Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science

World-class teaching staff and state-of-the-art learning facilities mean this degree is a great choice for students interested in the science behind exercise and sport.

In the first year you will complete a placement, meaning you will be exposed to industry partners from a range of elite and local sporting organisations from the very beginning.

You will also benefit from our on-campus facilities including the High Performance Sport Centre, Exercise Physiology Clinics, Environmental Chamber and UniSA Sport gyms. Learning in these facilities are a great way to develop practical skills and experience the hands-on nature of this growing industry.

Throughout your studies you will develop effective practical and communication skills to conduct laboratory and field testing and interpret scientific research. Some of the tests you may conduct are related to strength, fitness, oxygen usage and body mass.

During your first year you will develop a solid understanding of:

• human anatomy and physiology
• physical activity and health
• fundamental movement skills
• research methods and statistics.

In your second year you will focus on:

• skill acquisition
• exercise prescription and delivery
• exercise and health psychology
• nutrition
• exercise physiology
• biomechanics.

In your final year of study, you will focus on professional studies, the application of exercise science, and sociology of health and physical activity. Additionally, you can tailor your degree with a range of elective courses aligned with your career aspirations. The added benefit is that some of these courses will allow you to upskill, as they provide you with additional industry certificates upon successful completion, in areas such as level 1 sports training.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

With the health, wellbeing and nutrition industries continuing to grow, employment prospects for graduates of this degree are promising.

You may find yourself working in a range of positions in the sport, fitness, rehabilitation, health, government, aged care, education or recreation industries. You may also find yourself working in other industries where high levels of education, leadership, communication and organisation are valued.

Careers to consider include:

• exercise scientist: use a combination of biomechanics, physiology, and psychology to help assess and ultimately increase an individual's fitness, sporting performance and general health
• physical training specialist: advise clients on exercise, health, wellbeing and nutrition; develop and implement individual training plans
• strength and conditioning coach: prepare athletes for high performance, enabling them the greatest advantage in competition
• performance analyst: analyse performance data to provide individual and team statistics relating to key performance indicators
• community sports project officer: develop, coordinate and manage programs delivered by community sports organisations
• health and wellness promoter: promote healthy living among community-dwelling adults and in local or state-funded government organisations.

Become even more employable by combining your Exercise and Sport Science degree with another degree, allowing you to graduate with a double degree with just one year of extra study. Your options include Nutrition and Food Sciences or Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills).

If you finish your degree with a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) you could also be eligible to proceed to postgraduate study in areas such as occupational therapy or physiotherapy.

Where can my interest in health take me?

View our guide on Active Careers for more information.