Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined degree brings together foundational and applied subjects from psychology and exercise and sport science. You will study core psychological science topics such as research methods and statistics, cognitive and developmental psychology, social and abnormal psychology, assessment and basic neuroscience. From the exercise and sport science strand you will complete subjects in human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, motor behaviour, exercise prescription and testing, strength and conditioning, sport nutrition and injury prevention.

Typical topic areas and modules include:

• Psychological Science: Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods and Statistics, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental and Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Psychological Assessment and Intervention, Laboratory and research-practice units.
• Exercise and Sport Science: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Motor Control and Learning, Exercise Testing and Prescription, Strength and Conditioning, Sport and Exercise Nutrition, Clinical and Field-based Practicum.
• Integrated and professional units: Ethics and professional practice, applied research projects, interdisciplinary units addressing mental health and physical activity, and supervised practical placements in community, clinical or high-performance settings.

The degree typically includes progressively advanced research and practicum components, culminating in opportunities to undertake a capstone research project or an extended placement integrating both disciplines.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on successful completion of secondary education or equivalent tertiary study. Applicants are expected to meet university admission standards and demonstrate English-language competence. While specific ATAR or selection rank thresholds are set by the university and vary over time, prerequisites and recommended preparation often include senior secondary studies in English and a background in mathematics, biology or health and physical education.

Other pathways include recognised prior study, Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications, and mature‑age entry. International applicants must satisfy ACU's English proficiency requirements and provide evidence of equivalent secondary or tertiary qualifications. Selected placements or field units may require additional checks, such as immunisation records, Working with Children checks and a police check.

Career prospects

Graduates of this combined degree are prepared for roles that sit at the intersection of mental and physical health, sport performance and community wellbeing. Common career directions include exercise scientist, strength and conditioning coach, sport development officer, wellness and lifestyle consultant, and allied-health assistant roles in clinical or community settings.

The psychology component provides a pathway into postgraduate psychology training (such as honours and master's programmes) for those seeking to become registered psychologists. The exercise and sport science component supports further professional accreditation pathways and postgraduate study for clinical or high-performance roles. Graduates also find employment in research, health promotion, workplace wellbeing, rehabilitation services and sport organisations.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU offers applied, practice-focused learning with access to dedicated sport and exercise laboratories, biomechanics and physiology testing facilities, and psychology teaching clinics where students gain hands-on experience. The university emphasises small-group learning, ethical practice and reflective professional development, supported by industry partnerships that facilitate supervised placements and real-world projects.

Studying at ACU provides accredited curricula aligned with industry expectations and clear pathways to honours or postgraduate training in psychology and allied health. The university's campus communities and support services aim to help students balance academic study with practical training and career preparation across both psychological science and exercise sciences.