Study plan

You will follow a prescribed course of study with a total of 144 credit points including a few elective units of study in third year to qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science) degree. Extensive practical experience is integrated throughout the course commencing in first year, and can include placement in the fitness/health industry, sports performance and rehabilitation centres. You will complete a minimum of 140 hours of practicum to graduate and meet the AAESS accreditation standard.

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

Professional fieldwork is an integral part of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science). All candidates enrol in the unit of study EXSS3045 Professional Practice in Semester 1 of third year in which they will complete a minimum of 140 hours of approved professional experience (practicum). The purpose of the professional field experience program is to apply theoretical knowledge to practice in a variety of community settings. The 140 hours of practical experience is also a requirement for membership of the professional body for Australian exercise scientists (Exercise and Sport Science Australia).

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 and Sport Science) are scientists with a wide range of theoretical knowledge, practical skills and expertise. The career paths followed by graduates are many and varied and depend mostly on the specific interests and aspirations of the individual. Broadly defined, the areas of employment entered by recent graduates include the sport industry, fitness industry, health industry, occupational health and safety, public health, rehabilitation, research and technology, education and medical insurance.

For graduates seeking further career development or professional accreditation, the Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science) course meets the prerequisite requirements for admission to postgraduate study at the University of Sydney in medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, public health, safety science, and education.

Course accreditation

Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science) graduates are eligible to apply for membership of Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) and accreditation as exercise scientist.

Further study

Outstanding candidates are eligible to apply for admission to the honours year after completion of the pass degree. Honours is your pathway to a higher degree by research in the health sciences. 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.

About honours

Eligible candidates may pursue their own research interests by undertaking an honours study under the supervisions of researchers working on cutting-edge projects. The honours study allow you to specialise in an area of personal interest, develop your research skills and make a significant contribution to the development of knowledge within the profession.

Honours is a fourth year of study, during which you will conduct a research project and write a thesis under the supervision of a member of the faculty’s academic staff. Admission is competitive, and candidates who are offered a place in the honours year must have demonstrated consistent, high level performance throughout their studies, be eligible for the award of a pass degree at a commendable standard, and be judged to have the aptitude to conduct an independent research project.

Other study options

There is a lot of potential for graduates to move into research in health, exercise physiology and biomechanics by taking up honour or a PhD degree in Exercise and Sport Science. Our researchers are well known for working with elite athletes from various sports areas such as cricket and rowing. Our researchers are conducting pioneering studies into the potential of physical activity to improve quality and longevity of life as we age, including lowered risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke and dementia.

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.

Assumed knowledge

Chemistry and mathematics. Recommended studies: physics, PDHPE and biology.

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications for the University's undergraduate courses are made through the Universities Admission Centre.
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's International Office, (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent), or (iii) through the Universities Admissions Centre, for students applying on the basis of a current Australian Year 12 secondary school examination, or studying either an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

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.