Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Applied Public Health
Course information for - 2023 entry
Offered at 1 locations
- Study mode
- Attendance
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- VTAC code
- 1200217451
- ATAR
- 58.50 for Melbourne
- Fees (first year)*
$10006 CSP
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Not availableMidyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2023Applications open April 2023
Overview
This double degree combines core curricula from Exercise Science with that of Applied Public Health. Exercise Science core content provides an extensive knowledge base of how the human body works, from a psychological, anatomical, physiological, motor control and biomechanical perspective. Applied Public Health core content delivers a background in factors that determine health at the community and population level, and how these can be shaped to effect improvements in health.
The studies in Outdoor Recreation enable the application of this core knowledge base in the community and across populations through various settings, and allow students to understand the need for increased nature based play and engagement. There is a strong body of contemporary research that highlights the importance of the natural environments and their contribution to health and wellbeing.
Participation in these activities also offers the participants opportunities to engage in risk assessment, safety management and activities which build resilience. From a public health perspective, children, youth, and families must have the opportunity to incorporate the key concepts of risk, protection, and resilience in their lives to develop and maintain healthy life choices and wellbeing.
Professional experience
As part of your course, you will be placed in a range of organisations to integrate the theory you learn with practical workplace experiences (placements). Students are also required to complete 200 hours of volunteer experience within a community-based organisation during the third and fourth year of the course. Partner organisations are selected in view of how they engage communities within organised, professional frameworks.
As part of your enrolment, you must complete the Faculty of Health Sciences pre-placement requirements. To ensure you meet these requirements you need to start as soon as possible. Visit ACU's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) website to view your Pre-Placement Requirements checklist.
Professional recognition
Graduates will be eligible for membership with The Australian Council of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) and membership of the Public Health Association Australia (PHAA).
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- national and international health agencies
- state and federal government health departments
- advocacy and aid organisations
- public health projects and advocacy
- health promotion
- outdoor recreation
- sports coaching
- epidemiology
- academic policy
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Applied Public Health, a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Sample program map
| Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - Semester 1 | PUBH100 Foundations of Public Health | PUBH101 Foundations of Public Health Communication | EXSC199 Psychology of Sport | ANAT100 Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science | |
| Year 1 - Semester 2 | BIOL121 Human Biological Science 1 | PUBH102 Foundations of Health Promotion | PUBH103 Epidemiology | UNCC100 Self and Community: Exploring the Anatomy of Modern Society | |
| Year 2 - Semester 1 | PUBH202 Public Health Research Methods | EXSC187 Growth, Motor Development and Ageing | EXSC224 Mechanical Bases of Exercise | PUBH204 Public Health Economics | |
| Year 2 - Semester 2 | NUTR101 Introduction to Nutrition | EXSC122 Research and Ethics in Exercise Science | Exercise Science Elective 1 | Exercise Science Elective 2 | |
| Year 3 - Semester 1 | PUBH304 Public Health Advocacy | EXSC225 Physiological Bases of Exercise | Exercise Science Elective 3 | Exercise Science Elective 4 | |
| Year 3 - Semester 2 | PUBH303 Applied Public Health Communication | EXSC216 Resistance Training: Science and Application | EXSC204 Exercise Prescription and Delivery | EXSC322 Exercise Physiology: Adaptation to Exercise and the Environment | |
| Year 4 - Semester 1 | PUBH302 Applied Public Health 1 | PUBH306 Public Health Policy and Law | Exercise Science Elective 5 | Exercise Science Elective 6 | |
| Year 4 - Semester 2 | PUBH305 Applied Public Health 2 | PUBH312 Applied Health Promotion | UNCC300 Justice and Change in a Global World | Exercise Science Elective 7 |
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.
AQF framework
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 |
|---|---|
Victoria | 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.
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.
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.
English language requirements
Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (Schedule 3).
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 Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) , or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
An honours year is available to meritorious students, with a grade point average of 5.5, who meet the admission requirements for either the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Honours), the Bachelor of Physical Activity and Health 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 or public health.
Fees
Course costs
$10006 CSP
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.
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
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.