Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)

This qualification enables you to graduate with two degrees with just one extra year of study, with a unique set of skills that are relevant, current and meet the needs of emerging market trends.

In the first year you will complete an exercise and sport 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.

This unique double degree will provide you with expertise in the areas of exercise and sport science, and psychology. You will graduate with a specialised set of skills to meet emerging market needs. You will gain expertise in human thought and behaviour, develop cognitive and creative skills to solve real-world scientific problems, and apply your knowledge in diverse contexts such as sports and mental health.

The exercise and sport science component prepares you to provide counselling to athletes, rehabilitation services, and to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of the population. The psychology component provides a balance of courses in psychology theory and counselling - for graduates this means you will enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology, as well as the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

During the first two years you will study exercise and sport science courses, which will give you a solid understanding of:

• human anatomy and physiology
• fundamental movement skills
• skill acquisition
• physical activity and health

The third and fourth years have a strong practical focus, where you will develop critical thinking and practice-based skills through learning about:

• develop influencing skills and intervention strategies
• gain knowledge of psychological disorders, including their causes and range of treatments
• study the relationship between psychology and physical activity

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

As the health, wellbeing and nutrition industries continue to grow, employment prospects for graduates of this double degree are promising. Careers to consider include:

• athlete counsellor (with further study): concerned with the wellbeing, mental functioning and physical performance of athletes
• 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
• school counsellor (with further study): work across primary and secondary schools to facilitate and advocate student wellbeing
• strength and conditioning coach: prepare athletes for high performance, enabling them the greatest advantage in competition
• sport psychologist (with further study): working with athletes and coaches to increase athletic performance through psychology influences

To become a professionally practicing or research psychologist you must complete a one-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree. You must finish your degree with at least a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) to be considered for or eligible to apply for honours. You will then need to complete a two-year Master of Psychology (Clinical), and on completion register with the Psychology Board of Australia.