Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (53J)

Overview  2025

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 years, up to a maximum of 7 years.

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Launceston
Semester 1

Commonwealth Supported places available

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 years, up to a maximum of 7 years.

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Entry requirements

Location

Launceston
Semester 1

"In our course we get to learn a lot of theory, so getting to put that theory into practice with elite athletes is a pretty special experience."

Torben Partridge-Madson, Exercise Science Student
Exercise Scientists can be found all across the community, working in a range of industries to improve health, wellbeing, fitness, and performance. Key areas of practice include occupational and corporate health, primary prevention, education, sport and recreation, fitness and exercise training, and physical activity within a number of health settings.

When studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, you'll apply an evidence-based approach to promote health, wellbeing, fitness and performance. From those with clinical conditions, to elite athletes, you'll develop the knowledge and skills required to provide high quality health care to the local community and beyond.

With 140 hours of practical experience opportunities, you'll benefit from a range of industry connections and networks. From health and community groups and the healthcare sector, to peak Tasmanian sporting bodies such as Cricket Tasmania, AFL Tasmania, and the Tasmanian Institute of Sport.

Graduate confident and job ready with full accreditation from Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) or step into postgraduate study in allied health fields such as exercise physiology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. With strong job opportunities across a range of sectors, a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science will launch you into a rewarding and thriving health career.

Our course aims to help you develop the skills and knowledge to promote health, well-being, fitness, and performance in diverse communities through evidence-based practice, with practical experience and industry connections, preparing for careers or further study in health and sports science.

  • 1 Develop interventions that are based on critical evaluation of scientific evidence and incorporate physical activity, exercise, education or a combination of these to educate, promote and implement the adoption of physical activity and/or exercise for a healthy life and improve fitness, health and wellbeing at an individual, community or population level.
  • 2 Gather, synthesise, and critically analyse aspects of health, exercise and sport science, and explain why these current aspects are contestable and open to research and further enquiry. And, create, plan and conduct high quality evidence-based exercise and sport science research supported by well-developed reasoning.
  • 3 Convey complex ideas to a range of audiences using a broad range of communication media, including communicating as a professional with clients and colleagues in real-life exercise and sport science situations.
  • 4 Operate responsibly, ethically and effectively both independently and as a team member in real-life exercise and sport science situations.
  • Professional Experience Placement

    During your degree you'll undertake 140 hours of professional experience placement. With access to industry, community and organisations, you will be able to align placements to the sport, group, level, or career of your choice.

    During your placement you will gain practical knowledge and skills to provide assessment, monitoring, and program prescription for fitness and exercise to a diverse range of populations, from healthy adults to elite athletes.

    Many students also use these connections to seek out extracurricular opportunities, including with Tasmania's peak sporting bodies, local community groups and sports teams of all levels, and within the healthcare sector.

    Safety in practice compliance

    This course includes compulsory Professional Experience Placements. You must meet the College of Health and Medicine's Safety in Practice Requirements before census date of the first semester of your course. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.

    This course provides students with a valuable opportunity to apply their academic learning in real-world settings through compulsory work-based components. These placements are designed to enhance professional skills, build confidence, and provide practical experience within health-related environments. All work-integrated learning experiences are delivered in accordance with the University of Tasmania’s Work Integrated Learning Policy and the College of Health and Medicine’s Professional Experience Placement procedural guidelines, ensuring a high-quality and supportive learning environment.

    As part of the course requirements, students must complete a minimum of 140 hours of practicum. This hands-on experience is essential for meeting professional recognition and accreditation standards. It enables students to develop industry-relevant capabilities, establish professional networks, and gain meaningful insight into their future careers.

    By integrating theory with practice, this course ensures graduates are not only academically prepared, but also professionally equipped to succeed in dynamic healthcare settings.

    Career outcomes

    "Don’t rule out anything or think you can’t do it – look at me, I’m 27 and I took the leap to come back to uni and all these opportunities have come my way."

    Corey Somerville, Exercise Science student

    You’ll graduate ready to undertake an exciting career in the health sector as an Accredited Exercise Scientist with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

    Your career could see you providing training and development programs as a strength and conditioning coach or sports scientist, delivering exercise based interventions to individuals and communities, working alongside professional athletes, or supporting health and wellbeing through workplace and
    corporate health.

    Career outcomes and settings for graduates may include:

    • Exercise Scientist
    • Allied Health Assistant
    • Strength and Conditioning Coach
    • Respiratory, Cardiac or Sleep Technician
    • Sport Scientist
    • Health advocacy
    • Sports Development Officer
    • Personal Trainer
    • National, state, and club-based sporting organisations and institutes
    • Private health practices and non-for-profit groups
    • Community health programs
    • Fitness centres or gymnasiums
    • Universities and research institutes
    Postgraduate study

    Graduates may also be able to pursue research in exercise science, or apply for postgraduate study in allied health areas like physiotherapy, or occupational therapy. Those interested in pursuing a career in teaching may continue their studies with a Master of Teaching.

    Further studies in Allied Health

    The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science is a professionally accredited degree. This course is accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). 

    Graduates may meet the requirements for registration with ESSA as an Accredited Exercise Scientist. There may be additional requirements for registration beyond the completion of the course. For further registration requirements, please visit the Exercise and Sports Science Australia website. 

    If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information. 
     

    Course structure

    This unit introduces the determinants of health and wellbeing including lifestyle, social and cultural factors. Students are introduced to the types of measures that are used in reporting health information and the ways in which this information is presented and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit is designed to introduce you to foundation knowledge relevant to the structure and function of the human body. Concepts in biological chemistry, cell metabolism, microscopy, cell biology and molecular and descriptive genetics will be covered in the unit,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit is designed to introduce you to human cells and tissues and the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, defence, musculoskeletal and neuroendocrine systems in the human body. The unit will include: (a) the basic facts and concepts relating…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartHealth Study Period 1
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    OnlineHealth Study Period 1
    SydneyHealth Study Period 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Select 1 elective unit from any College or discipline

    In this unit you will be introduced to foods and their effect on human health. You will gain an understanding of the role of the nutrients in the body, their effects on health and the recommendations of the Australian Dietary…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Biochemistry is an important biological science, often referred to as the chemistry of life, because biochemical processes are essential in order for all living organisms (e.g. humans, fish and plants) to exist. It is biochemistry that allows the mechanisms behind…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit is designed to introduce you to the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive systems of the human body. The regulation of body temperature will also be studied in the unit. The unit will…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartHealth Study Period 2
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    OnlineHealth Study Period 2
    SydneyHealth Study Period 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This introductory unit prepares educators from a variety of disciplines to meet the maturational needs of diverse learners by providing a foundational base of knowledge regarding physical and cognitive development from conception through adulthood, with an emphasis on early childhood…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2
    OnlineSummer school

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit introduces students to the importance of physical activity for good health across the lifespan. Students will learn about the far-reaching effect of various types of physical activity on personal health, and the connection between inactivity and diseases and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will introduce you to the pathological processes that underlie various human diseases. It will enable you to recognise common pathological conditions and provides an opportunity to study specific disease processes and their outcomes.…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides an introduction to analysis of human movement. The focus is on functional musculoskeletal anatomy and the physical laws that control motion. The unit focuses both on the application of kinesiology to physical activities of daily living and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit examines the physiological responses to exercise, the physiological adaptations to exercise training and the regulation of exercise performance. Topics covered in this unit include respiratory, cardiac and muscle physiology, the role of the central nervous system in exercise,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Biomechanics is the study of internal and external forces acting on the human body and the movements produced by these forces. This unit examines basic principles of mechanics applicable to the study of human movement and selected biomechanical techniques available…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides an overview of the origins and principles of health promotion. Students will develop an understanding of the strategies, methods and theories used in health promotion, to meet the needs of diverse population groups in different social contexts.…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Upon successful completion of health, exercise and sports prescription the graduate can design, and modify as necessary, safe, appropriate and effective exercise programs, based on best practice, for the apparently healthy population, in a variety of environments that are aligned…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit teaches students how to competently and safely plan, conduct and adapt, where necessary, health and exercise assessments based on best practice criteria. Students will also learn how to interpret the results of assessments and communicate findings to the…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit extends knowledge related to musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, and neuroscience. Students apply bioscientific understandings, neuroanatomy and motor development to pathological and clinical conditions to examine the use of pain science and movement analysis in exercise science. Students will…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in areas relevant to research in exercise and sports or nutrition sciences. Students will have the opportunity to select a topic of interest from a pre-defined list within their general…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit is designed to meet ESSA accreditation criteria in Exercise Physiology in the cardiovascular and pulmonary domains. Students apply foundational knowledge of cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, comorbidities and treatments, safety, risk and capacity monitoring considerations, to design and translate…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The application of psychological principles within physical activity settings has increased dramatically in recent years. Athletes, coaches, teachers, and allied health professions have come to recognise that adherence to psychology principles in the development of their educational programmes results in…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will learn how to provide evidenced-based nutritional advice in relation to exercise, fitness and sporting endeavours. You will learn how and why nutrients and nutritional ergogenics are utilised, including what type, how much, and when they…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This practicum unit brings together core fundamental exercise and sports science knowledge and skills and requires students to apply them to work in supervised practice. The unit aims to provide learning experiences that prepare students for practice. The focus is…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit is designed to meet ESSA accreditation criteria in the musculoskeletal domain for health and exercise assessment in exercise science and within the Scope of Practice of an Exercise Scientist. You will apply foundational knowledge of musculoskeletal conditions /…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    A cornerstone to the profession of human movement is an understanding of how people move. The ability to understand and explain how people learn motor skills is at the core of successful physical activity program design. An understanding of the…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Entry requirements

    We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

    Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.

    Schools Recommendation Program

    Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program (SRP). Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations.

    Through the SRP, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies. In addition, this course requires you to pass specific pre-requisite subjects in Year 12 (or equivalent), see below for details.

    If you don’t receive an offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released.

    Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education (completed in the past two years)

    The minimum ATAR for this course is 65.

    Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2024, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 67.55  The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

    Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

    To be eligible for an offer, you must also meet the subject prerequisites listed below.

    Domestic applicants with higher education study

    To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

    • Partially completed an undergraduate course at undergraduate level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 University of Tasmania credit points). If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made.
    • Applicants must also meet the subject prerequisites listed below.

    Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

    To be eligible for an offer, you must have completed a Certificate IV in one of the following:

    • Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Nutrition and Dietetics Specialisation),
    • Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology,
    • Certificate IV in Fitness,
    • Certificate IV in Leisure and Health,
    • Certificate IV in Ageing Support,
    • Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques,
    • Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice,
    • Certificate IV in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support,
    • Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy

    OR

    Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nursing).

    All applicants must meet the subject prerequisites listed below.

      Domestic applicants with work and life experience

    This course does not admit students on the basis of work or life experience. Please enquire online for advice on pathways or alternative course options.

    Subject Prerequisites

    These prerequisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

    To be an eligible for an offer, you must have completed studies or have experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in one of the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:

    • BIO315116 Biology,
    • CHM415115 Chemistry,
    • MTG315120 General Mathematics,
    • PHY415115 Physics,
    • PSC315118 Physical Sciences,
    • SPT315118 Sport Science 

    You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you need assistance to meet the prerequisite, we offer foundation units that you can complete before you start your course.

    SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

    We believe university education should be an option for everyone, no matter your background. If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition, or disability.

    We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

    Safety In Practice Requirements

    This course includes compulsory work placements. All students must meet the course Safety in Practice Requirements before their first placement. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.

    All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.

    English Language Requirements

    This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 7.0, with no individual band less than 7.0, or a PTE Academic score of 65, with no score lower than 65 or equivalent.

    For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided.

    See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

    General Entry Requirements

    Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a year 12 education in Australia.

    Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

    Applicants are ranked by their academic scores and offers made based on the number of places available.

    You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course by completing one of the following Certificate IV qualifications or prior studies:

    • Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Nutrition and Dietetics Specialisation),
    • Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology,
    • Certificate IV in Fitness,
    • Certificate IV in Leisure and Health,
    • Certificate IV in Ageing Support,
    • Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques,
    • Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice,
    • Certificate IV in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support,
    • Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy
    • Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nursing)
    • Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher

    If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

    Course Specific Requirements

    Subject Prerequisites:

    These prerequisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

    To be an eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in one of the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:

    • BIO315116 Biology,
    • CHM415115 Chemistry,
    • MTG315120 General Mathematics,
    • PHY415115 Physics,
    • PSC315118 Physical Sciences,
    • SPT315118 Sport Science 

    You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you need assistance to meet the prerequisite, we offer foundation units that you can complete before you start your course.

    Safety In Practice Requirements

    This course includes compulsory work placements. All students must meet the  Safety in Practice Requirements before before their first placement. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.

    Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Talk to us on 13 8827 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

    This course articulates from the 21A Diploma of University Studies (Health Science).

    This course articulates to 54C (Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science with Clinical Honours in Exercise Physiology), and M4H (Bachelor of Health Science with Honours).

     If you aren’t eligible for an offer to this course yet, don’t worry! Our pathway programs are designed give you access to undergraduate courses by equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
    Visit the Pathways to University page to find out more.

    If you meet the minimum ATAR but haven't completed the required prerequisite unit(s), we offer Foundation Units to help you bridge the gap. These are offered at no cost to you (HECS-waived) and many run in spring and summer school so you can meet a prerequisite and not delay the start of your Bachelor level studies.

    If you do not meet the ATAR, or you are a mature age student and do not meet the General Entry Requirements, you should consider enrolment in the 21A Diploma of University Studies (Health Science).

    Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic undergraduate students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

    You can find the student contribution for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section.

    You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

    Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students including the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    International students

    2025 Total Course Fee (international students): $114,278 AUD*.

    Course cost based on a rate of $36,250 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

    * Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

    International students

    International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

    Scholarships

    For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

    How can we help?

    Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

    Next steps