Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
Course information for - 2025 entry
Offered at 2 locations
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 098381E
- IELTS
- 7.0 minimum overall score (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands)
- Fees (first year)*
- $26992
- Start dates
- February 2026, February 2027
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 | Assumed Knowledge: English (Standard) (Band 2) or EAL (Band 3), Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE); Mathematics OR 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 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
International applicants
If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.
Find the equivalent qualification for your country
You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy , including the English Language Proficiency requirements.
If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):
an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)
an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.
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 international applicants
If you don’t currently meet the direct entry requirements for admission to your chosen program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed.
Find out more about English language programs
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
- Unit fee: $3374
- Average first year fee: $26992
- Estimate total cost: $114716
The tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.
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
International applicants
Deferment
Yes. See Defer your offer.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.