Southern Cross University

What you'll study

This degree covers the scientific foundations of human movement and the applied skills needed to design, deliver and evaluate exercise programs across clinical, community and performance contexts. Core subject areas include human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, and research methods. Practical laboratory work and field-based units teach exercise testing, movement analysis, exercise prescription and coaching techniques.

• Year 1: Foundations in anatomy, physiology, introduction to sport science, basic exercise prescription, and academic skills such as statistics and research literacy.
• Year 2: Intermediate units in exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, coaching principles, and applied practicals including exercise testing and monitoring.
• Year 3: Advanced applied units in strength & conditioning, clinical exercise, program design for special populations, research project or capstone, and professional placement experiences.

Throughout the course you undertake supervised industry placements and practical workshops that build workplace skills such as client assessment, program delivery, communication, and use of laboratory equipment (e.g. metabolic carts, force plates, EMG). Electives allow specialisation in areas such as performance analysis, community health, or outdoor and adventure practices. A research methods strand prepares students for honours or postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

Entry is typically via completion of secondary school qualification (or recognised equivalent) with satisfactory university entrance ranking. Applicants are expected to demonstrate competence in English; background in biology or physical sciences and mathematics is desirable and may be an advantage. Mature-age applicants and those with relevant vocational qualifications or workplace experience are considered through alternative entry pathways.

Successful applicants should be prepared to meet professional placement requirements, which commonly include a health declaration, up-to-date vaccinations, a police check and compliance with workplace safety standards. First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification may be required prior to certain placements.

Career prospects

Graduates develop the technical and practical skills to work across a range of exercise, sport and health settings. Typical roles include exercise scientist, strength and conditioning assistant or coach, community health and fitness officer, sports development officer, fitness consultant, or rehabilitation support worker.

Many graduates use the degree as a pathway into accredited professional roles through further study or credentialing (for example, progressing to postgraduate study to meet the requirements of certain allied health professions or to gain higher-level accreditation with industry bodies). Employment settings include community health services, private clinics, sports clubs and academies, gyms and fitness centres, corporate wellness programs and government health promotion agencies.

Why study at Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University combines applied teaching with access to modern teaching laboratories, biomechanics and exercise physiology equipment, and field-based learning at campuses in regional locations. The program emphasises small-group practical learning, industry placements and links with local sport and health organisations, giving students hands-on experience and professional networks.

Students also benefit from research-active staff in health and exercise science, supported pathways to honours and postgraduate study, and career support services that help transition graduates into the workforce or further professional accreditation.