Overview 2024
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You will develop an understanding of the basic concepts and sciences of the role physical activity plays in the health of individuals and communities. Your studies cover a wide range of human life sciences, including biology, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology and psychology as well as their practical application.
We offer 140 hours of professional placement to ensure that you gain the 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.
As a graduate you will be prepared to work as an exercise scientist, sport scientist, pursue research, or a professional/allied health career with further with postgraduate studies.
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to gain accreditation as Exercise Scientists with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and is undergoing accreditation by ESSA at Exercise Scientist level.
Course objectives
As a graduate you may find employment in the private and public sectors or you may also be able to pursue research in exercise science and apply for postgraduate study in areas such as sports science, clinical exercise physiology, physiotherapy, and medicine.
Learning Outcomes
Practical experience
Professional Experience Placement
Your studies include 140 hours of Professional Experience Placement, and our size and location is your advantage. We are the hub for exercise and sport science research and education in Tasmania.
Professional Experience Placements help you gain the knowledge and skills to provide assessment, monitoring and program prescription for fitness and exercise.
You will practise under professional supervision with experienced industry partners including gyms, sporting organisations, private practice clinics, hospitals, local health districts and aged care facilities. This gives you the hands-on practice that employers value and actively look for in graduates.
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.
Work placement
Many students use these connections to seek out extra-curricular opportunities, including with Tasmania's peak sporting bodies, local community groups and sports teams of all levels, and within the healthcare sector.
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."
You’ll graduate ready to undertake an exciting career in the health sector. Your career could see you working alongside professional athletes as a health coach or sport scientist, providing training and development programs, delivering health and wellbeing initiatives within the community, or supporting health and wellbeing through workplace and corporate health.
Career outcomes for graduates may include:
- State and national sporting academies and institutes
- Fitness centres or gymnasiums
- Hospitals or private health practices
- Allied health assistant
- Respiratory or sleep technician
- Medical Sales representative
- Health/education project officer
- Sports development officer
Postgraduate study
Graduates may also be able to pursue research in exercise science, or apply for postgraduate study in exercise physiology, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy.
Those interested in pursuing a career in teaching may continue their studies with a Master of Teaching.
Professional Accreditation
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
Year 1
Semester 1
Core Units
This unit introduces the determinants of health and wellbeing including lifestyle 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 utilised. Students will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CXA103 Health: Determinants and Analysis
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit is designed to introduce students 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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
Elective
Semester 2
This unit sets the foundation for the study of food and its components. It will describe the role and function of macro and micronutrients essential for human health, their digestion and absorption, and relevance for the health of populations and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Summer school | ||||
View all details for EDU104 Growth and Motor Development Across the Lifespan
Year 2
Semester 1
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit introduces students to the pathological processes underlying various human diseases. Students learn about common pathological conditions, their causes, including environmental factors and their consequences. A group project and presentation allows in-depth study of one disease process, its causes…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Semester 2
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CXA213 Health Promotion: Principles and Planning
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CXA233 Health, Exercise and Sport Prescription and Delivery
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CXA234 Health, Exercise and Sport Assessment
Year 3
Semester 1
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CXA307 Applied Anatomy and Neurosciences
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CXA328 Evidence-Based Research in Health Sciences
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CXA329 Exercise for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disorders
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for ESP368 The Psychology of Sport & Physical Activity
Semester 2
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CXA327 Professional Experience in Exercise and Sport Science
This unit is designed to meet the new ESSA accreditation criteria in exercise physiology in the Musculoskeletal domain.Students apply foundational knowledge of musculoskeletal conditions / co-morbidities / treatments, risk / capacity / monitoring considerations, injury prevention / rehabilitation principles in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CXA330 Exercise for Musculoskeletal Disorders
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
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.
Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education (completed in the past two years)Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2023, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 65.90. 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 VET / TAFE studyTo be eligible for an offer, you must have completed one of
- 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 higher education studyTo be eligible for an offer, you 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 UTAS 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 work and life experienceThis course does not admit students on the basis of work or life experience. You can enquire online for advice on pathways or alternative course options.
Subject PrerequisitesThese 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 have not met this prerequisite, you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONIf 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 for special consideration, 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 RequirementsThis 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.
For International students
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 RequirementsThis 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, 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 RequirementsAdmission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of 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 with the following 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 RequirementsThe following course specific requirements must be met to be eligible to study this degree.
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
If you have not met a required pre-requisite, you will need to complete a University of Tasmania Foundation Studies Program before you start your course.
Safety In Practice RequirementsThis 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.
Credit transfer
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.
Articulation
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).
Alternative entry pathways
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.
- Chemistry Foundation Unit (KRA001)
- Physics Foundation Unit (KYA004)
- Mathematics Foundation Unit (KMA003)
- Applied Mathematics Foundation Unit (KMA002)
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
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. 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 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 is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.
Student contributionStudent contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.
Further informationDetailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $107,009 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $34,450 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
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries