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

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 90.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,A,A
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 80.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
View full entry requirements

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.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

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 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
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Degree overview

Combine your passion for health and exercise with psychology theory and counselling, and graduate with two highly complementary qualifications with only one extra year of study.
Study South Australia's first fully accredited exercise and sport science degree,¹ as well as a degree accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
Become an expert in the impact of exercise and mental wellness on the biological, psychological and social aspects of human performance and wellbeing.
Take your place at a university ranked 35th in the world for sports science.²
Join South Australia's No. 1 university for graduate skills in psychology.³
Learn from expert academics and world-class researchers, including Australia’s leading exercise scientists.
Benefit from UniSA’s expansive industry partnerships when you complete 140 hours of industry placement across sporting clubs, gyms and fitness centres, schools and more.
Learn in dedicated facilities designed for exercise testing and performance analysis.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,⁴ we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). ²Ranked #35, 2021 Shanghai Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments. ³ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities. ⁴Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Biomechanics Laboratory.jpg

Start your unstoppable career supporting people's health and wellbeing, with a double degree in exercise and sport science, combined with counselling and interpersonal skills.

This unique double degree – the only one of its kind in South Australia – will develop your expertise in physical, social and psychological science. You'll be prepared for work providing counselling to athletes, delivering enhanced rehabilitation services, and enhancing the physical health and mental wellbeing of the population.

This double degree can form the first part of a pathway to becoming a practising Psychologist (including sports psychologist) with further study in the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), and the first part of a pathway to teaching with further study in the Master of Teaching (Secondary).

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 science of exercise and sport, human thought and behaviour. You’ll develop cognitive and creative skills to solve real-world scientific problems and apply your knowledge in diverse contexts such as sports and mental health.

You'll learn how to provide exercise advice, deliver strength and conditioning services, do biomechanical analyses, and share skill acquisition knowledge to enhance people's physical and mental wellbeing from children, to elite athletes, to older people.

Your courses in psychology theory and counselling will help you enter the workforce with a strong understanding of the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

In the first two years, you’ll 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. You’ll develop critical thinking and practice-based skills to:

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

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

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)
Group and Team Leadership	HLTH 1017	4.5
Motor Development and Ageing	HLTH 1065	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
Physical Activity and Health	HLTH 1044	4.5
Counselling Foundations	BEHL 1022	4.5
Second Semester (Study Periods 4, 5 or 6)
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences	HLTH 1049	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 Prescription and Delivery 1	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 and Delivery 2	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)
Exercise and Sport Science Project Design	HLTH 3053	4.5
Developmental Psychology	BEHL 3011	4.5
Personality Psychology	BEHL 3024	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
Specialist Psychology Course 2			Note(s): 1
Specialist Psychology Course 3		4.5	Note(s): 1
SPECIALIST PSYCHOLOGY COURSES
Advanced Research Methods	BEHL 3005	4.5	Note(s): 3
Exploring the History and Foundations of Psychology	BEHL 3037	4.5
UO Advanced Research Methods	BEHL 3034	4.5
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. 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 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 apply for an Honours in Psychology year, either at UniSA or at another Australian university, must select and successfully complete the Specialist Psychology Course, BEHL 3005 Advanced Research Methods.

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)

Embark on the journey to become a physical and mental health specialist in an enterprising tertiary environment which provides practical learning opportunities, guided by world-class industry experts.

With UniSA, you'll graduate with two degrees in just one extra year of study, armed with a unique set of skills relevant to current and emerging market trends in physical and mental health.

UniSA offers the first fully accredited exercise and sport science degree in South Australia.¹ You’ll also benefit from studying at South Australia’s No. 1 university for psychology research,² as well as above world-class research in exercise and sports science.³ UniSA is also home to the highly regarded Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA).

Graduates are eligible to apply to become an Accredited Exercise Scientist through Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).

¹Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). ²The only university in SA to have all its assessed Psychology and Cognitive Sciences research rated well-above world standard. ³2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

UniSA has strong alliances with industry, ranging from elite and local sporting clubs to not-for-profit organisations.

You’ll complete a minimum of 140 hours of exercise science industry placement, further enhancing your networks and relationships with industry. Our industry placement providers include elite and community sports clubs, public and private schools, gyms and fitness centres, aged care, local councils and not-for-profit organisations. Examples of hands-on placement opportunities include:

empowering athletes at amateur or elite sporting clubs
supporting serving and veteran service personnel and first responders as part of the Invictus Pathways Program
working with older adults in community aged care

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

Career outcomes

Your career

As the health and wellbeing industry continues to grow, employment prospects for graduates of this double degree are promising.

Careers to consider include:

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.
Athlete counsellor (with further study): improve and sustain the wellbeing, mental functioning and physical performance of athletes.
School counsellor (with further study): work across primary and secondary schools to advocate student wellbeing.
Strength and conditioning coach: prepare athletes for high performance, enabling them the greatest advantage in competition.
Sport psychologist (with further study): work with athletes and coaches to increase athletic performance through psychological influences.

To become a Registered Psychologist or Research Psychologist you’ll need to do the following:

Complete your Bachelor of Psychology program with a competitive GPA, then consider completing an Honours year in the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (MHPU) program.
You’ll then need to complete a two-year Master of Psychology (Clinical), or a doctoral degree in psychology, which leads to official registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

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.

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

Industry facts

Employment for sport and fitness coaches, instructors and officials in Australia is projected to increase by 9.8% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

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

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.

Alternative Pathways

Australian

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

UniSA College Diploma in Health (Sport)
UniSA College Diploma in Social Sciences (Psychology)
UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Health)
UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Social Sciences)
SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

International

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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 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:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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 modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Environmental Chamber.jpg

As a hands-on degree, you’ll benefit from UniSA’s practical approach to learning. You'll have access to facilities including:

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

From 2025, students in our Human Movement, Exercise and Sport Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology programs will benefit from an integrated practical learning experience with the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI). You can study alongside elite athletes and leading industry experts, and learn how to use the latest equipment and sport science technology in new, purpose-built facilities.

You’ll also have access to a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.

Your program director

I am proud to direct a program that is delivered by a team of highly-qualified researchers and educators with a genuine interest in developing students into industry ready graduates. This Exercise and Sports Science Australia accredited program utilises innovative and safe learning environments, and offers opportunities for practical experience within industry settings, to enable students to pursue excellence and fulfil their highest potential.

Dr Tom Wycherley

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Tom Wycherley

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.