Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science (Assured Pathway) into Master of Physiotherapy

School of Health Sciences

Do you live and breathe sport? Why not turn it into a career? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science degree (Assured Pathway) into the Master of Physiotherapy offers a pathway for aspiring physiotherapists with a particular interest in exercise and sports, you can inspire others to improve their lifestyles or athletic performance, work with elite athletes, or rehabilitate injuries, and open a gateway to a broad range of career fields within physiotherapy. The three-year Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science (Assured Pathway) degree has flexible full-time or part-time study options available. Get in touch today to move your career in the right direction.

  • Why study this degree?

    If you are interested in exercise and sports science and are an aspiring Physiotherapist, this program offers a pathway for you. With this assured pathway program, upon completion of Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science with a 2.5 GPA throughout, you will be eligible to apply for the Master of Physiotherapy program. See entry pathways and program requirements for more details.

    The Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science is a comprehensive nationally accredited qualification. With the Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science, you can play an important role in the community by examining the implications of physical activity on public health, and sports rehabilitation. If you dream of working with elite athletes, you will be well-placed to do so.

    You will gain valuable insights into your chosen career with the inclusion of industry practicum and internship placements during your study. Accredited by the national industry body, Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), graduates can work in Australia with athletes and sporting teams in the areas of exercise and sports science, and strength and conditioning.

  • Program summary

    The Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science is a 3-year undergraduate degree that explores the implications of physical activity and exercise on general health, rehabilitation and elite athletic performance. The program begins with key knowledge development of anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, exercise health and disease, skills development in year 2 including strength and conditioning, exercise physiology and biomechanics, the has you apply your knowledge and skills in industry practicum in year 3.

    You will complete your degree utilising state of the art facilities and equipment which includes our Human Performance Lab strength and conditioning facility, 3D motion capture and virtual reality motor control lab, and exercise physiology labs to match the high industry standards and requirements. All of which occurs under the supervision of staff having strong industry and research links.

    18 required courses

    • HLTH1150 Academic Research and Writing in Health Sciences
    • HLTH1001 Physical Activity and Health
    • HLTH1007 Human Growth and Development
    • HLTH1000 Human Structure and Function
    • HLTH1010 Functional Anatomy for Human Movement
    • HLTH1100 Exercise Physiology
    • HLTH1008 Exercise Health and Disease
    • HLTH2015 Physiology of Training and Environmental Extremes
    • HLTH2016 Principles of Strength and Conditioning
    • HLTH2017 Health, Fitness and Performance Assessment
    • HLTH2013 Motor Control Development & Learning
    • HLTH2412 Exercise Prescription and Delivery
    • HLTH2018 Exercise Biomechanics
    • HLTH2014 Psychological Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity
    • HLTH3017 Exercise Physiology for Special Populations
    • HLTH3014 Data Analysis and Experimental Design
    • HLTH3018 Advanced Biomechanics
    • HLTH3015 Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity

    Three electives

    • PHTY1006 Functional Anatomy for Physiotherapy B
    • PHTY1007 Medical Sciences
    • Elective of choice

    Industry practicum placements

    • Exercise & Sport Science Industry Practicum (150 hours)

    Core Curriculum

    • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
    • CORE II: Elective
      • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
      • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
      • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
      • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
      • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

    Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

    More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

    Please note: the availability of these courses and teaching staff is indicative only and may be subject to change.

  • Entry requirements

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 85

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 32

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of at least 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*, with an average grade of 65% or higher

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Note: Tertiary Preparation Programs are not accepted for entry.

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Diploma or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 160 in the Multiple Choice section and 160 in the Written English section.

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  • Entry pathways

    Students in the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Assured) must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 each semester during the completion of their undergraduate Exercise and Sports Science degree in order to be eligible to apply for the Master of Physiotherapy program.

  • Learning outcomes

    At the completion of this course, graduates should be able to:

    1. Interpret and apply knowledge across the sub disciplines of exercise and sport science
    2. Assess health behaviours and conditions, human movement and skills to evaluate and prescribe exercise programs in healthy populations across a range of exercise settings
    3. Apply research skills for evidence-based practice that enhances professional knowledge, including the ability to compile, critically evaluate and communicate the scientific rationale for professional decision making and service delivery
    4. Exemplify professional and ethical standards in practical, interpersonal and theoretical contexts and conduct that is sensitive to client diversity and equity
    5. Practice within the scope of exercise science training and recognise any need to refer a client to other related health professionals; and
    6. Demonstrate capacity as an exercise sports scientist through educational engagement, self-evaluation of practice, inter-professional working relationships and advocacy for exercise science.
  • Practical component

    Students are required to complete a minimum of 150 hours of practicum.

    The Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science Industry Internship is taught across the whole academic year but is structured as multi-term courses. The courses are charged separately for each semester but are linked academically and must be completed in sequence in a single calendar year.

  • Career opportunities

    Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; the following careers are open to graduates: Sports or exercise scientist, strength and conditioning Coach, sports development officer, community education officer, rehabilitation consultant, sport and recreation officer, and skill acquisition specialist.

  • Real-world experience

    You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

  • Professional accreditation

    This course has been accredited by the national industry body, Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates of this course are eligible for registration with ESSA as an accredited exercise scientist upon completion of the degree.

  • Study abroad

    A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

  • Scholarships

    Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

    These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

    Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

  • Fees and costs

    This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

    Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

    In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

    The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

    The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

    Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

    International Full-Fee Paying
    Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

    For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?
    Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

    If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

    Phone: 1800 878 916
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

    International students
    If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

    Fremantle and Broome

    Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
    Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
    Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

    Sydney and Melbourne

    Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
    Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
    Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007

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  • No.1 uni in Australia Overall Employment**

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*2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework categories, **2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-Longitudinal (medium term outcome), undergraduate category, ***2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category and ****2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category - qilt.edu.au

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