Entry requirements
Key information
overall
overall
Shape your career in exercise and sport.
Ready to turn your love for sport into a rewarding career? The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science is your ticket to a future in the dynamic world of sports and fitness. Whether you dream of working with elite athletes or promoting health in the community, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed.
No.3 in SA
in Health Services & Support for full-time employment, learner engagement
(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate))
Five stars
in Health Services & Support for full-time employment, learner engagement and student support
(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate)).
No.1 in SA
for overall experience, skills development and teaching quality
(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only)
Your future in exercise and sport science.
The exciting and fulfilling career opportunities in the exercise and sport science industry are endless. With the rising demand in elite sport and the growing focus on health and fitness, qualified professionals in this field are in high demand.
With more major international sporting events on the horizon—including Brisbane in just a few years’ time—the rising demand in elite sport, and the growing focus on health and fitness, qualified professionals in this field are highly desired.
Exercise Physiologist
Assesses, plans, and implements exercise programs to prevent and manage chronic diseases and injuries, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, cancer, and arthritis.
They assist in restoring optimal physical function and promoting overall health and wellness. Exercise physiologists also educate patients on rehabilitation procedures, lifestyle changes, and home exercises to enhance their health and well-being.
A career in Exercise Physiology requires a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology.
Job opportunities
2,275
in Australia, 2025
Salary
$85K
typical salary in Australia
Exercise Scientist
Helps people improve their health and performance through tailored exercise programs.
Strength and conditioning coach
Assists athletes by implementing training programs focused on performance.
Performance Analyst
Uses data and analysis to improve performance in sports.
Rehabilitation assistant
Supports patients in their recovery and rehabilitation journey.
With further postgraduate study and work experience, careers could include:
- Sports Scientist
- Exercise Physiologist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Sports Nutritionist
- Accredited Exercise Physiologist
What will you study to start your career in exercise and sport science?
Study a variety of core topics and electives and get hands-on experience with professional placements.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
In your first year, you'll study core topics and your choice of one option topic.
Year 1 - Core topics
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
In your second year, you'll study core topics and get hands-on experience in sports and exercise science.
Year 2 - Core topics
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Motor learning and control
- Physical activity and health
- Sports biomechanics
- Nutrition
In your third year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two option topics. You'll also get hands-on experience with placement opportunities and undertake an industry project.
Year 3 - Core topics
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
Accreditation or Professional Recognition
This program is accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia. Graduates of the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science / Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology are eligible to apply to be recognised as an Accredited Exercise Scientist.
Boost your knowledge with an Honours in Health Sciences.
The Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) is a one-year full time (or two-years part time) program designed to extend your research skills, critical analysis, and project management.
This program allows you to specialise in a health discipline of your choice, such as nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, optometry, nutrition, disability, or exercise and sport science. You'll work closely with experienced researchers on projects that aim to contribute to health practices and systems.
Honours study focuses on developing your research, communication, and presentation skills, preparing you for a career in health further academic pursuits.
PhD Candidate Tom Brennan shares his journey studying an Honours in Health Sciences and his continuation to a PhD.
No.3 in SA
in Health Services & Support for full-time employment, learner engagement
(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate))
Five stars
in Health Services & Support for full-time employment, learner engagement and student support
(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate)).
No.1 in SA
for overall experience, skills development and teaching quality
(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only)
Get inspired.
Discover more about Flinders University’s Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
“The practical learning, expert lecturers, and industry connections have been invaluable in preparing me to work with athletes and individuals at all levels.”
Zianna Chesterfield
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science / Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
“It was a huge honour to be offered my current role in rehabilitation of paediatric brain injuries after a Flinders work placement. ”
Caitlin Keith
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science / Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology graduate
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Need support?
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Student clubs
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Campus facilities
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
Yes! The exercise and sport science and exercise physiology are fast-growing sectors. With growing clinical guidelines around the use of exercise for health and wellness as well as management of chronic diseases in the community, this presents exciting opportunities.
Opportunities exist in hospitals, community health units, workplaces, gymnasiums, aged care facilities, private health clinics, schools and not-for-profit organisations.
Yes, you may study the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science part time over 6 years. In the double degree the bachelor component is part time. However, a master’s degree must be studied full time.
Once you have completed a minimum of 18 units, you may apply for a higher degree transfer via SATAC for the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science combined with the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (BESS/MCEP).
The best specialisation to select would be Allied Health.
The best specialisation to select would be Allied Health.
The best specialisation to select would be Nutrition.
Yes you will undertake a compulsory 140-hour placement practicum, preparing you with interdisciplinary skills and knowledge of health, sport and exercise frameworks
There are a range of alternative ways to gain entry to most undergraduate courses besides meeting the minimum required ATAR. Details of other pathways can be found at: flinders.edu.au/study/pathways
These include:
Doing the uniTEST, an aptitude test designed to assess the generic reasoning and thinking skills you need to be successful in university level studies. As a year 12 student you can use uniTEST results in combination with your ATAR to increase your opportunity to gain entry into any of our courses, with the exception of the Bachelor of Clinical Science/Doctor of Medicine.
You can apply through SATAC to sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), held in June.
You can also consider applying for courses with lower requirements, as many courses will allow you to transfer once you have completed a specified amount of the course. This is done through Flinderslink. If you accept an offer at another university, and perform well, you can use your grade point average (GPA) to transfer to Flinders University. You may even be eligible for credit.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants can gain admission to Flinders University through the Indigenous Admissions Scheme.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 86.35 | 89.15 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 77.80 | 85.30 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 67.00 | 72.30 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 5 | 42% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
| Work and life experience | 0 | 0 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | <5 | <5 |
| International Students | 0 | 0 |
| All students | 12 | 100% |