Course Overview

About This Course

Overview From the elite athlete to the growing teenager, physical and mental health are essential to a balanced life. In this course you can immerse yourself in the psychology of what drives our behaviour and how this relates to sport and exercise. Our accredited Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science provides a scientific understanding of the structure and function of the human body as it relates to movement, the interrelationships between health and disease, and the psychological basis of physical activity. You will complete core units in exercise science including anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, strength and conditioning, and motor control as well as core units in psychological science that include assessment, methodology and principles of behaviour. Career opportunities exist as a psychologist (with additional postgraduate training) and in careers that carry therapeutic connections to sport and exercise, such as professional athlete counselling, rehabilitation, or within the education sector. Please note: The Diploma of Health (Exercise Science and Psychological Science Specialisation) is a pathway option for this course This course has travel expectations - please read the information below on placements carefully. "My experience at Southern Cross has been really good. There has been a vast array of opportunities for me. I've seen the whole spectrum of what I'm capable of doing." Vincent Manze Clinical Exercise Physiology student Default --> " This degree has allowed me to explore the human experience from multiple perspectives. The blend of deep, philosophical concepts with practical, hands-on learning has truly given me the best of both worlds." Jasmine Hawkins Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science student Understanding the Southern Cross Model The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study. Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning. On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit. Learn more Learning outcomes and graduate attributes Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA). Course Learning Outcome GA1: Intellectual rigour Demonstrate the level of information literacy, critical analysis, problem solving and decision making in exercise science and psychology. GA2: Creativity Demonstrate innovative and creative responses and solutions to problems encountered by professionals aligned with psychology and exercise science. GA3: Ethical practice Apply professional conduct, ethics, legal principles and client centred care consistent with professional standards of conduct and ethical practice. GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Apply and integrate evidence-based practice in exercise science and psychology, including the use of technology and digital practices, to deliver a broad range of services. GA5: Lifelong learning Demonstrate professional self-development in the field of exercise science and psychology through educational engagement and ongoing learning, self-evaluation of practice, inter- professional working relationships, innovative practice, and support new graduates. GA6: Communication and social skills Use a range of modalities to communicate effectively with clients and relevant stakeholders including families, carers and other health, exercise science and psychology professionals, and maintain appropriate documentation and records of services. Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and advocate for client access to health services. GA7: Cultural competence Practice in a safe, respectful and inclusive way that is responsive to the diverse needs of people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, gender and sexually diverse persons, persons of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and persons living with a disability. Placements, work experience and study hours You'll complete 140-hours of exercise science Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in the final year of your course. WIL provides the opportunity to apply theory and knowledge in practical settings. Placements are undertaken under professional supervision in clinical settings, the health and fitness industry, community and professional sport, elite programs of state and national sport organisations, schools, academies of sport, and within the wider sport, recreation and leisure industries. The types of positions can include, but are not limited to, assisting exercise physiologists, personal trainers, health educators, strength and conditioning or sports coaches, sporting organisations, academies or institutions, event coordinators or recreation officers. WIL is a vital part of your professional experience and comes with specific expectations and responsibilities. Please read the following carefully before applying for the course: Placement Locations : While we consider your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. It is essential to keep your address up to date in MyEnrolment, as inaccurate information may result in a placement that requires extended travel. Travel and Costs : You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses. Fit-to-Practice Requirements : Before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, immunisations (as per the Australian National Immunisation Program), mask-fit testing, First Aid and CPR certification and National Police Certificate checks. More detailed information on WIL is available on the Faculty of Health WIL page . Specialisations, majors and minors Exercise science: anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, sports conditioning and motor control. Psychological science: assessment, methodology, principles of behaviour. Availability Availability and fees Location Teaching period Coffs Harbour Term 1, Term 3 Gold Coast Term 1, Term 3 Lismore Term 1, Term 3 Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS Coffs Harbour Term 1 $26,000 ($3,250 per unit) 0102160 Gold Coast Term 1 $26,000 ($3,250 per unit) 0102160 Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Ground floor and Level 1-3, 60 Phillip St, SYDNEY, NSW 2000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

To meet the University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirement an applicant must have achieved: satisfactory completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the Recognised Countries (see below), including at least two years between years 7 and 12; or completed at least two years (full time equivalent combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed solely in English, in one of the Recognised Countries; or the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components: or the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills; or the TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 24 listening, 24 reading, 27 writing, and 23 speaking; or successful completion of the English for Academic Purposes 3 program at SCU College; or successful completion of the Diploma of Health at SCU College. Recognised Countries means the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK and USA. Please note, Rule 2 ELP IELTS Equivalency Schedule test scores equivalencies do not apply to this course. Language requirements English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs . Category Score Overall Score or equivalent 7.0 Reading 7.0 Writing 7.0 Listening 7.0 Speaking 7.0 Credit for prior learning For units of study accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), recognition of prior learning (via advanced standing) cannot be granted for previous informal or non-formal learning, or for formal learning completed within a qualification lower than AQF level 7 - Bachelor Degree.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Career Outcomes Potential occupations Graduates of this degree will be uniquely positioned to combine sport and exercise services with psychological knowledge creating a highly valued point of difference for their clients. Career opportunities exist as a psychologist or exercise physiologist (both require additional training). Graduates of this degree will be eligible to obtain accreditation as an exercise scientist and strength and conditioning coach and to pursue opportunities in counselling in the sport or school setting, sports science, coaching and health research. Professional accreditation The Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science is conditionally accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and provisionally accredited with Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA) . All graduates may apply for full membership as Exercise Scientists with ESSA and are eligible for registration as an Exercise Professional with Fitness Australia (FA). Undergraduate students are also eligible for registration as a Fitness Professional with AUSactive and as a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) after completing the first two years of their degree. Please note: To apply for ASCA Level 1 accreditation, an additional 30 externally supervised coaching hours must be completed. Graduates may also choose to pursue further training to gain registration as a psychologist or as an accredited exercise physiologist.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What fields does the Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science cover?

This degree combines exercise science — covering human movement, physical health, and exercise physiology — with psychological science, giving graduates knowledge and skills at the intersection of physical and mental wellbeing.

Who offers the Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science?

This degree is offered by Southern Cross University (SCU), an Australian university with campuses in New South Wales and Queensland.

What career paths could this degree lead to?

Graduates of this combined degree are positioned for careers that involve both physical and psychological health, such as roles in exercise psychology, health coaching, rehabilitation, community health, and sport and wellness services, though specific career outcomes were not detailed on the retrieved page.

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 $61,000 to $80,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $80,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $124,000 per year

Career Paths

Clinical PsychologistCounselling PsychologistOrganisational / Industrial PsychologistForensic PsychologistSchool Psychologist / Educational Psychologist

Key Skills

Critical thinking and evidence-based reasoningPsychological assessment and diagnostic interviewingQuantitative and qualitative research design and analysisTherapeutic communication and active listeningReport writing and clinical documentation

Full Course Overview

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