Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Townsville: February
Fees
$10,255.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Duration
5 years full-time
or part-time equivalent
Entry Requirements
ATAR 69.35
English (Units 3/4,C); General Maths, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Maths (3/4,C)
Recommended Knowledge
One of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health, Psychology or Physical Education (Units 3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 317161
Course detail
Broaden your skill set by combining two highly-respected fields of study in JCU’s Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science - Bachelor of Psychological Science. Your expertise in both health science and psychology will prepare you with the research, analysis, and critical thinking skills required to succeed in the industry.
In your Sport and Exercise Science degree, gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body responds to physical activity. In your Psychological Science degree, study the human mind and develop a strong foundation of psychological theory, practice, and research skills.
Benefit from practical placements as you learn to assess, design, and deliver exercise programs to a variety of people, from community members to elite athletes.
Study a core program along with additional psychology electives to suit your interests and requirements. Take advantage of world-class facilities, including the JCU Performance Science Hub, located with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys in the Hutchinson Builders Centre in Townsville.
View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects, as well as pre-placement requirements.
Additional information
Bachelors of Sport and Exercise Science
There has never been a better time to get into the Sports Science and Exercise industry. The well-being sector has grown exponentially in the last decade, and there is high demand for suitably qualified individuals to work both in coaching elite athletes and in rehabilitation. Many university courses focus only on the mechanics of the physical body without taking into account the psychology that must accompany it for success. If you have been looking for a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and Bachelor of Psychological Science, JCU may have a suitable course for you.
There is a growing interest in how psychology can play a huge role in athletic and rehabilitation outcomes. JCU has merged these two disciplines into one degree — the Bachelor of Sports Exercise Science and Psychological Science to give graduates in-depth knowledge of the physiological aspects of exercise on the body, and how psychological responses can play into this.
At the JCU Townsville campus, it is possible to study this combined bachelor's degree to give graduates an edge in this growing and competitive industry. The combined major will equip students with critical thinking skills, up-to-date research and an analytical mindset to be the best in their field.
Career Prospects for Bachelor of Sports and Psychological Science Graduates
The five years of investment students make to gain this dual aspect bachelor's degree will be well spent. Graduates of JCU’s Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and Bachelor of Psychological Science graduate with a wide range of skills that are highly in demand in the sports and health fields. Graduates will enjoy high employability outcomes in sectors such as rehabilitation, health and wellbeing, psychology and sports training. Within each sector there are further specialisations that students can pursue, leading to a meaningful and fulfilling career.
After completing the Bachelor of Sport and Psychological Science, some graduates may choose further study depending on the career path they wish to take. Some of these may involve a year or two of postgraduate study whereas others may require a commitment of several more years to become accredited, for example as a practising psychologist.
JCU’s Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and Bachelor of Psychological Science will prepare students to be industry-ready — whether that’s domestically within Australia or overseas.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and Bachelor of Psychological Science.
Honours
If you're a high achieving student you may be invited to undertake an Honours year. This comprises an additional 24 credit points of study in each discipline. To learn more, refer to the Handbook entries for Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours).
Graduates of the combined Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and Psychological Science have broad skill sets and are sought after in a large range of health-related industries.
As a graduate, you may want to pursue a career in areas including sport science, health and wellness management, health promotion agencies, hospital-based science, sports training and rehabilitation or psychology. Each of these fields have a variety of specialisations, meaning there are numerous opportunities for you to find your passion.
You may also choose to specialise within your field and take on further study, either with coursework or a higher degree by research.
To become eligible for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, you are required to complete a minimum 6-year sequence of education and supervised training. Upon graduation of this degree, you must complete an accredited year of postgraduate study – either the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), or the Graduate Diploma of Psychology, plus two years of supervised practice in the field. Alternatively, you can complete a two-year Master of Psychology (Clinical), plus one year of supervised practice. Once you have completed an accredited fourth year of study, you will then need to complete another two years of combined study and supervised training, through either a Master of Professional Psychology, which involves one year of study followed by a one-year internship, or a Master of Psychology (Clinical), a two-year program that includes placements. After completing the required six-year sequence of education and supervised training, you can apply for general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Find out more information about registration.
Graduates of this degree are eligible for Exercise and Sports Science Australia professional membership.
No matter where you go, you’ll have a strong knowledge base and sound practical experience to call upon, making you valuable to employers across Australia, and internationally.
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2022. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: 69.35
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science - Bachelor of Psychological Science for Semester 1, 2022. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2022 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | <5 | <5 |
Median | <5 | <5 |
Lowest | <5 | <5 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 OP/ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Adjustment factors
James Cook University applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2023 |
Course code | 116510 |
Course type | Bachelor Degree (AQF level 7) |
Professional accreditation status | This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Graduates of this course, who wish to become fully registered as psychologists, must complete an accredited fourth year course (e.g. GDipPsych or BPsychSc(Hons)) plus either a two year Psychology Board of Australia approved postgraduate program, or a one year Psychology Board of Australia approved postgraduate program plus one year of supervised practice. This course is accredited with Exercise and Sports Science Australia. Graduates of this course are eligible for ESSA accreditation. |
Owner | Academy |
College | Healthcare Sciences |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course prerequisites | English (Units 3/4,C); General Maths, Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Maths (3/4,C) Recommended: one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health, Psychology or Physical Education (Units 3/4,C) |
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. |
| Additional selection requirements | Information published by JCU or otherwise made available to students when applying, may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit if the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course. Information provided by applicants during the application process and any other information obtained by JCU in the application process may be used by JCU to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria. |
Post admission | 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 | 114 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | On successful completion of the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, graduates will be able to:
On successful completion of the Bachelor of Psychological Science, graduates will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science - Bachelor of Psychological Science. |
Reasonable adjustments | All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
Year 1
Teaching Period 1
BM1061:03 Anatomy and Physiology for Sport and Exercise Science 1
SP1011:03 Physical Activity for Health
PY1101:03 Exploring Psychology: from Brain to Practice
PY1103:03 Critical Thinking in Psychology: How to Think About Weird Things
Teaching Period 2
BM1062:03 Anatomy and Physiology for Sport and Exercise Science 2
PY1106:03 Communicating Psychology: Listening, Translating & Disseminating
PY1102:03 Exploring Psychology: from Perception to Reality
SP1012:03 Exercise and Sports Testing
Year 2
Teaching Period 1
SP2007:03 Physiological Basis for Exercise and Sport
PY2103:03 Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis
PY2111:03 Learning Processes, Behaviour and Performance
PY2112:03 Memory and Cognition
Teaching Period 2
PH1001:03 Preparatory Physics
PY2107:03 Experimental Investigation and Analysis of Behaviour
PY2101:03 Behavioural Neuroscience: Understanding the Brain and its link with
behaviour
SP1002:03 Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
Year 3
Teaching Period 1
SP2009:03 Strength Training and Conditioning
SP2201:03 Exercise Prescription
SP2003:03 Functional Kinesiology and Biomechanics
PY3102:03 Social Psychology in Everyday Life
Teaching Period 2
HS1401:03 Health and Health Care in Australia
SP2010:03 Principles of Motor Learning and Motor Control
PY2106:03 Through the Looking Glass: Development Across the Lifespan
SP2207:03 Dynamics of Sport and Exercise Behaviour
Year 4
Teaching Period 1
HS2402:03 Health Professional Research 1
SP3015:03 Advanced Motor Learning and Motor Control
PY3101:03 Psychological Research Methods and Interpretation
Teaching Period 2
SP3018:03 Advanced Biomechanics
SP3014:03 Independent Project in Sport and Exercise Science & Clinical Exercise Physiology
PY3108:03 Personality Psychology: Decoding the Mysteries of Humans
SP2016:03 Exercise Prescription and Delivery
Year 5
Teaching Period 1
SP3106:03 Advanced Physiological Basis for Exercise and Sport
SP3008:03 Practicum in Sport and Exercise Science/Clinical Exercise Physiology
Teaching Period 2
SP3011:03 Sports Training and Rehabilitation
PY3103:03 Mining the Mind: Psychopathology
PY3107:03 Psychological Assessment in Action
OPTIONS
Select 6 credit points of specified PY level 2 subjects from List 1
List 1
PY2018:03 Intercultural Psychology and Cross Cultural Communication
PY2104:03 Connecting Social, Psychological and Physical Health
PY2109:03 The World Around Us: Environmental Psychology
PY2110:03 Intersections of Psychology and Law: Forensic Psychology
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Townsville |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 5 years full-time or equivalent part-time |
Maximum time to complete | 12 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 2 years |
Progression
Course progression | 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: |
Special assessment | Refer to Review of a Student’s Suitability to Continue a Course Involving Placement policy. |
Professional accreditation requirements | The accredited sequence in psychology leads to provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia with the addition of a fourth year of accredited studies in psychology e.g., Graduate Diploma of Psychology or Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). |
Supplementary exam for | A student who has failed the final subject towards the degree and who gained 40% or more of the marks for that subject may be granted a supplementary examination in that subject. |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for credit transfer for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. |
Maximum allowed | 60 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 22 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 | Maximum credit points for credit as per the JCU Policy on credit for Previous Studies and Recognised Prior Learning |
Award Details
Award title | BACHELOR OF SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE – BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE |
Approved abbreviation | BSpExSc-BPsychSc |
This is a joint degree | Yes |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | Not applicable - this course does not have majors |
Exit with lesser award | Candidates who exit the course prior to completion, and have completed ALL appropriate subjects for the relevant degree, may be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science or Bachelor of Psychological Science. 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. Students who have completed 48 credit points of their professional 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 Associate Degree of Health Sciences. |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Special Awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Honours
Honours availability | Honours is available in each discipline as additional 24 credit points of study [end-on] |
Eligibility | A student admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science – Bachelor of Psychological Science at this university may be invited by the Head of Psychology to undertake the Honours degree in Psychology if that student has Psychology Honours
Sport and Exercise Science Honours Normally a minimum GPA 5.0 (Credit) is required across the third year pass degree subjects. |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD10,255.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
An ATAR is the score required for entry into most undergraduate courses. If you are not a Year 12 school leaver or do not have an ATAR, you can be assigned an equivalent score. Scores are calculated from previous study that you might have completed, either secondary, tertiary or vocational, or previous paid employment experience.
JCU offers pathway courses to help you move into a degree. Pathway courses provide you with an individualised study plan and specialised support as you transition to university.
Contact us to find out more.
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
Students are encouraged to undertake the Tertiary Access Course if they have not studied recently and/or want assistance making the transition to University studies.
Get prepared – bridging subjects
Bridging subjects are designed to fill any gaps in your knowledge. We offer maths and chemistry bridging subjects that can be studied on-campus in Cairns and Townsville. You may need to enrol in a bridging subject if you have not achieved the grade of ‘Sound Achievement or better’ in Queensland Year 12 maths or chemistry.
ATAR score is indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Real stories
-
Student
Lucy Fagez
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science - Bachelor of Psychological Science
Engaging in a joint degree has allowed me to keep doors open. It is also an opportunity to obtain two Bachelor’s degrees in less time than it would take to complete them both separately. Professionally, having a joint degree will make me more marketable and provide more varied career options.
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Alumni
Adon Alves
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
During my time at JCU we covered interesting subtopics in sport and exercise science, including biomechanics, motor learning, sport psychology, and strength and conditioning. All lecturers and tutors are passionate about their field which provided motivation and encouragement and helped me expand on my own interests.
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Lecturer
Associate Professor Anthony Leicht
Sport and Exercise Science
Our program is really good in terms of it being hands-on. A lot of our graduates get to experience the real world, not only during classes but also during their practicum. They’re able to work with elite athletes and community groups, as well as patients. Having that wide range sets them up well for the real world.
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Employer
Luke Gauci
Director, Mindset Performance Fitness Centre
It’s been good having JCU graduates as they bring skills that are up to date with the current information in the industry. In this industry, having staff who are JCU graduates is an extra qualification a lot of personal trainers don’t have. So I’ve gone out of my way to look for people with those qualifications.