Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
Course information for - 2024 entry
Offered at 2 locations
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- VTAC code
- 1200210361
- ATAR
- 63.00 for Melbourne
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025Applications open August 2024Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available
Overview
Exercise and sports scientists improve the health, performance and participation of individuals, teams and athletes through exercise programming and delivery, athlete training, and health advice. Psychological science explores how the mind works, and why people behave the way they do. Combined, you will be well prepared to help clients reach peak performance.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science /Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science will complete a sequence in psychology that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). This sequence will ensure graduates acquire an advanced understanding of human behaviour, as well as highly regarded employability skills. This degree is also accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) at the exercise science level.
Professional experience
As part of the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, students are required to complete 140 hours of appropriate professional experience (practicum) with accurate record-keeping, as part of course accreditation requirements. Students will also complete 50 -100 hours of volunteer community engagement work when they undertake the unit PSYC310 Psychological Services Experience during the third year of their course.
Work placement
You’ll have the opportunity to get real-world experience din this degree. As part of the exercise and sport science part of the degree you’ll spend time in organisations integrating the theory you’ve learnt with practical skills, giving you a chance to reflect on possible career paths and meet the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) requirements for exercise science accreditation. We’re connected to a huge range of sporting organisations including the Australian Institute of Sport; AFL, NRL and A-League clubs; Tennis Australia; and America’s NBA. With us you’ll get outstanding opportunities for industry placement and future employment in Australia and around the world.
You will also take part in volunteering work that has a psychological focus. This may be with organisations such as the Department of Health and Human Services, community groups or schools.
Visit the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) webpage to view opportunities in exercise and sport science.
Professional recognition
This degree is accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) at the exercise science level. ESSA requires all individuals seeking initial accreditation to meet ESSA's English Language requirements .
This course is also accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) (APAC Level 1)
Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia. When completing this double degree a minimum of seven-years is required to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- counselling
- child welfare and development
- community work
- education
- health
- human resources
- marketing and market research
- government and non-government health, sport and recreation departments
- high performance sport organisations
- sports institutes and academies
- corporate fitness
- health and fitness consultation
- coaching
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, a student must complete 340 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent.
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
New South Wales | Prerequisites: English (Standard) (Band 2) or EAL (Band 3) Recommended Studies: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE); Mathematics plus one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics. |
Victoria | Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL. |
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.
If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
- If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
- If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
- You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
- If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
English language requirements
Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students
If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) , or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
High-achieving graduates from this program may be eligible to apply for fourth year studies in psychology (honours degree in psychological science or Graduate Diploma in Psychology).
Graduates are also eligible for admission to:
- postgraduate studies in clinical exercise physiology courses, if seeking exercise physiology accreditation
- postgraduate studies in high performance sport
- one-year honours courses, for meritorious students preparing for higher degree research
- higher degree studies in education, if seeking teacher registration (dependent on elective choices and campus/state of study)
- further study in other allied health professions
- further study in nutrition/dietetics (dependent on elective choices)
Fees
Course costs
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.