Study plan

You will follow a course of study with a total of 192 credit points (cp) to qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology) degree. The course consists of 180cp of core units and 12cp of elective units.

You will undertake clinical experience during the course of your study. You will commence by gaining experience with low risk clients. By the end of first semester of third year, you will complete at least 140 hours of approved professional experience with low risk clients. In your fourth year, you will progress to working with clients with chronic disease conditions and complete at least 360 hours of clinical experience.

What is an elective?

An elective is a unit of study within a degree, usually an option within a course. Electives allow more detailed study of a particular subject. Electives can be selected from the Faculty of Health Sciences or from other faculties within the university (subject to permission from the Faculty of Health Sciences).

Course opportunities

GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: Across the four-year course you will engage in over 500 hours of clinical experience working with a range of different clients in numerous settings such as gyms, hospitals and on-site clinics. You will be trained in the assessment of physical and functional capacity, the identification of risks and the design of targeted, functional and sustainable exercise programs.

TAKE UP A HEALTHY CAREER: Graduates of this degree will be eligible to apply for accreditation as an exercise physiologist through Exercise and Sport Science Australia (subject to approval). Accredited exercise physiologists can provide exercise services under Medicare, WorkCover, private health insurance funds and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In addition, eligible candidates have the opportunity to take part in the FHS Abroad program which involves academic study and a four to six week placement with non-government organisations and other development agencies in one of a small number of countries in South and South East Asia. This 6 credit point elective unit of study is available to candidates in their senior years and offers a hands-on understanding of global health challenges in an overseas community through work with two well established Australian volunteer agencies.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology) have broad employment opportunities. Examples include exercise rehabilitation, prevention and management of chronic diseases, medical scientist, community health promotions, occupational health and safety and injury prevention (occupational ergonomics), sport scientist, strength and conditioning coach or trainer, and fitness industry, personal fitness promotion.

A testimonial from one of our graduates;
Matt Dwyer
Health and Fitness Officer, NSW Fire Brigades

"My favourite part of being an exercise physiologist is being able to see that I've helped someone improve a physiological trait. As a Health and Fitness Officer in the NSW Fire Brigades, this might mean increasing a fire-fighter's aerobic capacity or reducing their blood pressure."

Course accreditation

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology) course is accredited at the level of exercise science and exercise physiology by the National Universities Course Accreditation Program (NUCAP) of Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates are eligible for both exercise science and exercise physiology accreditation by ESSA. Exercise Physiologists are professionals who specialise in the delivery of exercise and behaviour change for the prevention and management of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, depressions, cancer, arthritis and many more. Accredited Exercise Physiologists are eligible to provide services under Medicare, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, WorkCover and private health insurance funds.

Further study

Outstanding candidates are eligible to apply for admission to a higher degree by research offered in the faculty: Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Applied Science . The groundbreaking research conducted by our faculty members has had, and continues to have, an enormous impact on the health and quality of life of local, national and global communities.

Admission requirements

Admission to this course is on the basis of a secondary school leaving qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (including national and international equivalents), tertiary study or an approved preparation program. English language requirements must be met where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English. Special admission pathways are open for domestic mature aged applicants who do not possess a school leaving qualification, educationally disadvantaged applicants and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are ranked by merit and offers for available places are issued according to the ranking. Details of admission policies are found in the Coursework Rule.

Assumed knowledge

Although there are no subject requirements for entry into the course, students are assumed to possess knowledge equivalent to study of Chemistry and Mathematics at HSC level. Students would benefit from having also studied Physics, PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) and Biology.
Students who have not recently completed studies in Chemistry and Mathematics are strongly advised to attend bridging courses prior to commencing the Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology) course. Bridging courses are also available for Physics, if desired.

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications for the University's undergraduate courses are made though the Universities Admission Centre (UAC). On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of September.

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).

Domestic students

Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2012 your student contribution may differ.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Future Students' website.

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

International students

Indicative international tuition fees for undergraduate students

This international tuition fee is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact tuition fees that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's Future Students' website.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.