Course information for - 2027 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 2 locations
- Melbourne
- Strathfield
- Melbourne
- Strathfield
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- VTAC code
- 1200211051
- ATAR
- New
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027
Applications open August 2026
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning August 2027
Applications open April 2027
For students wanting to study in Sydney they will undertake the Exercise and Sports Science units at the Strathfield campus and the Business units at the North Sydney campus. ACU will endeavour to minimise travel between campuses on the same day
Overview
This double degree combines core curricula from Exercise Science and Business. The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science focuses on the benefits of exercise and a healthy lifestyle in the contexts of elite sport, recreational physical activity, community health and wellbeing.
Exercise Scientists play an important role in improving the health, fitness, well-being and performance of individuals, groups, and the community. They do this through coaching and training in sport and athletic performance; educating about exercise for health and well-being; and implementing behaviour modification strategies. ACU is well placed to prepare graduates as Exercise Scientists with well-established exercise science programs that are recognised internationally for research and learning.
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science focuses on the benefits of exercise and a healthy lifestyle in the contexts of elite sport, recreational physical activity, community health and wellbeing.
Exercise Scientists play an important role in improving the health, fitness, well-being and performance of individuals, groups, and the community. They do this through coaching and training in sport and athletic performance; educating about exercise for health and well-being; and implementing behaviour modification strategies. ACU is well placed to prepare graduates as Exercise Scientists with well-established exercise science programs that are recognised internationally for research and learning.
Upon graduating you will be ready to launch straight into your career thanks to our Future Ready employability program, designed to systematically build each of the elements of your personal brand: your professional identity; experience; job-ready skills; and networks.
Combining these two degrees ensures that our graduates are well equipped to bring a business skills and knowledge to a career in business or a business edge when pursuing a career in business.
In collaboration with the team from Refraction media, we have created a number of Job Kits to give you an insight into various professions. We hope that these will inform and inspire you to choose the career path that is right for you. You can read about the day in the life of a student, what our graduates are doing now, how our expert academics have shaped the industry and what your study options are. Check out the Exercise Scientist Job Kit, a great resource that will help you decide if exercise science is for you.
Professional experience
Students are required to complete 40 hours of community engagement and 140 hours of appropriate professional experience during the third and fourth year of the course. Partner organisations are selected in view of how they engage communities within organised, professional frameworks. This experience can be undertaken either as a block or distributed over the course of the final two years.
Work placement
You’ll have the opportunity to get real-world experience during the two units of compulsory professional experience you’ll complete throughout your degree. You’ll spend time in organisations integrating the theory you’ve learnt with practical skills, giving you a chance to reflect on possible career paths and meet the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) requirements for exercise science accreditation.
We’re connected to a huge range of sporting organisations including the Australian Institute of Sport; AFL, NRL and A-League clubs; Tennis Australia; and America’s NBA. With us you’ll get outstanding opportunities for industry placement and future employment in Australia and around the world.
Students have recently completed internships at AFL clubs, Tennis Australia and the National Ageing Research Institute. Students have completed tasks such as assisting in coaching athletes in gym sessions, prescribing exercises for athletes and monitoring their technique, managing and operating specific performance analysis equipment, testing, assessing and collecting data from elite athletes to create reports for athletes and coaches.
Visit the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) webpage to view opportunities in exercise and sport science.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- recreation or sporting clubs
- physical activity planning for young people or the elderly
- family and community services
- the health and fitness industry
- government agencies
- state sporting associations
- rehabilitation clinics
- personal training
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Business, a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Exit points
A student who has successfully completed 70 credit points of 100-level from the Exercise and Sports Science Specified Units, and an additional 10 credit points from any other unit in the program may exit with a Diploma in Exercise Science.
Additional course information
Examples of the types of work settings the course prepares graduates for:
- national and International health agencies
- state and federal government health departments
- non-government aid and advocacy organisations (local, national, international)
- health and fitness industry
- sporting organisations
Such work can involve a diverse range of programs including: physical activity promotion, recreation, sporting clubs, youth work, physical activity planning for young people or the elderly, corporate health and fitness, government agencies, state sporting associations, rehabilitation clinics, and personal training. Potential employers are varied and could include: local government, community health centres, state sporting associations, non-government organisations (Cancer Council, Asthma Foundation).
Entry requirements
An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the 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.
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
New South Wales | Assumed Knowledge: English (Standard) Band 3, Health and Movement Science 11-12, Mathematics (any) OR Biology, Chemistry or Physics |
Queensland | Assumed Knowledge: English (Units 3 & 4, C), one of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health or Physical Education (Units 3 & 4, C) |
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 |
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
- If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
- If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
- You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
- If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students
If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
The Bachelor of Physical Activity and Health Science (Honours) and the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Honours) programs are available as an additional year to meritorious students, with a grade point average of 5.5, who wish to undertake an independent research project.
Fees
Course costs
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Apply through a Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC)
To apply, search the code listed below on the corresponding TAC website
VTAC code: 1200211051
Apply directly to ACU
We are happy to accept your application to this course.
However, Year 12 direct applications cannot be considered. If you are a Year 12 student you must apply through VTAC, UAC or QTAC.
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
Staff Profile
Dr Daniel Chalkley
Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Science, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Dr Daniel Chalkley is a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science and the course adviser at our Brisbane campus. His previous work was as a sport scientist at the Australian Institute of Sport and the Queensland Academy of Sport, where he specialised in skill acquisition to enhance the performance and training environment of elite athletes.
Dr. Chalkley's academic interests and expertise encompass measurement and enhancement of decision-making skills, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms behind expert decisions. He is also knowledgeable and passionate about utilising emerging technologies such as sensors, eye tracking, virtual reality, and data analysis.
Dr Alexander Campbell
Lecturer, Peter Faber Business School, Faculty of Law and Business
Dr Alexander Campbell is an alumnus of Griffith University and the University of Queensland. He is a seasoned marketing and communication professional who has two decades of experience with strong business acumen. He has substantial experience in business management, holding senior positions within organisations that include responsibilities and accountabilities across departments for sales, marketing, finance, production and commercial. Dr Campbell is a marketing lecturer, and early career researcher at ACU, and currently serves as a Director of Product Marketing for a SaaS company.
Dr Campbell has run tactical marketing and demand generation efforts over EMEA, APAC, NAM and UAE markets for an ASX listed company specialising in cloud-based SaaS solutions. He was also part of the team that was influential in achieving Westpac Businesses of Tomorrow, the Deloitte’s Fast 50 and Fast 500 awards for an ASX listed company in the sports, leisure, and hospitality sector. He has had experience in managing teams, successfully balancing both KPI expectations and the emotional stability of his people who worked under him. He has held both regional and state management positions, running production teams and advising on sales strategy in B2C & B2B environments.