Course Overview

About This Course

Physical activity and healthy eating are fundamental to good health and wellbeing. Not only do they reduce the risk of disease, they improve or maintain overall quality of life through enhanced mental and social wellbeing. The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science equips graduates to become experts in professions related to both exercise and sport science and nutrition science, capitalising on the synergies between the two fields of study to promote optimal health and nutrition through the lifespan. The double degree takes four years full-time or equivalent part-time and requires 330 credit points: 170 credit points of exercise and sports science units, including professional experience units and a community engagement unit, and 160 credit points of nutrition science and University core curriculum units. As part of course accreditation requirements, students complete 140 hours of appropriate professional experience (practicum) with accurate record-keeping. The degree holds provisional recognition from Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) at the exercise science level for the Strathfield, Melbourne and Blacktown campuses, and graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia, whose competencies for registration the course has been designed to meet. Study spans exercise prescription, biomechanics, performance and injury prevention, dietary assessment, nutritional biochemistry and health promotion. A student who completes 70 credit points of 100-level exercise and sports science specified units plus a further 10 credit points may exit with a Diploma in Exercise Science, and meritorious students with a grade point average of 5.75 may go on to an honours year in exercise and sports science, nutrition science or applied public health.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $12,934

Duration

4 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Intakes

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027 (Applications open August 2026) | Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not offered this intake

Study Mode

Full-time or part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must comply with ACU's Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at Year 12 level, or equivalent:
- New South Wales: Assumed Knowledge: English (Standard) Band 3, Health and Movement Science 11-12, Mathematics OR Biology, Chemistry or Physics
- Victoria: Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
Indicative ATAR: 62.00 (Blacktown), 64.00 (Melbourne), 63.00 (Strathfield).
Applicants who have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above are assigned a new selection rank reflecting their study level, duration and grade point average, and prior study or relevant work experience may attract credit or recognition of prior learning. ACU also assesses applicants on prior VET study, and on work and life experience.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

International students

International applicants need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate and must meet the same subject prerequisites listed above.
Applicants must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including ACU's English Language Proficiency requirements.
International students completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia), an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 must apply for admission through their local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and are assessed on their performance in those studies (i.e. their ATAR or equivalent).

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Our graduates have pursued careers in:
• Government and non-government health agencies and sport and recreation departments
• High performance sport organisations
• Sports institutes and academies
• Exercise and sports science
• Health and fitness consultant
• Coaching
• Public health nutrition
• The food industry
• Food and nutrition communication
• Food science and technology
• Food safety and regulation
• Education sector

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Dietitians Australia (DA)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

Dietitians Australia

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units43 units

EXSC120

Mechanical Bases of Exercise Science

EXSC123

Introduction to Exercise Science

EXSC133

Foundations of Exercise Science

EXSC142

Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science

EXSC187

Growth, Motor Development and Ageing

EXSC216

Resistance Training: Science and Application

EXSC222

Functional Anatomy

EXSC226

Exercise Physiology

EXSC230

Motor Control and Learning

EXSC233

Exercise Assessment and Conditioning for Health and Performance

EXSC249

Health, Exercise, and Sport Psychology

EXSC316

Nutrition for Sports Performance

EXSC321

Biomechanics

EXSC322

Exercise Physiology: Adaptation to Exercise and the Environment

EXSC206

Professional Experience Preparation

EXSC388

Professional Experience 1

EXSC389

Professional Experience 2

EXSC223

Sport, Exercise and Health in Action: Engaging with Community

BIOL125

Human Biology 1

BIOL126

Human Biology 2

BIOL234

Nutritional Physiology

BMSC209

Pathophysiology

CHEM113

Essential Ideas in Chemistry

CHEM206

Advanced Metabolic Biochemistry

CHEM207

Foundations of Biochemistry

NUTR101

Introduction to Nutrition

NUTR102

Culinary Nutrition Science

NUTR202

Lifespan Nutrition

NUTR302

Diet, Health and Disease

NUTR303

Food Science in Practice

NUTR304

Food Product Design and Development

NUTR311

Food, Society, and the Environment

PHCC102

Being Human

PHCC104

Ethics and the Good Life

PHCC106

Making Sense: Practical Reasoning for Life and Career

THCC100

Revolutionary Values: Christianity in History

THCC101

People Matter: Catholic Social Thought

TPCC100

Life and Meaning: Imagining Ourselves through Art and Cinema

PHCC201

The Origins of the Sciences and Contemporary Challenges

THCC200

Justice in the World: Catholic Social Ethics in Global Perspective

THCC202

Sacred Land: Australian Indigenous Spiritualities and Catholic Thought

TPCC201

Ecology and Justice

TPCC202

Conflict, Violence and Peace-making

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What fields of study does this dual qualification cover?

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science covers two fields: Human Movement (Field of Education 069903) and Nutrition and Dietetics (Field of Education 069901), both within the broad Health field.

How long does this combined degree take to complete?

The course has a total duration of 208 weeks, as listed in the CRICOS registry.

Is there a work placement component in this course?

Yes, the course includes a work component of 14 hours per week over 10 weeks, totalling 140 hours of work experience.

What is the estimated total cost of this course for international students?

The estimated total course cost for international students is AUD $137,610, based on ACU's published international tuition rate of $4,170 per 10 credit point unit for the 330 credit points required.

At which campuses can I study this course?

ACU lists three approved locations for this course: Blacktown Campus (NSW), Strathfield Campus (NSW) and Melbourne Campus (VIC). Students in Sydney are enrolled at the Strathfield Campus, although some units are undertaken at the North Sydney Campus; students are not required to travel between campuses on the same day.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $72,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $72,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $115,000 per year

Career Paths

Exercise ScientistAccredited Exercise Physiologist (with postgraduate qualifications)Strength and Conditioning CoachSports ScientistPerformance Analyst

Key Skills

Human anatomy and musculoskeletal assessmentExercise physiology and cardiovascular testing (e.g. VO2max, lactate threshold)Biomechanical movement analysis and gait assessmentEvidence-based exercise prescription for diverse populationsSports psychology and behaviour change strategies

Full Course Overview

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