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Tell us a little bit about yourself

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
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Why JCU?
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Study areas
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Dentistry
- Education
- Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Geoscience
- Health Studies
- Information Technology
- Law
- Marine Science
- Medicine
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Planning
- Psychology
- Public Health and Tropical Medicine
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- Social Work
- Speech Pathology
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Tourism, Hospitality and Events
- Veterinary and Animal Science
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Course level
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By campus
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Information for
- QTAC Packaged Offers
- International Students
Courses International courses Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science teaches you the processes and mechanisms underlying physical activity.
Career opportunities
Upon graduation you’ll have freedom to choose from a variety of opportunities including:
- Health and wellness management in private/community practices
- Health promotion agencies
- Hospital based scientists (e.g. cardiac or respiratory science)
- Occupational health and safety
- Sports training and rehabilitation
- Exercise and sport science research and testing.
This course is accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA, NUCAP Accreditation). Graduates of this degree are eligible for ESSA professional membership.
Course highlights
Sport and Exercise Science offers an incredible choice of career paths. JCU fast tracks you into the workforce with practical skills and experience blended with sound local knowledge.
Climate and culture are important variables in the field. That is why JCU grounds your studies in local application, drawing on northern Queensland’s tropical climate and rich cultural heritage.
Your studies will also include:
- Practical work experience with experienced sport and exercise professionals
- Working with a variety of people from community members to elite athletes
- Assessment and creation of specialist exercise programs for a variety of people
- Opportunities to be involved in international ranked research initiatives, and
- Access to world-class technical, training and testing facilities.
Course overview
As a Sport and Exercise scientist you will have a strong understanding of the scientific principles underlying the benefits of physical activity with a skilled focus on the role of sport and exercise in the enhancement of health and human performance in occupational, educational, sport, exercise and wellness settings. A Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science equips you to:
- Help individuals and athletes enhance their physical performance
- Use sport, exercise and physical activity to help improve health and wellbeing
- Assist with corporate and occupational wellness
- Create and support exercise and physical activity promotions, and
- Contribute to world-class sport and exercise science research.
Successful applicants must acquire appropriate immunisations, permits and police clearances before undertaking placement. It is recommended that these requirements be completed by the end of your first semester/teaching period. See Professional Experience Placement for further information.
Additional information
About JCU's Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
Make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Help athletes enhance their performance, improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic conditions, or teach the next generation the importance of nutrition and exercise. Build critical thinkings skills with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (similar to a Bachelor of Sports Science) from JCU.
Study Sports Psychology and Learn From the Best
Your world-class education begins here, where you work with skilled lecturers committed to student success and partner with leaders in rehabilitation. You will participate in research that matters, learning about the processes of human physical activity and contributing to important international research initiatives.
Gain practical experience and clinical skills in JCU's world-class training facilities throughout your exercise science degree. These include JCU’s Exercise Physiology Clinic, the JCU Exercise Testing and Strength and Conditioning Labs and the Movement Analysis Lab.
Build foundational knowledge in areas like anatomy, physiology, nutrition and biomechanics. Working alongside specialists and experienced professionals, you will learn how to implement theory in a practical setting.
Study Sports Psychology and Move Beyond the Classroom
Experience has no substitute, and at JCU you gain valuable first-hand experience right from the start when you study sports science. Along with opportunities to work in research, you will take part in clinical placements and work with people from different cultures and socioeconomic conditions.
Learn how to design exercise programs for athletes or explore the intricacies of occupational wellness issues in corporations. Understand how to empower others to incorporate exercise as part of an overall wellness plan, and see first-hand how sports can make a difference in marginalised communities.
Study Sports Psychology and Be Ready For Employment
A degree and a job are important, and as you study exercise science you will fast track your career goals and build your network of professional relationships. Be career-ready with the extensive practical experience that employers are looking for when you graduate with your exercise science bachelor degree.
Your degree from JCU is accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia, and you are eligible to join ESSA professionally upon graduation. Your sports science university degree opens many potential career paths. You could work in research or teaching or make a difference in the community by promoting community health. You could work in a hospital, partnering with doctors to help patients rehabilitate.
Focus on Holistic Development
JCU sports degrees focus on more than just professional knowledge and skills. You will learn from lecturers committed to student success who encourage you to develop holistically.
Understand how to critically review and synthesise data and then apply it in a range of contexts. Develop communication skills and work with colleagues and patients effectively. Your studies will include mastering the ethical and legal requirements of your profession and the more subtle cross-cultural skills need to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
Start Planning for Tomorrow With an Exercise Science Degree
Whether you want to work in rural or urban areas, in community health or among athletes, your Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science from JCU will get you there. Get yourself ready for the jobs of tomorrow with a degree from JCU.
Hide additional information
What you need to know before applying
You will need to supply the following with your application
- Previous and current certificates and academic transcripts
- Grading Scale used at the institution/s you have undertaken your studies
- English proficiency test results (if required and available at time of application)
- Passport to confirm your name and citizenship (if available at time of application)
Advanced Standing (credit for prior learning)
If you wish to seek credit for previous studies, you can submit the course syllabi (subject outline) for each relevant subject you have already studied. You will need to ensure that previous subjects, that you wish to gain credit for, correspond to a similar JCU subject. View JCU subject outlines and Course Enrolment Planners to assist in this process.
Certified copies and original documents
Posted, faxed, scanned or uploaded copies can be used during the assessment process. However once your application is approved you will need to supply original certified documents. These may be posted to:
International Admissions,
James Cook University,
Townsville QLD 4811, AUSTRALIA
If documents are written in a language other than English you will need to provide certified translations and a certified copy of the original document.
An acceptable certified document is a photocopy of an original document that has been certified as a true copy and signed by the certifier - public notary, registered agent of James Cook University or a representative of the institution. The certification must be original; photocopies or facsimiles of certified copies are not acceptable.
How to apply
Take note of the duration, cost and campus availability of your selected course. You may wish to include a second course preference.
- Register using your full legal name as it appears on your passport.
- Gather electronic copies of your documentation including advanced standing application if relevant. You will need to provide original certified copies of your documents once your application has been approved.
- Complete all the questions and upload all your documents. You can save and continue the application later if you need to.
- Submit your application.
Pathway into course
JCU offers pathway study options if you don't meet the academic of English language requirements for direct entry into your preferred JCU degree, or if you want to enhance your career prospects. Contact us for more information.
Handbook
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
Handbook year | 2020 |
Course code | 70610 |
Course type | Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) |
Professional accreditation status | This course is accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA, NUCAP Accreditation). Students are eligible for ESSA professional membership on completion of this award. |
Division | Division of Tropical Health and Medicine |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | English (4,SA); Maths A, B or C (4,SA) Recommended: one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health Education or Physical Education |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | Clinical placement/professional practice: This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements. Students may be required to undertake such placements away from the campus at which they are enrolled, at their own expense (Note: health professional courses generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements). Further information about placements can be found at Enrolment Policy – Coursework Students |
Post admission requirements | This course may have specific admission requirements such as immunisation, a Suitability to Work with Children Card, a federal police check and/or other conditions that students must comply with. Students must complete all professional experience placement requirements by the prescribed deadlines and maintain currency of these requirements in order to stay admitted in the course. You will find your course requirements here: https://www.jcu.edu.au/professional-experience-placement/preparation-checklists |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 72 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | James Cook University’s Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science meets the Exercise and Sports Science Australia standards for Exercise Science membership. On successful completion, graduates of the course will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the fundamental abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to complete the learning outcomes of a course while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. Students and prospective students must be able to demonstrate that they have acquired or have the ability to acquire the inherent requirements for their degree. For more information refer to Inherent Requirements page. |
Reasonable adjustments | Reasonable adjustments may be made to assist students manage additional circumstances impacting on their studies provided these do not change the academic integrity of a degree. Reasonable adjustments do not alter the need to be able to demonstrate the inherent requirements of the course. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
Teaching Period 1
BM1061:03 Anatomy and Physiology for Sport and Exercise Science 1
SP1003:03 Communication for Sport and Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology (Clinical)
PY1101:03 Exploring Psychology: From Brain to Practice
SP1001:03 Science and Practice of Sport and Exercise
Teaching Period 2
BM1062:03 Anatomy and Physiology for Sport and Exercise Science 2
HS1401:03 Health and Health Care in Australia
PH1001:03 Preparatory Physics
SP1002:03 Sport and Exercise Nutrition
Level 2
Teaching Period 1:
HS2402:03 Health Professional Research 1
SP2200:03 Exercise and Sports Testing
SP2003:03 Functional Kinesiology and Biomechanics
SP2007:03 Physiological Basis for Exercise and Sport
Teaching Period 2:
SP2009:03 Strength Training and Conditioning
SP2010:03 Principles of Motor Learning and Motor Control
SP2201:03 Exercise Prescription
SP2207:03 Dynamics of Sport and Exercise Behaviour
Level 3
Teaching Period 1:
SP3006:03 Environmental and Sports Medicine
SP3008:03 Practicum in Sport and Exercise Science/Clinical Exercise Physiology
SP3011:03 Sports Training and Rehabilitation
SP3015:03 Advanced Motor Learning and Motor Control
Teaching Period 2:
SP3018:03 Advanced Biomechanics
SP3014:03 Independent Project in Sport and Exercise Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology
SP3016:03 Exercise Prescription and Delivery
PLUS
Select 3 credit points of any level 1, 2 or 3 subjects
Campus
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
Townsville |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time |
Maximum time to complete | 8 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 2 years |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Nil |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements. Students may be required to undertake such placements away from the campus at which they are enrolled, at their own expense (Note: health professional courses generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements). Further information about placements can be found at Enrolment Policy – Coursework Students. |
Special assessment requirements | Refer to Review of a Student’s Suitability to Continue a Course Involving Placement policy. |
Professional accreditation requirements | Nil |
Maximum allowed Pass Conceded (PC) grade | Not permitted for Sports and Exercise Science subjects (subjects with the prefix SP) |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Not applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for a credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. |
Maximum allowed | 36 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 18 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the candidate has not completed this course. |
Other restrictions | A maximum of 9 credit points of credit may be granted at level 3. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will not be applied for non-university study or work experience. |
Award Details
Award title | BACHELOR OF SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE |
Approved abbreviation | BSpExSc |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | Not applicable - this course does not have majors |
Exit with lesser award | Students who have completed 24 credit points of their course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Diploma of Tertiary Studies. |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Honours
Honours availability | Honours available as an additional year of study |
Eligibility | Candidates must satisfy the School requirements relating to the standard of academic achievement necessary to proceed to the honours degree. |
Application deadlines
- 31 January for commencement in teaching period 1 (semester 1)
- 30 June for commencement in teaching period 2 (semester 2)
Entry requirements
As well as having studied the subjects listed in the prerequisites for this course, you must also meet necessary minimum academic entry scores and requirements.
Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
If you meet the academic requirements for a course, but not the minimum English requirements, you will be given the opportunity to take an English program to improve your skills in addition to an offer to study a degree at JCU. The JCU degree offer will be conditional upon the student gaining a certain grade in their English program. This combination of courses is called a packaged offer.
Fees and costs
Annual Tuition Fee: AUD$32,280 (Estimate only.)
Courses are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.
A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependants accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.
Help with your application
If you need help with your application, or would like to change your preferences (e.g. course, campus, commencing semester) after you have submitted your application please contact JCU International Admissions:
Email enquiries@jcu.edu.au
Phone +61 7 4781 5601
Helpful links
Education agents and representatives
Scholarships and financial aid
Honours
The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (Honours) degree is available for high-achieving students. It consists of extra study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees. Please refer to the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (Honours) Handbook for eligibility information.
This website is intended as general guide. Prospective students should contact the university to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
- James Cook University
- Bachelor of Advanced Science
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- Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
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- Bachelor of Midwifery
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- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Planning
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
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- Bachelor of Speech Pathology
- Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science
- Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering / Science (Honours) MBA in Tourism
- Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
- Master of Data Science
- Bachelor of Sports Psychology
- Bachelor of Marine Science
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- Bachelor of Nursing Science [Pre-Registration]
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours)
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- Diploma of Higher Education, Majoring in Society and Culture