Second Semester (Study Periods 4, 5 or 6)
Introduction to Group and Team Psychology	HLTH 1017	4.5
Lifespan Growth and Motor Development	HLTH 1043	4.5
Functional Anatomy	HLTH 1045	4.5
Psychology 1B	BEHL 1004	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Periods 1, 2 or 3)
Exercise Physiology 1	HLTH 2006	4.5
Human Nutrition	HLTH 2001	4.5
Foundations of Physical Activity and Health	HLTH 1044	4.5
Counselling Foundations	BEHL 1022	4.5
Second Semester (Study Periods 4, 5 or 6)
Research Methods and Statistics	MATH 1071	4.5
Exercise Physiology 2	HLTH 2005	4.5
Biological and Learning Psychology	BEHL 2012	4.5
Social and Community Psychology	BEHL 2006	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Periods 1, 2 or 3)
Exercise Delivery	HLTH 2027	4.5
Motor Control and Learning	HLTH 2026	4.5
Counselling Skills	BEHL 2013	4.5
Cognitive Psychology	BEHL 3002	4.5
Second Semester (Study Periods 4, 5 or 6)
Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology	HLTH 3014	4.5	Note(s): 1,2
Exercise Prescription	HLTH 3011	4.5
Biomechanics of Human Movement	HLTH 2025	4.5
Counselling Interventions	BEHL 3018	4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Periods 1, 2 or 3)
Applied Exercise and Sport Science	HLTH 3053	4.5
Developmental Psychology	BEHL 3011	4.5
Specialist Psychology Course 2		4.5	Note(s): 1,2
Professional Practice in Exercise Science	HLTH 3054	4.5
Second Semester (Study Periods 4, 5 or 6)
Sociology of Health, Physical Activity and Sport	HLTH 3055	4.5
Clinical and Abnormal Psychology	BEHL 3004	4.5
Personality Psychology	BEHL 3024	4.5
Specialist Psychology Course 3		4.5	Note(s): 1,2
SPECIALIST PSYCHOLOGY COURSES
Advanced Research Methods	BEHL 3005	4.5	Note(s): 3
Psychological Assessment	BEHL 4003	4.5	Note(s): 3
Psychophysiology of Sleep	BEHL 3029	4.5
Health Psychology	BEHL 3012	4.5
Conservation Psychology	BEHL 3022	4.5
Language, Context and Social Behaviour	BEHL 3023	4.5
Work and Organisational Psychology	BEHL 3008	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. All students who, as part of their program, undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required, such as in field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate that they have a current National Police Certificate (NPC) through SAPOL (or their home state police service) and a current Department of Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC) which is valid for the duration of the program. The National Police Certificate will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent clinical placement involvement. The University has a process for reviewing these outcomes to assess suitability for placement.

2. Students must have a 'Provide First Aid Certificate', Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR) and Child Safe Environments 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 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. Specialist Psychology Courses are offered subject to student demand and staff availability.

2. This course is Specialist Psychology Course 1.

3. Students planning to undertake Honours in Psychology, either at UniSA or at another Australian university, must take and successfully complete the following Specialist Psychology Course: Advanced Research Methods. Those planning to undertake Honours in Psychology at UniSA must also complete the following Specialist Psychology Course: Psychological Assessment.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

quizzes
group assignments
research proposals
case studies
assignments and essays
examinations.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)

This qualification enables you to graduate with two degrees with just one extra year of study, with a unique set of skills that are relevant, current and meet the needs of emerging market trends.

In your final year, you will complete an exercise and sport placement, meaning you will be exposed to industry partners from a range of elite and local sporting organisations from the very beginning.

You will also benefit from our on-campus facilities including the High Performance Sport Centre, Exercise Physiology Clinics, Environmental Chamber and UniSA Sport gyms. Learning in these facilities are a great way to develop practical skills and experience the hands-on nature of this growing industry.

Real-world connections

We have teamed up with a number of community, local and elite sporting organisations, such as the Adelaide Football Club and Basketball SA, to provide you with excellent networking opportunities.

You will also complete a minimum of 140 hours of exercise science industry placement across a variety of settings. This may include working with children at a kindergym, older adults in community aged-care facilities, athletes at amateur or elite sporting clubs, or returned service men and women as part of the Invictus Pathways Program, further enhancing industry networks and relationships.

We host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

As the health and wellbeing industry continue to grow, employment prospects for graduates of this double degree are promising. Careers to consider include:

Athlete Counsellor (with further study): concerned with the wellbeing, mental functioning and physical performance of athletes
Exercise Scientist: use a combination of biomechanics, physiology, and psychology to help assess and ultimately increase an individual’s fitness, sporting performance and general health
School Counsellor (with further study): work across primary and secondary schools to facilitate and advocate student wellbeing
Strength and Conditioning Coach: prepare athletes for high performance, enabling them the greatest advantage in competition
Sport Psychologist (with further study): working with athletes and coaches to increase athletic performance through psychology influences

To become a professionally practicing or research psychologist you must complete a one-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree and then complete further postgraduate education. You must finish your degree with at least a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) to be considered for or eligible to apply for honours. You will then need to complete a fifth year in psychology, a two-year masters in psychology, or a doctoral degree in psychology that leads to registration with the Psychology Board of Australia in order to become a registered psychologist.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This degree is accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an Accredited Exercise Scientist through ESSA.

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. On completion of the program, graduates will have met the prerequisites to apply for fourth year programs in Psychology.

Industry facts

Employment for sports and fitness workers in Australia is projected to increase by 18,800 (15.9 per cent) by May 2024.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

By May 2024, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 252,600 jobs.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gainaccess to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets should you need, from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages or explore our student accommodation by urbanest on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Environmental Chamber.jpg

You will have access to:

Exercise Physiology Clinic
High Performance Sports Centre
Environmental Chamber
Exercise physiology laboratory
Biomechanics laboratory
UniSA Sport Gyms
Anatomy laboratories
Human performance and resistance training laboratory.

Your program director

With an increasing desire to improve the physical and psychosocial health and wellbeing of Australians, this double-degree provides a unique opportunity for graduates to place themselves well to provide individuals with both physical and psychological support required to reduce the burden of chronic disease.

Dr Alyson Crozier

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Alyson Crozier

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.