Is exercise sport science for you?

The western world is moving towards a new era of health problems related to lifestyle and inactivity, while at the same time elite sport enjoys a high profile in the community. Read more ...

What you will study

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science degree program addresses both sport and health aspects in its comprehensive approach to the study of exercise. Read more ...

Great careers

As a graduate of the exercise and sport science program you will qualify for a wide range of careers. Read more ...

Achiever profiles

Why would you do this degree? Find out from graduates, students and academics. Discover how their future is taking shape, and learn first-hand what it's like to study at uni. Read profiles ...

Is exercise sport science for you?

The western world is moving towards a new era of health problems related to lifestyle and inactivity, while at the same time elite sport enjoys a high profile in the community. Therefore, there is an increasing need for qualified specialists with an understanding of the relationship between exercise and health. Qualifications in exercise testing and prescription for health, fitness and sport are becoming increasingly attractive in the employment market. A degree in exercise and sport science provides a very strong pathway to a variety of exciting and rewarding careers.

A well-rounded approach

We offer a comprehensive approach to the study of exercise and sport science, encompassing all aspects of physical health for the entire population. Our staff are highly trained and committed to the undertaking of high quality teaching and research in this field.

State-of-the-art facilities

A new exercise science building on the Central Coast campus features high quality laboratories and gym facilities for practical on-campus training.

Be recognised

Graduates of the exercise and sport science degree who have completed the recommended Exercise and Sport Science sequence can apply for membership of the professional organisation, Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), as an Exercise Scientist.

Further opportunities

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science will qualify you for a range of existing and expanding career opportunities in the health sector and sport and fitness industries.

An Honours program is offered as an additional year to the undergraduate degree. The Honours program consists of a research project on a topic determined in consultation with your research supervisor. Honours is highly regarded by potential employers and also provides entry into a research career.

As a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science Graduate, you can seek further specialisation in your area of interest. If you complete a NUCAP-accredited course in exercise physiology and/or exercise rehabilitation, you can apply for exercise physiology accreditation with ESSA. As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) you will receive a Medicare provider number.

Further specialisation through postgraduate study is also available in areas such as strength and conditioning, sport nutrition, exercise and sport psychology, ergonomics, health promotion, sports coaching and public health.

What you will study

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science addresses both sport and health aspects in its comprehensive approach to the study of exercise. The degree is completed over three years of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) undertaken at the Central Coast campus at Ourimbah.

The first year provides an introduction to exercise and sport science and focuses on general and biological sciences providing you with a strong foundation. In the second and third year, you will specialise in exercise and sport science and work through a series of specific courses including:

• exercise physiology
• biomechanics
• sport and exercise psychology
• growth, development and ageing
• motor control and learning
• exercise testing and prescription
• clinical exercise testing and prescription

There are also many other relevant elective courses available that are complementary to exercise and sport science, such as health promotion, psychology, nutrition, pharmacology, physics, statistics, management, research methods and physical education.

You will also be provided with opportunities to gain valuable work experience in the sport and health industry. Through our professional placement program you can apply for placements with professional sporting teams, sports organisations, clinics and hospitals. The placements provide you with an insight into your career prospects and allow you to start building networks in the industry.

The degree has been designed to provide sound theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills for exercise testing and prescription for the purpose of improving sport performance and for general health.

A separate table within the program handbook lists the core courses that must be taken. Most of these courses have assumed knowledge; therefore it is important that you take them in the correct order (i.e. complete all first year courses before beginning second year courses). These courses have been chosen as the most appropriate for this degree and provide the best preparation for the profession.

There is also an Exercise Science Sequence for students who wish to seek membership with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) as an Exercise Scientist when they graduate. This sequence has been closely aligned with ESSA’s requirements and provides the best selection of courses for ESSA membership.

An Honours degree is offered as an additional year to the undergraduate degree. The Honours degree consists of a fourth year of full-time study (one year) or the equivalent part-time study (two years). It consists of a research project on a topic determined in consultation with your research supervisor. Honours also involves a skills development strand to assist you in the development of your research skills and the writing of your research thesis. Honours is highly regarded by potential employers and also provides entry into a research career.

Master and Doctor of Philosophy research degrees are also offered. Please refer to the careers page for further information on current research projects and research interests of exercise and sport science staff.

Great careers

As a graduate of the exercise and sport science degree you will qualify for a wide range of careers. As more and more people realise the importance of exercise for our health, the career opportunities for exercise scientists are expanding. Examples include careers in a variety of roles in both the public and private sector. Most careers listed below are also available overseas to graduates.

Health industry

• exercise scientist
• physical activity/health education officer
• cardiac/respiratory technician*
• exercise physiologist*

Sport industry

• sport scientist (exercise physiologist, biomechanist*)
• strength and conditioning coach
• sport development officer
• sport consultant
• sports facility manager

Fitness industry

• fitness centre manager
• personal trainer / fitness leader
• fitness/health/exercise consultant

Other

• recreation/activity officer
• medical sales representative
• sport psychologist*
• teacher (PDHPE)*
• research scientist

* requires further study and/or practical experience

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) sets standards for ethics, professional capabilities, responsibilities and award salaries. For further information about the industry visit the ESSA website: www.essa.org.au/

Further study

Graduates can seek further specialisation in their area of interest. In 2005, the Federal Government recognised the importance of exercise science by awarding Medicare Provider Numbers to accredited exercise physiologists. Exercise Physiologists are graduates of exercise and sport science degrees with further specialisation in clinical exercise testing and prescription. Completion of a NUCAP-accredited course in exercise physiology and/or exercise rehabilitation enables you to apply for exercise physiology accreditation with ESSA.

Further specialisation through postgraduate study is also available in areas such as strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, exercise and sport psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, ergonomics, health promotion, sports coaching and public health.

Achiever profiles

Shelley

Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science

The best thing about the exercise and sport science degree is that it provides a huge number of career opportunities. Also what we learn is something that can be applied to ourselves and can improve our own quality of life through putting into practise what we learn in class.

William

Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science

Sport science has a very large practical component and this includes a semester (minimum) of work placement. The practical components were both extremely fun and educational, giving you experience which could be used in the outside world. I had the chance to work with major sporting teams such as the Newcastle Knights and the Central Coast Mariners.

Samantha

Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science

The work placement component offered us positions we had only ever dreamed of, taking us places, gaining practical experience, and overall concept of working in the industry, employment opportunities and a good time.