Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science is a professional degree that will prepare you for a wide range of careers in the rewarding and exciting field of sports science.
At CDU, you can study a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science 100% online or on campus*. You can choose to study part-time or full-time, and focus your studies with short, practical intensive units.
Learn about anatomy, physiology, psychology, exercise prescription and delivery, coaching, nutrition, physical assessment, and more.
You will choose from one of six majors:
- Coaching
- Strength and Conditioning
- Public Health
- Sport Psychology
- Rehabilitation, or
- Sport Business and Management.
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science combines the best of theory and practice-based learning. You can complete placements close to your home (wherever you live in Australia), virtual-reality-based learning, and short on-campus intensive units in Darwin with industry bodies. You will also learn about important core concepts, the latest research and industry best-practice.
During the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, you can achieve shorter industry-recognised qualifications that count towards your degree and help you to start working in the sports and fitness industry before you graduate.
Most assessments for the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science are coursework and practice-based, and are completed during term semester, so you will sit few formal exams.
* Online study is only available to domestic students. International students are required to study on campus.
Practical Experience
As part of the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, you will complete two supervised practical placements. The first will be a general practical placement of 140 hours. The second will be a specialised placement of 140-280 hours, depending on your major.
You are not required to travel for your placement; it can be completed anywhere in the world. You'll choose your own supervisor (which must be a qualified sport or health professional) and a topic that interests you.
If you already have experience in the sport and exercise industry, you can apply for recognition of prior learning. Some or all of your work experience may be counted towards your required 140 hours of placement.
In addition to placement, you can also apply for learning broad programs and take part in short, practical intensive in Darwin (where you'll meet industry professionals, tour sporting facilities, complete practical training and simulations on campus, and work with athletes and the local community).
Career opportunities
Completing this course may lead to career opportunities such as a Fitness Centre manager, rehabilitation and therapy assistant, strength and conditioning coach, sport coach, personal trainer, health and fitness advisor, fitness and performance consultant.
Professional recognition
As a graduate of this course you'll be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA), Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Fitness Australia, Sports Medicine Australia (SMA), Australian Health Promotion Association Australia (AHPA).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2024 is AUD $32,352.00. This equates to $ $4,044.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study exercise & sport science at CDU?
Enter a growing industry as a qualified health professional when you study exercise and sport science with us. You'll develop an expert understanding of how the human body responds to exercise and be able to help your clients improve their health, prevent injury or enhance their physical performance.
- Pathway to physiotherapy
- Unique focus on tropical, hot and humid conditions
- Integrated with health, fitness and sporting agencies for work placements
- Five-star university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study exercise and sport science at CDU?
Enter a growing industry as a qualified health professional when you study exercise and sport science with us. You'll develop an expert understanding of how the human body responds to exercise and be able to help your clients improve their health, prevent injury or enhance their physical performance.
- Pathway to physiotherapy
- Unique focus on tropical, hot and humid conditions
- Integrated with health, fitness and sporting agencies for work placements
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study exercise & sport science at CDU?
Enter a growing industry as a qualified health professional when you study exercise and sport science with us. You'll develop an expert understanding of how the human body responds to exercise and be able to help your clients improve their health, prevent injury or enhance their physical performance.
- Pathway to physiotherapy
- Unique focus on tropical, hot and humid conditions
- Integrated with health, fitness and sporting agencies for work placements
- Five-star university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study exercise and sport science at CDU?
Enter a growing industry as a qualified health professional when you study exercise and sport science with us. You'll develop an expert understanding of how the human body responds to exercise and be able to help your clients improve their health, prevent injury or enhance their physical performance.
- Pathway to physiotherapy
- Unique focus on tropical, hot and humid conditions
- Integrated with health, fitness and sporting agencies for work placements
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
The course consists of core and specialist elective units. A unique feature of the course is an industry placement in which you can develop your existing skills and learn new skills in a workplace setting. You can specialise in your chosen area of interest by selecting from one of the following majors
Course structure
The course consists of core and specialist elective units. A unique feature of the course is an industry placement in which you can develop your existing skills and learn new skills in a workplace setting. You can specialise in your chosen area of interest by selecting from one of the following majors
- Coaching
- Strength and Conditioning
- Public Health
- Sport Psychology
- Rehabilitation
- Business and Management
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (16 units) | 160cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE209) SPE120 Essentials in Health and Fitness HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction SPE205 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology SPE210 Motor Control, Growth and Development SPE212 Applied Coaching Principles across the Lifespan SPE261 Functional Anatomy (replaces SBI261) SPE313 General Practicum SPE309 Physiology of Sport and Exercise SPE320 Nutrition and Health SPE330 Physical Activity in Special Population |
| Specialist Electives (7-9 units) | 80cp | Specialist elective units totalling 80 credit points selected from one of the Majors below. Coaching (80 credit points) SPE331 Coaching Accreditation SPE351 Psychology and Sport SPE376 Sport injuries, prevention, rehabilitation and corrective exercises SPE381 Physiological assessment of athletes SPE382 Periodisation of Training SPE405 Specialised Practicum PLUS 20 credit points of units selected from any other major. Students may also select from the units below: SPE130 Foundations of Sport Science and Coaching SPE230 Applied Science in Sport and Exercise SWK102 Communication Skills Strength and Conditioning (80 credit points) SPE376 Sport injuries, prevention, rehabilitation and corrective exercises SPE381 Physiological assessment of athletes SPE382 Periodisation of Training SPE383 Research Methodology SPE384 Research Data Collection and Interpretation SPE405 Specialised Practicum PLUS 20 credit points of units selected from any other major. Students may also select from the units below: SPE130 Foundations of Sport Science and Coaching SPE230 Applied Science in Sport and Exercise SWK102 Communication Skills Public Health (80 credit points) HSC121 Australia's Policy and Health Care System HSC122 Foundations of Public Health HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management or HSC211 Mental Health and Wellbeing HSC312 Global and Environmental Health HSC318 Rural and Remote Health SPE405 Specialised Practicum PLUS 20 credit points of units selected from any other major. Students may also select from the units below: SPE130 Foundations of Sport Science and Coaching SPE230 Applied Science in Sport and Exercise SWK102 Communication Skills Sport Psychology (80 credit points) PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaced PSY140 2022) PSY151 Introduction to Psychology B (replaced PSY141 2022) PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour (replaced PSY208 2022) AOD311 Counselling/ Interventions in Alcohol and Other Drugs Field (replaced AOD301 2022) SPE351 Psychology and Sport SPE405 Specialised Practicum PLUS 20 credit points of units selected from any other major. Students may also select from the units below: SPE130 Foundations of Sport Science and Coaching SPE230 Applied Science in Sport and Exercise SWK102 Communication Skills Rehabilitation (80 credit points) SPE371 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation SPE372 Cardiometabolic Rehabilitation SPE373 Neuromuscular Rehabilitation SPE374 Clinical Practicum (20cp) SPE376 Sport injuries, prevention, rehabilitation and corrective exercises PLUS 20 credit points of units selected from any other major. Students may also select from the units below: SPE130 Foundations of Sport Science and Coaching SPE230 Applied Science in Sport and Exercise SWK102 Communication Skills Business and Management (80 credit points) BUS303 Global Digital Enterprise MAN105 Introduction to Management MAN203 Comparative Management Systems SPE405 Specialised Practicum PLUS 20 credit points of units below of which 10cp must be at 300 level: ACT205 Accounting for Managers BUS304 Evidence Based Strategy Creation BUS306 Contemporary Business Issues and Trends COM105 Business and Communication Skills ECO107 Economics for Managers ENT101 Entrepreneurship Fundamentals - Part A (5cp) AND ENT102 Entrepreneurship Fundamentals - Part B (5cp) LOG301 Logistics and Channel Management MKT308 Brand and Reputation Management PLUS 20 credit points of units selected from any other major. Students may also select from the units below: SPE130 Foundations of Sport Science and Coaching SPE230 Applied Science in Sport and Exercise SWK102 Communication Skills Customised Selection (80 credit points) 80 credit points of units selected from any other major. Students may also select from the units below: SPE130 Foundations of Sport Science and Coaching SPE230 Applied Science in Sport and Exercise SWK102 Communication Skills |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
Students that have completed the previous unit prior to 2022 should not complete the new replacement unit.
| Previous Unit Code | New Unit Code | New Unit Title |
| AOD301 | AOD311 | Counselling/ Interventions in Alcohol and Other Drugs Field |
| PSY140 | PSY150 | Introduction to Psychology A |
| PSY141 | PSY151 | Introduction to Psychology B |
| PSY208 | PSY228 | Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour |
Study plan
Students Commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 i.e. SBI261.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO | SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery | CO |
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SPE212 Applied Coaching Principles across the Lifespan | CO |
| SPE120 Essentials in Health and Fitness | CO | SPE261 Functional Anatomy | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| SPE210 Motor Control, Growth and Development | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies | CO |
| SPE309 Physiology of Sport and Exercise | CO | SPE205 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis (offered from 2022) | CO |
| SPE320 Nutrition and Health | CO | SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology (offered from 2022) | CO |
| SPE313 General Practicum | CO | SPE330 Physical Activity in Special Population | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 5 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 6 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | Specialist Elective 7 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | Specialist Elective 8 | SE |
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
COACHING
| Year 3 | |||
| SPE351 Psychology and Sport | SE | SPE331 Coaching accreditation | SE |
| SPE381 Physiological assessment of athletes | SE | SPE376 Sport injuries, prevention, rehabilitation and corrective exercises | SE |
| SPE382 Periodisation of training | SE | Specialist Elective 7* | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4* | SE | SPE405 Specialised Practicum | SE |
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
| Year 3 | |||
| SPE381 Physiological Assessment of Athletes | SE | SPE384 Research Data Collection and Interpretation | SE |
| SPE382 Periodisation of Training | SE | SPE376 Sport injuries, prevention, rehabilitation and corrective exercises | SE |
| SPE383 Research Methodology | SE | Specialist Elective 7* | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4* | SE | SPE405 Specialised Practicum | SE |
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
PUBLIC HEALTH
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC121 Australia's Policy and Health Care System | SE | HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management or HSC211 Mental Health Wellbeing | SE |
| HSC122 Foundations of Public Health | SE | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | SE |
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | SE | Specialist Elective 7* | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4* | SE | SPE405 Specialised Practicum | SE |
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
| Year 3 | |||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaced PSY140) | SE | PSY151 Introduction to Psychology B (replaced PSY141) | SE |
| PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour (replaced PSY208) | SE | AOD311 Counselling/Interventions in Alcohol and Other Drugs Field (replaced AOD301 ) | SE |
| SPE351 Psychology and Sport | SE | Specialist Elective 7* | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4* | SE | SPE405 Specialised Practicum | SE |
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
REHABILITATION
| Year 3 | |||
| SPE371 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation | SE | SPE373 Neuromuscular Rehabilitation | SE |
| SPE372 Cardiometabolic Rehabilitation | SE | SPE376 Sport injuries, prevention, rehabilitation, and corrective exercises | SE |
| Specialist Elective 3* | SE | SPE374 Clinical Practicum (20cp) | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4* | SE | ||
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
| Year 3 | |||
| BUS303 Global Digital Enterprise | SE | Business Management Choice | SE |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | SE | Specialist Elective 6* | SE |
| MAN203 Comparative Management Systems | SE | Specialist Elective 7* | SE |
| Business Management Choice | SE | SPE405 Specialised Practicum | SE |
Students Commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 i.e. SBI261.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
For ALL Majors excl. Strength and Conditioning
Note: Students undertaking the Strength and Conditioning Major should refer to the relevant study plan further down.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (external only) | CO | ||
| SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery | CO | ||
| SPE212 Applied Coaching Principles across the Lifespan | CO | ||
| SPE261 Functional Anatomy | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies | CO |
| HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO | SPE205 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis (offered from 2022) | CO |
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (external only) | CO | SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology (offered from 2022) | CO |
| SPE120 Essentials in Health and Fitness | CO | SPE330 Physical Activity in Special Population | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| SPE210 Motor Control, Growth and Development | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| SPE309 Physiology of Sport and Exercise | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| SPE320 Nutrition and Health | CO | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| SPE313 General Practicum | CO | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 6 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 7 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 8 | SE | ||
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
COACHING
| Year 3 | |||
| SPE331 Coaching accreditation | SE | ||
| SPE376 Sport injuries, prevention, rehabilitation and corrective exercises | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3* | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4* | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| SPE351 Psychology and Sport | SE | ||
| SPE381 Physiological Assessment of Athletes | SE | ||
| SPE382 Periodisation of Training | SE | ||
| SPE405 Specialised Practicum | SE | ||
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
PUBLIC HEALTH
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC204 Chronic Conditions Management or HSC211 Mental Health Wellbeing | SE | ||
| HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3* | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4* | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| HSC121 Australia's Policy and Health Care System | SE | ||
| HSC122 Foundations of Public Health | SE | ||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | SE | ||
| SPE405 Specialised Practicum | SE | ||
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
| Year 3 | |||
| PSY151 Introduction to Psychology B (replaced PSY141) | SE | ||
| AOD311 Counselling/Interventions in Alcohol and Other Drugs Field (replaced AOD301 ) | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3* | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4* | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaced PSY140) | SE | ||
| PSY228 Neuroscience and Biological Bases of Behaviour (replaced PSY208) | SE | ||
| SPE351 Psychology and Sport | SE | ||
| SPE405 Specialised Practicum | SE | ||
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
REHABILITATION
| Year 3 | |||
| SPE373 Neuromuscular Rehabilitation | SE | ||
| SPE376 Sport injuries, prevention, rehabilitation and corrective exercises | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3* | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4* | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| SPE371 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation | SE | ||
| SPE372 Cardiometabolic Rehabilitation | SE | ||
| SPE374 Clinical Practicum (20cp) | SE | ||
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
| Year 3 | |||
| Business Management Choice | SE | ||
| Business Management Choice | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3* | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4* | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| BUS303 Global Digital Enterprise | SE | ||
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | SE | ||
| MAN203 Comparative Management Systems | SE | ||
| SPE405 Specialised Practicum | SE | ||
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Major:
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (external only) | CO | ||
| SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery | CO | ||
| SPE212 Applied Coaching Principles across the Lifespan | CO | ||
| SPE261 Functional Anatomy | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies | CO |
| HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO | SPE205 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis (offered from 2022) | CO |
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (external only) | CO | SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology (offered from 2022) | CO |
| SPE120 Essentials in Health and Fitness | CO | SPE330 Physical Activity in Special Population | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| SPE210 Motor Control, Growth and Development | CO | SPE384 Research Data Collection and Interpretation | CO |
| SPE309 Physiology of Sport and Exercise | CO | SPE376 Sports Injuries, Prevention, Rehabilitation and Corrective Exercises | CO |
| SPE383 Research Methodology | SE | Specialist Elective 3* | SE |
| SPE313 General Practicum | CO | Specialist Elective 4* | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| SPE320 Nutrition and Health | CO | ||
| SPE381 Physiological Assessment of Athletes | CO | ||
| SPE382 Periodisation of Training | CO | ||
| SPE405 Specialised Practicum | CO | ||
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Students Commencing in Summer Semester
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in Summer Semester and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 i.e. SBI261.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | ||||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | ||||
| HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction | CO | ||||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | SE | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| SPE210 Motor Control, Growth and Development | CO | SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery | CO | ||
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | SPE212 Applied Coaching Principles across the Lifespan | CO | ||
| SPE120 Essentials in Health and Fitness | CO | SPE261 Functional Anatomy | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | SPE205 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| SPE313 General Practicum | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies | CO | ||
| SPE309 Physiology of Sport and Exercise | CO | SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | CO | ||
| SPE320 Nutrition and Health | CO | SPE330 Physical Activity in Special Population | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | ||||
| Specialist Elective 6 | SE | ||||
| Specialist Elective 7 | SE | ||||
| Specialist Elective 7 | SE | ||||
*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in the Foundation English units A and B are eligible to apply.
Essential requirements
Criminal History Check
If you are undertaking a course with clinical or fieldwork placements you must demonstrate compliance with the requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained prior to the start of your placements. A national and/or international police check and a current Working with Children check is required regarding suitability to undertake clinical/fieldwork placements.
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2023
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 51.10 | 60.85 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 65.60 | 72.40 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 90.75 | 95.25 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
It is a privilege really; to be able to ride my bike for a living, and to still be able to study a degree online at the same time. To have the flexibility of picking up my laptop and studying my sport science degree wherever and whenever was always going to be essential for me.
Jacob Schmid
CDU student
CDU is the best place to study. The environment is good, students and lecturers are very friendly and caring. They want everyone to achieve their goal.
Merita
CDU student
It is a privilege really; to be able to ride my bike for a living, and to still be able to study a degree online at the same time. To have the flexibility of picking up my laptop and studying my sport science degree wherever and whenever was always going to be essential for me.
Jacob Schmid
CDU student
CDU is the best place to study. The environment is good, students and lecturers are very friendly and caring. They want everyone to achieve their goal.
Merita
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2023.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2023) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 32 | .0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 20 | .0 |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 6 | .0 |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 8 | .0 |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | 66 | .0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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