Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Exercise Science

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 3 locations

Duration
4 years in accelerated mode full-time or equivalent part-time
QTAC code
113481
ATAR
65.00 for Brisbane
Fees (first year)*

$7342 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: to be advised

Overview

Combine secondary education and exercise science to share your passion for health and fitness with the next generation. Learn from world leading experts how to be an effective classroom teacher while building your knowledge of how the human body works, from a psychological, anatomical, physiological, motor control and biomechanical perspective, with a focus on the role of exercise in health, wellbeing and performance. Expand your skills over time, from observing your mentor teacher, to co-teaching, through to planning for and teaching multiple classes a day. You can also choose to study another specialisation from our arts disciplines as part of this double degree.


Achieve your goals with a scholarship.  

A generous Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship is available to support new undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolling in an initial teacher education (ITE) program to help meet the costs of their study. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here.

Get paid to learn with a Victorian Government ITE scholarship. Victorian students enrolling in a secondary school initial teacher education (ITE) program in 2024 or 2025 can apply to help cover the cost of studying. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here.

Professional experience

Gain expertise in your practicums over a total of 80 days in schools. Year 1: Community engagement in an educational setting, minimum of 35 hours. Year 2: 15 days, 15 days. Year 3: 15 days. Year 4: 5 days, 30 days.

Work placement

All initial teacher education programs must include a defined period, or professional experience, where pre-service teachers practise teaching in a school under the direct supervision and guidance of an appropriately qualified teacher. In order to graduate, pre-service teachers must satisfy all the requirements of their program, including the professional experience requirements. Supervised professional experience is at the heart of all our pre-service teacher education courses and the Faculty will find appropriate placements to suit the needs of your course. Placements will usually be arranged for the scheduled placement period in the professional experience calendar though this may not always be possible.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for registration as secondary teachers in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools. This program has been listed on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) accredited programs list and meets the teacher education component of the qualification requirement for registration (accreditation) as a secondary school teacher in all states and territories. 

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • secondary schools as a PE, HOPE and HPE teacher, including Catholic, government and independent settings
  • institutes of technical and further education (TAFE)
  • vocational education
  • community education centres
  • private colleges
  • special education settings

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1 - 4 year program

  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies UnitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OREducation Studies UnitsEDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OREducation Studies UnitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

    Students must complete all 4 units.

    10 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies UnitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OREducation Studies UnitsEDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OREducation Studies UnitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

    Students must complete all 4 units.

    10 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES101Educational Thought10 cp
  • Exercise Science Units (FIRST TEACHING AREA)EXSC109Games and Sports Skills10 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE110Literacy and Numeracy Diagnostic0 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies UnitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OREducation Studies UnitsEDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OREducation Studies UnitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

    Students must complete all 4 units..

    10 cp
  • Education Studies UnitsEDES100 Understanding Learning and Teaching OREducation Studies UnitsEDES103 Understanding Learners and Their Contexts OREducation Studies UnitsEDES104 Digital Cultures and Capabilities OREducation Studies UnitsEDES105 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Histories and Cultures

    Students must complete all 4 units.

    10 cp
  • Exercise Science Units (FIRST TEACHING AREA)NUTR101 Introduction to Nutrition ORExercise Science Units (FIRST TEACHING AREA)EXSC106 Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Young People

    For NSW Students - EXSC106 must be completed.

    10 cp
  • Exercise Science Units (FIRST TEACHING AREA)BIOL125Human Biology 110 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE100 LANTITE - Literacy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students ANDACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units LNTE101 LANTITE - Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students

    Students must register with ACER to undertake the two LANTITE tests.

    0 cp

Commencing Semester 2 - 4 year program

Commencing Semester 1 - 4.5 year program

Commencing Semester 2 - 4.5 year program

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

Exit Points

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of a course listed below may exit from the course with that qualification. Note that none of these qualifications qualifies a student to teach in Australia.

  1. Certificate in Educational Studies
  2. Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
  3. Bachelor of Physical Activity and Health Science


A student who does not meet the LANTITE requirements may access an appropriate exit point if they meet the requirements of that award.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.

In addition applicants (excluding QLD) will be required to demonstrate suitability for teaching;

All 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

Prerequisites: Nil

Assumed Knowledge: A minimum of three Band 5 HSC results, including one in English

Assumed Knowledge: To study a major or minor in Mathematics: Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2

Note: This course is structured to allow applicants to meet the three Band 5 entry requirements within the degree program by including a full year of discipline studies before applicants study how to teach.

Recommended studies: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE); plus one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Queensland

Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C); General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

Victoria

Prerequisites: English: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English; Mathematics: Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion of two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics OR Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 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’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 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 or bridging 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

Graduates with bachelor degrees may be eligible for entry into honours courses or to a range of postgraduate coursework programs, eg graduate certificates and graduate diplomas and, through these qualifications and/or with relevant work experience, to master’s degree programs.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$7342 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. 

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

Brisbane

Apply through QTAC

QTAC code 113481

Deferment

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

Staff Profile

Dr Nicki Brake

Senior Lecturer in Personal Development, Health and PE

Dr Nicki Brake is a Senior Lecturer in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) in the Faculty of Education and Arts and is the NSW Course Coordinator for First Year students in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) suite of degrees. Nicki has extensive teaching experience, with over 25 years teaching PDHPE and Dance Education. Nicki has particular interest in student and teacher wellbeing and is passionate about enabling and empowering all people to optimise their own health.

Dr Luke Rowe

Senior Lecturer in Education, Science of learning

Dr Luke Rowe is a Senior Lecturer at Australian Catholic University. His main area of focus involves teaching about the science of learning, evidence-based teaching, and health-related topics. An early career researcher with interests in the science of learning, evidence-based teaching, group dynamics, intelligence and psychometrics, Dr Rowe uses quantitative methods and Bayesian statistics in his practice.

 

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