Key facts

Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on the UNE Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science or an equivalent bachelor qualification in a relevant discipline with a suitable GPA.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 2 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 8 units (48 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place
View more fees information
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Armidale CampusOfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
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High-achieving exercise and sports science graduates can contribute to our understanding of human movement and how it applies to physical activity through UNE’s Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science with Honours. In your honours year, you will develop your own original research project and conduct research into a topic you are passionate about. In doing so, you will expand your expertise and add to your analysis and communication skills, allowing you to take on more challenging research-based roles in the exercise and sports science sector.

Why study the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science with Honours with UNE?

If you’re achieving above average grades in the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree or an equivalent course from another university, it would be well worth considering a fourth year of advanced study and research at UNE in a subject that interests you.

This will lead to the degree of Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science with Honours, which will further enhance your career prospects, and allow you to proceed to higher degree research or coursework studies if you choose.

Our research is recognised as being among the best in the world. Our human movement and sports science research received a rating of 5 – well above world standard – in the most recent assessment by the Australian Research Council, Excellence in Research Australia.

We have been selected as the academic partner institution for the NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence to be established at Sydney Olympic Park. This partnership may provide you with opportunities to undertake exercise and sports science internships with NSW Rugby League.

UNE is a member of the Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN). We offer our student-athletes flexible study options to enable them to balance sporting pursuits with academic requirements.

SportUNE at UNE is one of the best university sporting precincts in Australia. We offer variety, flexibility and a range of new facilities and services. Our facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness and strength building gym, a new 25-metre, 6-lane indoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor courts, a climbing and bouldering wall and 15 hectares of playing fields.

Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

What makes our course different?

Our Honours degree allows you to advance your career by undertaking a research project to complement and enhance your previous studies and experience. You will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop your own project and conduct your research under the guidance of a supervisor who has similar research interests.
  • Hone your project management skills and showcase your ability to work independently to produce high-quality work.
  • Progress to higher degree research, should you wish.
  • Study online, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with other work and personal commitments while you take advantage of our expertise in distance learning.
  • Study on-campus in Armidale, giving you access to our highly regarded sporting facilities.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:

  • You have completed the UNE Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science or an equivalent Bachelor (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
  • AND you have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 in at least 24 credit points (4 units) of study in Exercise and Sports Science at 300-level or above.

Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School on the recommendation of the course coordinator.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Applying for Readmission
If you have previously failed this course, you can apply for readmission after three years. Your proposed research must be in a different topic of study to your previous attempt.

* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Human Movement Science
  • Human Physiology
  • Health Science

 

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
  • A completed thesis proposal form. This must be included in your online application.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted towards this course.

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points at 400-level.

48 credit points

Complete the following unit:

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Commonwealth Supported Place
$4,416*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs. If applicable, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) Student Contribution Fees are indicative from 2023. The 2024 CSP rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the information as soon as we have more details.

What are the course fee payment options?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Your career

Career outcomes

UNE’s Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science with Honours extends your prior studies and prepares you for more specialist positions in exercise and sports science, or to progress to other higher degree studies.  

 Careers you could consider include: 

  • sports scientist 
  • health and fitness instructor, consultant or educator 
  • strength and conditioning coach 
  • cardiac, respiratory or sleep technician in hospitals 
  • postgraduate research/coursework in related disciplines
Other career information

There are excellent career prospects in the exercise and sports science sector. More than 99 per cent of exercise and sports science graduates are employed, according to The Exercise and Sports Science Australia Graduate Destination Report 2017.  

 A total of 14 per cent of these graduates had completed an Honours course and 47 per cent had completed a post-graduate course. 

 High salaries are available to well-qualified exercise and sports scientists. The report found graduates who work in academia earn between $80,000-$89,999, while those working in high performance management receive $110,000-$110,999. 

Course outcomes

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science with Honours offers students the opportunity to undertake advanced study and research in the area of exercise and sports science. The course provides a capstone to an undergraduate degree, prepares students for postgraduate study and establishes a sound basis for a successful future career.
  1. demonstrate through their own practice an advanced understanding of the methods and processes of exercise and sports science as a creative endeavour and that current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry;
  2. exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by: demonstrating advanced knowledge in exercise and sports science; demonstrating the potential to make original contributions to scientific knowledge; and integrating their own research findings with the current body of disciplinary knowledge/paradigms;
  3. conduct a research investigation under supervision in a research or professional environment by: critically analysing a challenging complex or multi-faceted problem, identifying research questions, designing and planning a project; selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools to address a research question; and analysing, interpreting and critically evaluating research findings;
  4. be effective communicators of exercise and sports science by: communicating scientific ideas and research findings to informed professional audiences using a variety of modes; and
  5. be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by: demonstrating initiative and intellectual independence; collaborating effectively; and complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to their disciplinary area.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will demonstrate a coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts relevant to exercise and sports science and knowledge of research principles and methods and will possess a global perspective (both national and international) on the developments over time relevant to exercise and sports science and, a capacity to understand the implications of international events for exercise and sports science.

Communication Skills

Graduates will have high level communication skills, oral and written, to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences.

Problem Solving

Graduates will have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence. They will exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to recognise pertinent information and will have the advanced cognitive skills to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access, critically analyse and interpret information. They will have technical skills to plan and execute project work and/or a piece of research and scholarship with some independence.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will be aware of their professional responsibilities and will demonstrate understanding and practice of the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with their discipline or profession. This includes an understanding of their own ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community and the environment.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will have cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding; and, responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will be able to exercise responsibility and accountability for their own learning and professional practice as well as the ability to work collaboratively with others within broad parameters.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

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Why study with us?

Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science graduate Tim Frankcombe smiles in a checked dress shirt

I have always been interested in sport and personnel management. One of the main attractions for me moving to the United States is the professional sporting culture.

Tim Frankcombe, graduate, Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 2024*26 February 2024

*Early closing date

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.