Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
Undergraduate
CSU-ESS-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake
Get to the front of the pack in sport industries
Dive into human anatomy and physiology. Unpack nutrition and health. Train for roles in health and fitness and get ready to work as an exercise scientist, coach or trainer. This degree is accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
About this degree
Upon completion of this course, graduates will obtain:
KNOWLEDGE: Graduates of this course of study will have a broad and coherent base knowledge of disciplines related to the field of exercise and sport science. Graduates will have specific technical knowledge which includes knowledge related to:
- the factors which contribute to lifestyle balance
- the health status of Australians and the ways in which the concepts of ill health and wellness impact on the wider community
- the scientific bases of human movement and the factors which influence human performance
- the principles and processes involved in motor skill acquisition and movement composition
- the conceptual bases of recreation, sport and human movement in society
- the physical, social and emotional changes that occur throughout life
- the characteristics, needs and interests of individuals of different ages and abilities, in a variety of activity environments
- the strategies and training techniques for selected physical recreation activities
- the benefits, the risks and the safety factors associated with the performance of physical activities
- the sociocultural perspective of differences in recreation and sport opportunities (eg. by gender, race, social class, age, etc.)
- cultural competency related specifically to the Australian Indigenous population; - ethics in relation to sport and exercise.
SKILLS: By the completion of this course of study, students will have the ability to:
- design and implement health promotion, physical activity, physical fitness, recreation and sport programs in a variety of settings
- conduct such programs in a safe and risk reduced environment
- utilise evaluation skills in program design and implementation
- apply knowledge of the process of skill learning to a range of sport, recreation and movement activities; - use measurement techniques to determine health and fitness levels
- communicate and interact effectively with others; - espouse a professional philosophy based upon an informed body of theoretical and practical knowledge
- apply decision-making and organisational skills to a variety of lifestyle contexts
- utilise research methods and analysis techniques in gathering, classifying and interpreting information
- apply administrative and supervisory principles and procedures
- work in the field of exercise and sport science with an understanding of cultural issues related specifically to the Australian Indigenous population
- evaluate programs, practices and policies using ethical principles
- critically evaluate current trends in human movement.
ATTITUDES AND VALUES (all graduates): By the completion of this course of study, students will have the ability to:
- model a sense of responsibility for personal and community health
- appreciate the physical, psycho-social aspects of human growth and development
- recognise the contribution of physical activity and recreation to individual and community health and wellness
- develop a sense of their own worth and dignity as individuals
- appreciate the role of physical activity in the development and maintenance of positive personal and social relationships
- demonstrate personal and professional confidence.
SPORT MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGE:
- the factors which contribute to lifestyle balance
- the health status of Australians and the ways in which the concepts of ill health and wellness impact on the wider community
- the scientific bases of human movement and the factors which influence human performance
- the principles and processes involved in motor skill acquisition and movement composition
- the conceptual bases of recreation, sport and human movement in society
- the physical, social and emotional changes that occur throughout life
- the characteristics, needs and interests of individuals of different ages and abilities, in a variety of activity environments
- the strategies and training techniques for selected physical recreation activities
- the benefits, the risks and the safety factors associated with the performance of physical activities
- the sociocultural perspective of differences in recreation and sport opportunities (eg. by gender, race, social class, age, etc.)
- cultural competency related specifically to the Australian Indigenous population
- ethics in relation to sport and exercise
- basic management and marketing principles applied to recreation, health and clinical facilities, services and personnel
- recognise the contemporary trends occurring in recreation and sports programs both nationally and internationally
- understand the socio-political dimension of recreation, sport and fitness.
SPORT MANAGEMENT SKILLS:
- design and implement health promotion, physical activity, physical fitness, recreation and sport programs in a variety of settings
- conduct such programs in a safe and risk reduced environment
- utilise evaluation skills in program design and implementation
- critique sport policy
- management and organisational skills in sport
- use measurement techniques to determine health and fitness levels
- communicate and interact effectively with others
- espouse a professional philosophy based upon an informed body of theoretical and practical knowledge
- apply decision-making and organisational skills to a variety of lifestyle contexts
- utilise research methods and analysis techniques in gathering, classifying and interpreting information
- apply administrative and supervisory principles and procedures
- work in the field of exercise and sport science with an understanding of cultural issues related specifically to the Australian Indigenous population
- evaluate programs, practices and policies using ethical principles
- critically evaluate current trends in human movement.
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Charles Sturt University is a multidisciplinary program which aims to produce graduates with a multifaceted understanding of sport, exercise and physical activity from biological, behavioural and sociocultural perspectives embedded within a community wellness philosophy.
The program aims to impart in the graduate the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to practice as professionals in the areas of sport, exercise, fitness and recreation with a particular focus on exercise and sport science, as well as providing a foundation for postgraduate studies.
Recommended study pattern
Session 1 Intake
Year 1 Session 1
HIP101 Introduction to Australian Society and Health
EHR119 Anatomy & Physiology 1
EHR221 Exercise for Health & Fitness
EHR109 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Behaviour
Session 2
IKC100 Indigenous Australian Health
EHR120 Anatomy & Physiology 2
EHR128 Understanding Research
EHR130 Nutrition for Health
Year 2 Session 1
EHR214 Skill Acquisition
EHR225 Growth, Motor Development & Ageing
EHR327 Indigenous People: Sport, Identity and Culture
EHR211 Functional Anatomy & Human Performance
Session 2
EHR226 Exercise Testing & Prescription
EHR218 Biomechanics
EHR202 Human Exercise Physiology
EHR213 Applied Psychology for Sport and Exercise
Session 3
EHR320 Workplace Learning in Sport and Exercise
Year 3 Session 1
EHR330 Neuroscience of Motor Behaviour
EHR332 Nutrition for Health & Performance
EHR329 Biomechanical Analysis of Movement
Restricted Elective
Session 2
EHR331 Exercise, Health & Disease
EHR311 Advanced Human Exercise Physiology
EHR328 Ethics in Sport
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$10,272
Indicative total fee $30,816
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.
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- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 37
How to apply
Charles Sturt University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Charles Sturt University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
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Entry requirements
- A completed Tertiary Preparation Course from an Australian University or an accredited provider demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies, OR
- Successful completion of two University level subjects (AQF level Associate Degree or higher) demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies.
- A completed High School Certificate with a minimum ATAR required (including adjustment factors) or equivalent, OR
- A completed Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) with an equivalent ranking to the currently listed ATAR.
- A completed AQF Certificate III or higher level qualification; OR
- 50% completion of an AQF Diploma level qualification.
Work experience, within the same industry as the course profile, of no less than two years.
Applicants must also meet English language requirements. This requires a minimum overall academic IELT score of 7 with no score below a 7 in each of the individual skill areas (listening, reading, writing and speaking) or other qualification with scores deemed equivalent.
Credit and pathways
If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy. Check your eligibility for credit
We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.
Study method requirements
Please note some subjects may have Workplace learning components.
Online students may need to attend an online or on campus intensive school for certain subjects. Intensive schools offer face-to-face or virtual lectures, tutorials and practicals to give you a deeper understanding of your subject content.
Career opportunities
When you graduate, you'll be ready to make your mark in a wide range of careers, including:
- Community fitness programmer
- Health and fitness promoter
- Sports administrator
- Sports development officer
- Exercise scientist
- Strength and conditioning coach.
Professional recognition
- This course is professionally accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
- Get ESSA accreditation and boost your career
- Be in demand and open the door to a world of employment opportunities, with a qualification as an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES). You’ll graduate with professional accreditation from ESSA – until December 2027. As an AES you’ll design and deliver physical activity and exercise-based interventions to improve health, fitness, and well-being, and you’ll assist in the prevention of injury and chronic conditions. Use your skills and knowledge to help teams or individuals improve their athletic performance. You could even work with companies or businesses to boost staff wellbeing.