Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
This course will equip aspiring professionals with the knowledge and skills to design and implement effective exercise programs to improve athletic performance or promote health and well-being. Develop a broad understanding of all aspects of exercise and sports science as you delve into the complexities of human movement and health. Within this degree you will be exposed to dynamic and evolving curriculum, including practical laboratory experience and real-world application - making it an ideal choice for those passionate in making a difference to people's lives. Graduates from this exercise science degree will be prepared to pursue careers in exercise science, policy, community health and hospitals.
This course is delivered with internal and online offerings with regular compulsory intensives held on Casuarina Campus. Through the intensives you will network with colleagues and external professionals to enhance your practical skills and learning experience, while also developing your professional networks. The flexibility to join live classes online means that you can study throughout Australia.
This degree includes a minimum of 160 hours of work integrated learning so that you can put your learnings into practice. These opportunities allow you to explore areas of interest and refine your skills and passion so that you can graduate at the top of your potential!
Career opportunities
Completing this course may lead to career opportunities within the field of exercise and sports science including:
- Exercise scientist
- Health promotion
- Sports policy
- Sports development
- Training specialist
Practical experience
This course includes the completion of a minimum of 160 hours of supervised practicum experience.
Professional recognition
Upon graduation, you can apply for accreditation with Exercise Sports Science Australia (ESSA) as an Exercise Scientist through the Non-Accredited pathway.
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 2025 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 23 core units which are structured to ensure students have scaffolding learning throughout their degree. WIL is integrated into the final year so that students have appropriate theoretical and practical skills before engaging with clients in the real world.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (23 units) | 240 cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 240 credit points as per list of units detailed below. HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A SPE101 Professional Practice in Exercise Science SPE102 Exercise Prescription and Delivery HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics MLS245 Medical Biochemistry NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice SPE200 Lifespan Growth and Development SPE202 Physiology of Exercise 1 SPE203 Functional Anatomy SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology SPE207 Biomechanics SPE210 Motor Control and Skill Acquisition NUT301 Nutrition and Health SPE314 Physiology of Exercise 2 SPE315 Exercise Science Practicum (80 hours) SPE316 Research in Exercise Science (20cp) SPE317 Clinical Practice as an Exercise Scientist (80 hours) SPE330 Physical Activity in Specific Population |
| 240 cp | 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.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study 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:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health | CO |
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO |
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| SPE101 Professional Practice in Exercise Science | CO | SPE102 Exercise Prescription and Delivery | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SPE207 Biomechanics | CO |
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | SPE202 Physiology of Exercise 1 | CO |
| SPE200 Lifespan Growth and Development | CO | SPE203 Functional Anatomy | CO |
| SPE210 Motor Control and Skill Acquisition | CO | SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO | SPE330 Physical activity in Specific Population | CO |
| NUT301 Nutrition and Health | CO | SPE316 Research in Exercise Science (20cp) | CO |
| SPE314 Physiology of Exercise 2 | CO | SPE317 Clinical Practice as an Exercise Scientist | CO |
| SPE315 Exercise Science Practicum | CO | ||
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health | CO |
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| SPE101 Professional Practice in Exercise Science | CO | SPE102 Exercise Prescription and Delivery | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | SPE207 Biomechanics | CO |
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | SPE202 Physiology of Exercise 1 | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| SPE200 Lifespan Growth and Development | CO | SPE203 Functional Anatomy | CO |
| SPE210 Motor Control and Skill Acquisition | CO | SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | CO |
| Year 5 | |||
| NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO | SPE330 Physical activity in Specific Population | CO |
| NUT301 Nutrition and Health | CO | SPE316 Research in Exercise Science (20cp) | CO |
| Year 6 | |||
| SPE314 Physiology of Exercise 2 | CO | SPE317 Clinical Practice as an Exercise Scientist | CO |
| SPE315 Exercise Science Practicum | CO | ||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study 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:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CO | SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | |
| CO | HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | |
| CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO | |
| CO | SPE102 Exercise Prescription and Delivery | CO | |
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | SPE202 Physiology of Exercise 1 | CO |
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | SPE203 Functional Anatomy | CO |
| SPE101 Professional Practice in Exercise Science | CO | SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | CO |
| HSC133 Perspectives of Indigenous Health | CO | SPE207 Biomechanics | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | CO | SPE316 Research in Exercise Science (20cp) | CO |
| SPE200 Lifespan Growth and Development | CO | SPE317 Clinical Practice as an Exercise Scientist | CO |
| SPE210 Motor Control and Skill Acquisition | CO | SPE330 Physical activity in Specific Population | CO |
| NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | ||
| NUT301 Nutrition and Health | CO | ||
| SPE314 Physiology of Exercise 2 | CO | ||
| SPE315 Exercise Science Practicum | CO | ||
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CO | SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | |
| CO | HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | |
| Year 2 | |||
| HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | SPE102 Exercise Prescription and Delivery | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| SPE101 Professional Practice in Exercise Science | CO | SPE202 Physiology of Exercise 1 | CO |
| HSC133 Perspectives in Indigenous Health | CO | SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO |
| SPE200 Lifespan Growth and Development | CO | SPE207 Biomechanics | CO |
| Year 5 | |||
| SPE210 Motor Control and Skill Acquisition | CO | SPE203 Functional Anatomy | CO |
| SPE316 Research in Exercise Science (20cp) | CO | ||
| Year 6 | |||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | SPE317 Clinical Practice as an Exercise Scientist | CO |
| NUT301 Nutrition and Health | CO | SPE330 Physical activity in Specific Population | CO |
| Year 7 | |||
| SPE314 Physiology of Exercise 2 | CO | ||
| SPE315 Exercise Science Practicum | CO | ||
____________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a part-time study 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:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | ||||
| HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO | ||
| SCH104 Introductory Chemistry A | CO | HSC133 Perspectives in Indigenous Health | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| SPE101 Professional Practice in Exercise Science | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
| SPE200 Lifespan Growth and Development | CO | SPE102 Exercise Prescription and Delivery | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | SPE207 Biomechanics | CO | ||
| SPE210 Motor Control and Skill Acquisition | CO | SPE202 Physiology of Exercise 1 | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||||
| NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO | SPE203 Functional Anatomy | CO | ||
| NUT301 Nutrition and Health | CO | SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology | CO | ||
| Year 6 | |||||
| SPE314 Physiology of Exercise 2 | CO | SPE330 Physical activity in Specific Population | CO | ||
| SPE315 Exercise Science Practicum | CO | SPE317 Clinical Practice as an Exercise Scientist | CO | ||
| Year 7 | |||||
| SPE316 Research in Exercise Science (20cp) | CO | ||||
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
Working with Children Check
A Working with Children Check is required before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Working with Children Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake practice teaching placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
National Police Check
You must have cleared a Police Check before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Police Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
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
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Assumed knowledge
Stage 2 Chemistry, Biology, Mathematical Methods (or equivalent)
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
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
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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