Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 2 locations

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
098381E
IELTS
7.0 minimum overall score (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands)
Fees (first year)*
$27710
Start dates
February 2025, February 2026

Overview

Exercise and sports scientists improve the health, performance and participation of individuals, teams and athletes through exercise programming and delivery, athlete training, and health advice. Psychological science explores how the mind works, and why people behave the way they do. Combined, you will be well prepared to help clients reach peak performance.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science /Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science will complete a sequence in psychology that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). This sequence will ensure graduates acquire an advanced understanding of human behaviour, as well as highly regarded employability skills. This degree is also accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) at the exercise science level.

Professional experience

As part of 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. Students will also complete 50 -100 hours of volunteer community engagement work when they undertake the unit PSYC310 Psychological Services Experience during the third year of their course.

Work placement

You’ll have the opportunity to get real-world experience din this degree. As part of the exercise and sport science part of the 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.

You will also take part in volunteering work that has a psychological focus. This may be with organisations such as the Department of Health and Human Services, community groups or schools.

Visit the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) webpage to view opportunities in exercise and sport science.

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) at the exercise science level. ESSA requires all individuals seeking initial accreditation to meet ESSA's English Language requirements .

This course is also accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) (APAC Level 1)

Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia. When completing this double degree a minimum of seven-years is required to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist.

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • counselling
  • child welfare and development
  • community work
  • education
  • health
  • human resources
  • marketing and market research
  • government and non-government health, sport and recreation departments
  • high performance sport organisations
  • sports institutes and academies
  • corporate fitness
  • health and fitness consultation
  • coaching

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC100Foundations of Psychology10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC108Psychological Practice: Theory and Techniques10 cp
  • Specified Exercise and Sports Science UnitsEXSC187Growth, Motor Development and Ageing

    MULTI-MODE. (Inc: EXSD187, EXSZ187)


    10 cp
  • Specified Exercise and Sports Science UnitsANAT100Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science

    MULTI-MODE. (Inc: ANAD100, ANAZ100)

    10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC101Applications of Psychology10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC110Research Design and Data Analysis 1

    (Inc: PSYC104)

    10 cp
  • Specified Exercise and Sports Science UnitsBIOL125Human Biology 1

    (Inc: BIOL121, BIOL122, BIOL124, BIOL204, BIOD125)

    10 cp
  • Core Curriculum UnitsCore Curriculum Unit 1 See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details.10 cp

All units are delivered in campus 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 you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Entry requirements

View transparency admission information

International applicants

Applicants require the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate. Applicants must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy and require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).

English language requirements

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).

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 international applicants

If you don’t currently meet the direct entry requirements for admission to your chosen program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed. 

Find out more about English language programs 

Find out more about the ACU Foundation Studies program 

Find out more about Diploma pathways 

Further study

High-achieving graduates from this program may be eligible to apply for fourth year studies in psychology (honours degree in psychological science or Graduate Diploma in Psychology).

Graduates are also eligible for admission to:

  • postgraduate studies in clinical exercise physiology courses, if seeking exercise physiology accreditation
  • postgraduate studies in high performance sport
  • one-year honours courses, for meritorious students preparing for higher degree research
  • higher degree studies in education, if seeking teacher registration (dependent on elective choices and campus/state of study)
  • further study in other allied health professions
  • further study in nutrition/dietetics (dependent on elective choices)

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3260
  • Average first year fee: $27710
  • Estimate total cost: $110840

The tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

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

International applicants

Melbourne

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code 1200210363

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

 

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