Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science

Course information for - 2023 entry

Offered at 3 locations

Study mode
Multi-mode
Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
UAC code
105535
ATAR
58.50 for Blacktown
Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2024
Applications open August 2023
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available

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 course will undergo accreditation by Exercise and Sports Science Australia for ‘Exercise and Sports Science'. 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

To complete the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science, a student must complete 330 credit points (cp).

View course rules

Sample program map

Year - Study periodUnit 1Unit 2Unit 3Unit 4Unit 5
Year 1 - Semester 1

BIOL125 Human Biology 1

NUTR101 Introduction to Nutrition

ANAT100 Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science

EXSC199 Psychology of Sport

Year 1 - Semester 2

BIOL126 Human Biology 2

NUTR102 Culinary Nutrition Science

Core Curriculum

100 level unit: 

Either

UNCC100 Self and Community: Exploring the Anatomy of Modern Society

or

PHCC102 Being Human

or

PHCC104 Ethics and the Good Life

EXSC122 Research and Ethics in Exercise Science

Year 2 - Summer

EXSC225 Physiological Bases of Exercise

Year 2 - Semester 1

CHEM105 Foundations of Chemistry

BMSC209 Pathophysiology

EXSC224 Mechanical Bases of Exercise

EXSC222 Functional Anatomy


Year 2 - Semester 2

CHEM112 Organic and Food Chemistry


BIOL234 Nutritional Physiology


EXSC296 Health and Exercise Psychology

EXSC322 Exercise Physiology: Adaptation to Exercise and the Environment

Year 3 - Semester 1

CHEM204 Biochemistry


NUTR202 Lifespan Nutrition


EXSC187 Growth, Motor Development and Ageing

EXSC321 Biomechanics


Year 3 - Semester 2

CHEM206 Advanced Metabolic Biochemistry


EXSC204 Exercise Prescription and Delivery


EXSC216 Resistance Training: Science and Application


**EXSC206 Professional Experience Preparation

Year 4 - Semester 1

NUTR302 Diet, Health and Disease


NUTR303 Food Science in Practice


EXSC394 Exercise Prescription for Health and Wellbeing


EXSC398 Professional Experience data-versionlabel=3 >

Year 4 - Winter

EXSC316 Nutrition for Sports Performance


Year 4 - Semester 2

NUTR304 Food Product Design and Development

Either

UNCC300 Justice and Change in a Global World

or

PHCC320 The Just Society

EXSC230 Motor Control and Learning

 

This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.

*Campus availability: students will undertake exercise science units at Strathfield Campus and all other units at North Sydney Campus. Students will not be required to travel between campuses on the same day.

**EXSC206 prepares students for professional practice opportunities, career planning and employability by addressing the scope of practice of an exercise professional. It will also address some of the requirements needed to fulfil your accreditation as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association. This unit consists of online modules. Modules must be done in the student’s own time before the end of Semester 2 and /or before the commencement of any professional placement.


A blank cell indicates that there are no additional units required for that study period.

This is a sample program only and units will vary between states. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.

AQF framework

Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7

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

Recommended studies: English (Standard) Band 3, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Mathematics (any) plus one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Victoria

Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 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 ACU College, TAFE, and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners, 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’ll 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, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process. 

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner. 

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 Special 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.

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 Special 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

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester; 
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and 
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

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

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

 

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