Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined bachelor brings together professional secondary education studies with applied exercise science. Education components cover curriculum and pedagogy for secondary schooling, adolescent development, classroom management, inclusive and culturally responsive practice, assessment and reporting, and subject-methods for teaching areas such as Health and Physical Education, Biology or Human Movement.

Exercise science components include human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, sports psychology, nutrition for performance and health, clinical and community exercise practice, and research methods. Practical laboratory classes, strength and conditioning workshops and supervised exercise testing are core features.

The degree includes structured professional experience in schools, progressively increasing in duration and responsibility, alongside industry placements or practicums in sport, fitness or community health settings. Final-year capstone projects or research papers are often used to integrate teaching practice with exercise science knowledge.

• Foundations of secondary teaching and adolescent learning
• Subject-methods for Health and Physical Education and allied sciences
• Exercise physiology, biomechanics and motor control
• Practical labs, exercise testing and conditioning workshops
• Research methods and evidence-based practice
• Professional school placements and industry practicums

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires completion of secondary school or an equivalent qualification. ACU looks for applicants with demonstrated communication skills and an aptitude for working with young people. Specific subject prerequisites may apply for some teaching specialisations (for example, senior science or mathematics subjects) — applicants should check faculty guidance for preferred background studies.

In addition to academic entry, candidates for Initial Teacher Education programs must satisfy professional suitability checks required for registration, which commonly include a working with children check / police clearance and immunisation or health screening as mandated by placement partners. Applicants may also be asked to provide a personal statement, references or attend an interview depending on selection procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible for teacher certification in the secondary sector and can teach senior secondary subjects aligned with their study pathway, most commonly Health and Physical Education, Human Biology, or other movement and health-related subjects. Career pathways include employed secondary teacher roles in government, Catholic and independent schools, curriculum and wellbeing coordination, and leadership positions in schools.

The exercise science component opens additional options in sport, fitness and community health such as exercise instructor, strength and conditioning assistant, rehabilitation support roles, community health program officer, fitness industry management and coaching. Some clinical roles (for example, accredited exercise physiologist) require postgraduate study or specific accredited qualifications and professional registration.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU has a strong reputation for teacher education and allied health programs with an emphasis on practical learning and professional placements. Students benefit from integrated learning experiences that combine classroom-based pedagogy with hands-on laboratories and real-world placements in schools and community settings.

The university emphasises supportive cohort-based learning, small-group tutorials and structured placement support, and maintains partnerships with local schools, sports organisations and health providers to help students build professional networks. ACU’s focus on ethical practice, inclusive education and community engagement complements training for careers in both education and exercise science.