Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This degree provides a solid foundation in human movement, exercise physiology, biomechanics, public health and health behaviour change. Study is a mix of theory and hands-on practice, with laboratory work, practical tutorials and supervised placement experiences.

• Core science and physiology: human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, energy systems and exercise testing.
• Movement analysis: biomechanics, motor control and assessment of functional movement and fitness.
• Health and behaviour: health promotion, behavioural change theories, community health, and epidemiology related to physical activity.
• Practical skills: exercise prescription across the lifespan, strength and conditioning principles, program design for clinical and community settings, and first aid/CPR competency.
• Research and evaluation: research methods, statistics, and evaluation of physical activity interventions to support evidence-based practice.
• Professional practice: supervised placements in community, clinical or workplace settings, professional communication, ethics and interprofessional collaboration.

Study structure is designed to build from foundational science in the early years to applied practice and placement in later years. Students can usually pursue elective topics to tailor their degree toward areas such as chronic disease management, sport performance or workplace health. Graduates may also choose to articulate into honours or postgraduate professional programmes for clinical registration pathways.

Entry requirements

Applicants generally need to have completed an Australian senior secondary qualification or an equivalent overseas qualification that meets the university's admissions standards. Meeting the minimum university entry requirement is necessary; competitive offers are based on academic achievement relative to other applicants. ACU typically considers simulated or mature-age entry pathways for applicants without recent formal study.

• Academic background: sound results in secondary school subjects, with assumed knowledge in English. Backgrounds in mathematics or biology are advantageous but not always mandatory.
• Alternative entry: applicants with relevant workplace experience, vocational qualifications or successful completion of bridging programmes may be eligible through adjustments or alternative entry schemes.
• Additional requirements: some campuses or placements may require a clear criminal history check, immunisation status, and current first aid/CPR certification prior to placement.

Career prospects

Graduates are equipped to work in roles that promote physical activity and support health across community, workplace and allied health contexts. Common career paths include:

• Health promotion officer or community health practitioner designing and delivering activity programs and population-level interventions.
• Exercise practitioner or fitness coordinator in community centres, gyms, aged-care services and rehabilitation settings.
• Workplace wellness coordinator implementing employee health and physical activity initiatives.
• Support roles in allied health settings, such as exercise technician or clinical assistant, often as a pathway to further accredited clinical qualifications (for example, postgraduate programmes in exercise physiology, physiotherapy or related disciplines).
• Opportunities in private sector wellbeing consultancies, sport development, policy agencies and research assistance following further study.

Graduates who wish to practice in regulated allied health professions will usually need to undertake further accredited postgraduate training or professional registration depending on the discipline.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises applied learning and social purpose, combining theoretical teaching with substantial practical experiences and industry-relevant placements. Small to medium class sizes support individual academic feedback and close interaction with academic staff who have clinical and research expertise in exercise science and public health.

• Practical facilities: access to exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories, movement analysis equipment and simulated clinical spaces at ACU campuses.
• Placement and industry links: structured workplace and community placements that connect students with health services, schools, local councils and fitness providers.
• Pathways: clear articulation to honours and postgraduate programmes for students seeking advanced research or professional clinical accreditation.
• Values-driven education: curriculum that integrates health equity, ethics and person-centred practice aligned with ACU’s focus on service and community benefit.

This combination of applied training, placement experience and pathway options makes the Bachelor of Physical Activity and Health Science at ACU suitable for students aiming to make a practical impact on health through physical activity.