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CDU sport science student
Undergraduate

Associate Degree of Exercise and Sport Science

Key details

Duration

2 year/s full-time
4 year/s part-time
2 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

160

Course code

XESS01
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

The Associate Degree of Exercise and Sport Science will give you the essential skills and qualifications to thrive in the sporting industry.



This course has a strong emphasis on practical skills, including developing the knowledge to work with individuals of all ages, fitness levels, skills and experience. The course draws from the knowledge and expertise of professionals in health and exercise science as well as coaches and fitness professionals.



This flexible course allows you to study how you wish - on-campus or online with part-time and full-time study options available.



On completion of the course you may also continue with further studies to the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, gaining credit for units already completed.


Credit transfers and advanced standing

Pathways

Pathways for VET to Higher Education

Guaranteed 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. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:

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 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.

Emmanuel sitting in an exercise science class

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)
CDU student

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)
Emmanuel sitting in an exercise science class

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)
CDU student

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 14 core and 2 specialist elective units. The course can be completed part-time or full-time. All units in this course are offered online and/or face to face and lecture and laboratory sessions are recorded to be accessed in a time of your convenience. This feature offers flexibility and is an ideal study options for full-time employees or individuals who wish to study while working in the industry.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units 
(14 units)
140cpCompulsory Core units totalling 140 credit points as detailed below.  

HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion 
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 
SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 
SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE209) 
SPE120 Essentials in Health and Fitness 
HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological Introduction 
SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies 
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) 
SPE309 Physiology of Sport and Exercise 
SPE320 Nutrition and Health 
 
Specialist Electives 
(2 units)
20cpSpecialist elective units totalling 20 credit points may be selected from units detailed below. 

SPE130 Foundations of Sport Science and Coaching 
SWK102 Communication Skills 
SPE230 Applied Science in Sport and Exercise 
SPE381 Physiological Assessment of Athletes 
SPE382 Periodisation of Training 
 
 160cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (160cp)

  • A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 200 level, or higher.
  • See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.

If course commenced prior to 2023: 
No more than 10 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in an Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma AQF Level 6 course award.

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 load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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.

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective Unit

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
HSC132 Introduction to Health PromotionCOSBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2CO
HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological IntroductionCOSPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE209)CO
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1COSPE212 Applied Coaching Principles across the LifespanCO
SPE120 Essentials in Health and FitnessCOSPE261 Functional Anatomy (replaces SBI261)CO
Year 2
SPE210 Motor Control, Growth and DevelopmentCOSBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological StudiesCO
SPE309 Physiology of Sport and ExerciseCOSPE205 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis (offered from 2022)CO
SPE320 Nutrition and HealthCOSPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology (offered from 2022)CO
Specialist Elective 1*SESpecialist Elective 2*SE

*Specialist elective units SPE130 and SPE230 are only offered in Intensive Period 4 (INT-4).

 

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 load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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.

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective Unit

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (external only)CO
  SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE209)CO
  SPE212 Applied Coaching Principles across the LifespanCO
  SPE261 Functional Anatomy (replaces SBI261)CO
Year 2
HSC132 Introduction to Health PromotionCUSBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological StudiesCO
HSC220 Society, Culture and Health: A Sociological IntroductionCOSPE205 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis (offered from 2022)CO
SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 (external only)COSPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology (offered from 2022)CO
SPE120 Essentials in Health and FitnessCOSpecialist Elective 1*SE
Year 3
SPE210 Motor Control, Growth and DevelopmentCO  
SPE309 Physiology of Sport and ExerciseCO  
SPE320 Nutrition and HealthCO  
Specialist Elective 2*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.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in 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 ModuleA 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 ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of B2.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA 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 onlyATAR
(excluding adjustment factors)
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest rank to receive an offer<5<5
Median rank to receive an offer<5<5
Highest rank to receive an offer<5<5

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

Jacob Schmid racing on his indoor bike

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

Merita Menzies 2

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

Jacob Schmid racing on his indoor bike

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

Merita Menzies 2

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 6.

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)
<5N/P
B. Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/P
C. Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
<5N/P
D. Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR

(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)

<5N/P
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered

(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR)

<5N/P
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor

(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

<5N/P
International students<5N/P
All students<5N/P

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

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Associate Degree of Exercise and Sport Science
Faculty/College
Faculty of Health
Sector
HE
Area of study
Exercise and Sport Science, Health, Allied Health Sciences

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

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.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
115201
Online (CSP)
115201
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
089399C

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