Undergraduate
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
2020
External: this course is available online through distance education with some on-campus attendance requirements.
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science will equip you with the knowledge and skills to work as a health professional
Your studies will enable you to work with people who are healthy (including athletes) or physically challenged (including the aged and injured), to improve their health and fitness, enhance their physical performance and prevent and rehabilitate injuries.
You will combine your academic studies with practical experience with opportunities to get out of the classroom and into the field in professional placements.
You will be able to choose three specialist elective units from Flinders University if you are considering further postgraduate qualifications in physiotherapy.
Career opportunities
As an Exercise and Sport Science graduate, you may have diverse employment opportunities in health and fitness, and sports industry.
Professional recognition
You can apply as individual members to the following associations: Australian Council for Health Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER), Sports Medicine Australia (SMA), The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences and European College of Sports Science (ECSS).
Credit transfers & 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:
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
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
International applications
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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, 2019.
Applicant background (Semester one intake 2019) No. of Students % of all Students A. Higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)9 22.5 B. Vocational education and training (VET) study 6 15.0 C. Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)<5 N/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)
21 52.5 - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
<5 N/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)
<5 N/P International students N/A N/A All students N/A N/A 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. -
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Course structure
The standard course consists of 2 common, 16 core and 6 elective units. A feature of the course is an industry placement unit in which students have the opportunity to put their skills into practice and learn new skills in a workplace setting. For those interested in the physiotherapy units this will consist of 2 common, 16 core, 3 physiotherapy elective units and 3 general elective units. The 3 physiotherapy units are provided by Flinders University in external mode which students take through cross-institutional enrolment.
This course is available externally by distance learning, however it will require on-campus (Casuarina, Darwin) attendance for residential practical classes for 3 core third year units during mid-semester breaks.
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) is available to eligible candidates with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
Unit type |
Credit Points |
Specific requirements |
Common (2 units) |
20 |
Common units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below:
CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability (compulsory) Select Common Units to find out more about individual units and advanced standing options. |
Core (16 units) |
160 |
Compulsory Core units totalling 160 credit points from units detailed below:
PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A |
Electives (6 units) |
60 |
Units totalling 60 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. When selecting electives choose units at a suitable level. The first number in each unit code indicates the year level at which the subject is taught. Undergraduate units are coded at 100 to 400 level, therefore units coded as SBI1xx, SBI2xx and SBI3xx would be first, second and third year units respectively. Note that students can only take an additional 50cp of electives at the 100 level as they have already acquired 50cp in the core units. Recommended units for students interested in the Flinders University Master of Physiotherapy course. Students interested in Master of Physiotherapy courses can take three approved cross-institutional units. The following units are recommended from Flinders University as examples of cross-institutional units. 1st year unit PHYT1001 Introduction to Physiotherapy |
240 |
Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
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.
Of the total 240 credit points: (unless specified in the specific course structure above)
* not more than 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
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Students who commenced prior to 2013
Of the total 240 credit points:
* not more than 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units
* a minimum of 40 credit points must be taken from 300 level units
* not more than 30 credit points shall be included with a grade of "PT" or "PC" or "PS"
Course Changes - 2016
Following is a summary of unit code changes. ALL students should enrol in the latest unit code from 2016.
Pre-2016 Unit Code and Title | 2016 Unit Code and Title |
CUC100 Academic Literacies | CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability |
SPE305 Exercise and Sport Science Practicum | SPE405 Exercise and Sport Science Practicum |
2015 Course Changes and Transitional Arrangements
SPE310 Advanced Study in Exercise and Sport Science (repeatable) has been replaced by two separate units SPE311 Advanced Study in Exercise and Sport Science 1 and SPE312 Advanced Study in Exercise and Sport Science 2.
Students who have completed
- one unit of SPE310 will receive 10cp at 300 level towards core and must complete either SPE311 or SPE312
- two units of SPE310 will receive 20cp at 300 level towards core and do not need to complete SPE311 or SPE312
Course Changes for 2012
A pathway to Flinders University's Master of Physiotherapy will be available to students who complete the three specified Flinders University units as cross institutional enrolments.
Course Changes for 2011
Course Information
Current Students who commenced the BESS prior to 2011 can undertake studies for new units SPE320 - Nutrition and Health and SPE330 - Exercise and Health as two of the current 8 electives offered and the SPE305 – Exercise and Sport Science Practicum will be extended by 20 hours to 140 hours to meet ESSA registration requirements.
Students who have commenced the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science prior to 2011 should note that;
- All core level 100 and 200 units and the two Specialist Elective units will be fully externalised between 2011 and 2012 and
- Two additional units will be introduced in 2011:
- SPE320 Nutrition and Health
- SPE330 Exercise and Health
Students who study part-time and/or plan to complete this course in or after 2014 will be able to complete these units in lieu of Elective units. SPE305 – Exercise and Sport Science Practicum will be extended by 20 hours to 140 hours to meet ESSA registration requirements.
Transfer from the Bachelor of Clinical Science
Students who have completed SCL200 Communication for Better Patient Care in the Northern Territory and transfer from the Bachelor of Clinical Science will receive Advanced Standing for CUC100.
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: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | E = Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU |
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | Elective 2 | E |
Elective 1 | E | Elective 3 | E |
Year 2 | |||
SPE205 Biomechanics 1 | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis | CO |
SPE206 Exercise and Sport Psychology 1 | CO | SPE209 Exercise Physiology 1 | CO |
SPE210 Motor Control and Development | CO | SBI261 Functional Anatomy | CO |
Elective 4 | E | Elective 5 | E |
Year 3 | |||
SPE309 Exercise Physiology 2 - if taking this unit in external mode an on campus one week intensive will occur for practical components) | CO | ENG429 Biomedical Engineering | CO |
SPE311 Advanced Studies in Exercise and Sport Science 1 - (if taking this unit in external mode an on campus one week intensive will occur for practical components) | CO | SPE312 Advanced Studies in Exercise and Sport Science 2 - (if taking this unit in external mode an on campus one week intensive will occur for practical components) | CO |
SPE320 Nutrition and Health | CO | SPE330 Exercise and Health (SE) | CO |
Elective 6 | E | SPE405 Exercise & Sport Science Practicum - 140 hours | CO and P |
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: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | E = Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Calendar Year 1 | |||
CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | ||
SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
Elective 1 | E | ||
Elective 2 | E | ||
Year 2 | |||
CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | SBI209 Design and Analysis | CO |
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SPE209 Exercise Physiology 1 | CO |
PSY140 Introduction to Psychology A | CO | SBI261 Functional Anatomy | CO |
Elective 3 | E | Elective 4 | E |
Year 3 | |||
SPE205 Biomechanics 1 | CO | ENG429 Biomedical Engineering | CO |
SPE206 Exercise and Sport Psychology 1 | CO | SPE312 Advanced Studies in Exercise and Sport Science 2 - if taking this unit in external mode an on campus one week intensive will occur for practical components) | CO |
SPE210 Motor Control and Development | CO | SPE330 Exercise and Health | CO |
Elective 5 | E | Elective 6 | E |
Year 4 | |||
SPE309 Exercise Physiology 2 - if taking this unit in external mode an on campus one week intensive will occur for practical components) | CO* | ||
SPE405 Exercise and Sport Science Practicum (140 hours) |
CO and P | ||
SPE311 Advanced Studies in Exercise and Sport Science 1 - if taking this unit in external mode an on campus one week intensive will occur for practical components) | CO | ||
SPE320 Nutrition and Health | CO |
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: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
* unit will only be available external/online for Summer Semester
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
Year 1 | |||||
CUC107 * Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | ||||
SBI172 * Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||||
PSY140 * Introduction to Psychology A | CO | ||||
Elective 1 | E | ||||
Year 2 | |||||
CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | SBI209 Design and Analysis | CO | ||
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SPE209 Exercise Physiology 1 | CO | ||
Elective 2 | E | SBI261 Functional Anatomy | CO | ||
Elective 3 | E | Elective 4 | E | ||
Year 3 | |||||
SPE205 Biomechanics 1 | CO | ENG429 Biomedical Engineering | CO | ||
SPE206 Exercise and Sport Psychology 1 | CO (P) | SPE312 Advanced Studies in Exercise and Sport Science 2 - if taking this unit in external mode an on campus one week intensive will occur for practical components). | CO | ||
SPE210 Motor Control and Development | CO | SPE330 Exercise and Health | CO | ||
Elective 5 | E | Elective 6 | E | ||
Year 4 | |||||
SPE309 Exercise Physiology 2 - if taking this unit in external mode an on campus one week intensive will occur for practical components) | CO | ||||
SPE405 Exercise and Sport Science Practicum (140 hours) |
CO | ||||
SPE311 Advanced Studies in Exercise and Sport Science 1 - if taking this unit in external mode an on campus one week intensive will occur for practical components). | CO | ||||
SPE320 Nutrition and Health | CO |
Course fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual course tuition fee for full time study of 80 credit points for commencing students in 2020 is AUD $30,240.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, 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.