Exercise and Sports Science

Studying exercise and sports science with UNE gives you access to high-quality education and world-class sports, exercise and health facilities. Whether you choose to study on-campus or online, we foster an inclusive learning environment with approachable staff who are passionate about the industry and, tailor our teaching activities to ensure you gain hands-on experience to develop your clinical and practical skills.

Our research is recognised as being among the best in the world. Our human movement and sports science research received a rating of 5 – well above world standard – by the Australian Research Council in 2019. We have many industry and clinical partners including being the academic partner institution for the NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence at Sydney Olympic Park.

UNE is a member of the Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN). We offer our student-athletes flexible study options to balance sporting pursuits with academic requirements.

Our exercise and sports science degrees are accredited with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and include extensive workplace experience as part of your studies. This will mean your studies are nationally recognised and you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Undergraduate courses

Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science

Within this degree you will study each of the core studies areas of exercise science to appreciate how the body responds to exercise through gaining a thorough understanding of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor control and psychology. In doing so you will develop applied skills and knowledge to analyse human movement and consider how this may apply to improve performance and prevent the risk of injury and disease. Graduates from the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science are eligible to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

You'll also undertake 140 hours of workplace experience.  Refer to the Student Practicum Portal for more information and resources.

Further Information

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology

This degree will extend your understanding of the scientific basis of human movement to consider how this knowledge can translate to engaging with a broad range of clientele in the delivery of exercise, lifestyle and behaviour interventions to assist in the management and prevention of a range acute and chronic injuries and conditions. Graduates from the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science are eligible to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

In addition to taught content, you'll undertake 500 hours of workplace experience involving the exercise-based management of neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, metabolic and other health conditions.  Refer to the Student Practicum Portal for more information and resources.

Further Information

Bachelor Honours

Our Honours programs are intensive year-long programs that enable students to research under supervision a topic within the area of exercise and sports science that they are passionate about. An Honours provides students with first-hand experience of the research process and can facilitate further postgraduate study options.

Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science with Honours

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology with Honours

Postgraduate Study by Research
Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Science

Graduates from our degrees within Exercise and Sports Science are eligible for accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) ensuring that when you complete your studies with UNE you will be industry-ready.

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science enables you to gain employment as an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) in a broad range of settings to apply knowledge and skills in the application of exercise to improve performance, health and well-being for healthy populations.

Graduates from the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology are able to obtain accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP), allied health specialists recognised by a broad range of compensation schemes such as Medicare to deliver exercise-based interventions to manage and prevent acute and chronic injuries and conditions.

Opportunities within the Exercise and Sports Science industry continue to evolve and graduates are always in high demand due to the transferable skills you will develop within your studies.

What background knowledge do I need?  What should I study at school?

We assume you will have a sound knowledge of NSW HSC-level (or equivalent) Mathematics plus Personal Development Health and Physical Education and/or any two units of Science. It is recommended that you have knowledge of Biology and/or Chemistry.

We do recommend that if you don’t have the assumed knowledge, you give serious consideration to including the Bachelor of Scientific Studies within your preferences when you submit your application where, on successful completion of units of study you may be eligible to transfer into either the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science or, the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology with credit (advanced standing) for core units you have completed.

How does online study work?

UNE is at the forefront of online learning.

You will access your materials via our Student Portal myUNE. Teaching material including study timetables, details of assessments, topic notes, readings, podcasts, discussion spaces and links to online resources are located on our Learning Management System, myLearn. Your lecturer will interact with you via myLearn and is also available by email or phone.

As an online student you will be required to attend mandatory intensive schools in Armidale during each trimester in order to develop practical skills and experience within the area. The intensive schools provide you with an excellent opportunity to meet some of your fellow students and engage with your lecturers in person.

Do I have to do any practical work? If I do, how do I find appropriate work?

Yes, within both the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and, the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology you are required to complete practicum hours in keeping with accreditation requirements with Exercise and Sports Science Australia. Students within the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science complete 140 hours within the final trimester of study whilst students within the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology complete 500 hours within the degree with the purpose of undertaking exercise based interventions to improve health and wellbeing with a range of populations.

We have a clinical placement officer who will help you to identify suitable practicum sites and supervisors and will ensure your practicum placement complies with the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) accreditation requirements.

For additional information refer to the student practicum portal or contact the clinical placement team

Can I apply for early entry?

Yes, all Year 12 and some TAFE students can apply directly to UNE for Direct Early Entry before your HSC results are released.

Who can I contact for further information and advice on admission requirements, programs of study and course plans?

If you interested in furthering your career in exercise and sports science, or are keen to start a career in these areas, the Course Coordinator is more than happy to discuss your options and help you choose the program which most suits your needs and background.

How do I apply to study at UNE?

Go to How to apply and follow the instructions.

I’ve completed study at another university – can I get advanced standing (credit) for that?

If you have completed study at another tertiary institution you are able to apply for Advanced Standing (please note:  this is a separate process to applying to enrol for the course).