Course information for - 2027 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 3 locations
  • Blacktown
  • Melbourne
  • Strathfield

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
UAC code
105535
ATAR
62.00 for Blacktown
Fees (first year)*

$12934 CSP

Start dates

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027

Applications open August 2026

Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not offered this intake

Overview

Physical activity and healthy eating are fundamental to good health and wellbeing for all human beings. 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 will equip graduates to become experts in professions related to both exercise/sport science and nutrition science. Graduates will capitalize on the synergies between the two fields of study to promote optimal health and nutrition through the lifespan.


Professional experience

In the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, students are required to complete 140 hours of appropriate professional experience (practicum) with accurate record-keeping, as part of course accreditation requirements.

Professional recognition

This degree has provisional by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) at the exercise science level for Strathfield, Melbourne and Blacktown campuses. '. Please note that ESSA requires all individuals seeking initial accreditation to meet ESSA's English Language requirements .

Graduates of this degree will be eligible  to apply for registration as a Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). This degree has been designed to meet the competencies deemed essential by the NSA for registration.

Careers

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

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

EXSC206 is a required unit and prepares students for professional practice opportunities, career planning and employability by addressing the scope of practice of an exercise professional. Students also complete compliance documentation for professional practice experience placements, as appropriate for ACU work integrated learning. This unit consists of online modules. Modules must be done in the student’s own time before the end of the Learning period. 

  • Specified Exercise and Sports Science UnitsEXSC123Introduction to Exercise Science10 cp
  • Specified Nutrition Science UnitsBIOL125Human Biology 1

    (Inc: BIOD125, BIOL121, BIOL122)

    10 cp
  • Specified Nutrition Science UnitsNUTR101Introduction to Nutrition

    (Inc: NUTD101, NUTZ101, EXSZ118)

    10 cp
  • Core Curriculum UnitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details10 cp
  • Specified Exercise and Sports Science UnitsEXSC133Foundations of Exercise Science

    (Pre: EXSC123)

    10 cp
  • Specified Exercise and Sports Science UnitsEXSC142Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science

    (Inc: ANAT100, ANAD100, ANAZ100)

    10 cp
  • Specified Nutrition Science UnitsBIOL126Human Biology 2

    (Pre: BIOL125; Inc: BIOD126. BIOL121, BIOL122)

    10 cp
  • Specified Nutrition Science UnitsNUTR102Culinary Nutrition Science

    (Inc: NUTD102)

    10 cp

All units are delivered in Attendance mode unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit.

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate of the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science, you develop a clear understanding of your role as a health professional, underpinned by a strong foundation in human performance, wellbeing, ethical practice, and nutritional science. Throughout your studies, you cultivate insight, critical self-reflection, cultural awareness, and independent learning skills, preparing you to adapt and grow within the evolving fields of exercise, health, and nutrition. By advancing your knowledge in areas such as exercise prescription, biomechanics, performance and injury prevention, as well as dietary assessment, nutritional biochemistry, and health promotion, you become equipped to integrate evidence-based exercise and nutrition strategies for optimal health outcomes. You commit to applying principles of fairness, inclusion, and respect in both physical activity and nutrition settings. This dual expertise enables you to promote individual and community wellbeing and contribute ethically and innovatively to the health, exercise, sport, and nutrition sectors, supporting the mission to foster flourishing lives and vibrant communities.

Empathy

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science at ACU, you embrace human dignity and diversity as core values guiding your practice across exercise, sport, and nutrition disciplines. Your education enhances your capacity to empathise with diverse individuals, appreciating the physical, psychological, nutritional, and cultural influences on health and performance. Guided by Indigenous Knowings and Perspectives, you prepare to engage respectfully with Australia’s First Peoples and work effectively within diverse communities to support holistic wellbeing. This comprehensive, culturally aware approach enables you to advance equitable health outcomes and make meaningful and empathetic contributions to individuals, communities, and the wider health, exercise, sport, and nutrition sectors.

Imagination

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science at ACU, you develop comprehensive knowledge and skills in human movement, physical performance, and nutritional health. You acquire evidence-based knowledge and practical skills in areas such as exercise prescription, biomechanics, physiology, nutrition assessment, and dietary planning. These capabilities provide you with the capacity to critically evaluate, envision, create and implement integrative strategies that promote wellbeing, enhance performance, and prevent injury and disease across varied populations. Your education prepares you to work ethically and collaboratively, empowering individuals and communities while advancing dignity and the common good, in alignment with ACU’s commitment to fostering thriving, healthy societies.

Impact

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science at ACU, you develop insight into the ethical obligations and social impact inherent in promoting holistic health through integrated exercise and nutrition science. Your leadership, communication, and teamwork skills enable you to collaborate effectively with individuals, athletes, trainers, coaches, health professionals, nutritionists, and community members from diverse backgrounds. You champion evidence-based, inclusive, and sustainable strategies that Improve health, enhance performance, and uphold human dignity. This commitment reflects your appreciation of multiple ways of knowing and your dedication to working towards the common good, directly contributing ACU’s mission of advancing social justice and ethical service for thriving connected communities worldwide.

AQF framework

Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7

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.

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.

StatePrerequisites

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

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.  

Learn more about access schemes 

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.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

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.

Find your path into study

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.

Learn more about adjustment factors

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.

Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma course relevant to your desired course:



Understand your pathway options

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. 



Explore the pathways to your future 

Further study

An honours year is available to meritorious students, with a grade point average of 5.75, who meet the admission requirements for either the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Honours),  the Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) or the Bachelor of Applied Public Health (Honours).

Graduates may be eligible to progress to a postgraduate coursework degree in either the discipline of exercise science, nutrition science or dietetics.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$12934 CSP

*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. 

Explore your options 

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.  

Search our scholarships

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Apply through a Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC)

To apply, search the code listed below on the corresponding TAC website

UAC code: 105535

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.

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