Bachelor of Exercise Science - Bachelor of Exercise Physiology

Program Overview

Bachelor of Exercise Science - Bachelor of Exercise Physiology

Gain essential skills to improve health and performance across diverse populations. You will study foundational areas like anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and strength conditioning, followed by advanced courses in exercise physiology, prescription, and rehabilitation. You will benefit from modern facilities, community placements, and real-world experiences with leading organizations, ensuring you are career-ready and prepared for various health settings upon graduating.

Fast Facts

• Location: JCU campuses or study centres where you can study this course. 'Online' means the course can be studied off-campus using a combination of online resources, printed material or other technologies. Some online courses include on-campus workshops and travel for professional placements.
  • Townsville
• Commencing: The month(s) you can start the course. For courses offered at JCU Singapore and JCU Brisbane, see 'How to Apply'.
  • Townsville: January
• Fees: Indicative, annual cost of your course. Some courses are supported by the Australian Government with the government paying some of your fees. This is the Commonwealth Supported fee. The tuition fee is the fee payable if Commonwealth Support does not apply. You can defer your fees if eligible with HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. The Student Services & Amenities Fee is a required payment from most students.
  • $13,240.00+ (estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load)
  • $31,110.00^ (estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load)
  • Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
  • Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
• Duration: The time it will take you to complete the course as a full-time student. Also specifies if the course is available part-time. This section will indicate if some online courses may have a longer duration due to their different delivery method.
  • 3 years and 2 trimesters full-time
• Entry Requirements: This is usually a score given to Year 12 students upon completion of their studies. Non-school leavers can have their qualifications and work experience assessed to obtain an equivalent score. The score displayed is the minimum adjusted ATAR/rank that was required for entry. Some subjects are required for entry into a course. Whereas assumed knowledge indicates a minimum level of knowledge
  • ATAR 65
  • English (Units 3 and 4, C); General Maths (Units 3 and 4, C)
  • Recommended Knowledge: one of Biology, Health or Physical Education (Units 3/4, C)
• QTAC Codes: Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application. T: Townsville. C: Cairns. O: Online. B: Brisbane or RATEP.

Course Detail

What to expect

The Bachelor of Exercise Science and Bachelor Exercise Physiology program at JCU provides graduates with the essential theoretical and practical skills to elevate health and performance through physical activity and exercise. Combining Exercise Science with Exercise Physiology, this unique program offers a joint degree and dual national accreditation (when approved), giving students a competitive edge and opening doors to diverse career opportunities. Designed to be completed in under four years, this flexible program prepares graduates to tackle modern health and lifestyle challenges, especially within tropical regions.

What sets the Bachelor of Exercise Science and Bachelor of Exercise Physiology program at JCU apart is its real-world focus. Students benefit from small class sizes, access to contemporary facilities, and mentorship from experienced staff who support active, hands-on learning. Practical experience begins early, with students engaging in work-integrated learning opportunities across the region, state, and nationally. By the time they graduate, JCU students are confident, highly-skilled professionals ready to work across a wide range of inter-professional settings, from regional and rural to remote communities.

View the Handbook (coming soon) for a detailed overview of available subjects, as well as pre-placement requirements.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Exercise Science - Bachelor of Exercise Physiology.

Work Integrated Learning

Students will complete extensive, practical work experience alongside industry professionals to assess, design, and deliver physical activity and/or exercise programs to maintain or enhance health and performance. Students will work with all populations including community members to elite athletes, young to older aged, and those with and without chronic/complex diseases/conditions. Each work-integrated experience will increase students’ professional development with network connections potentially leading to future employment or engagement opportunities.

Career Opportunities

JCU Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology graduates are highly-skilled professionals who are employed within a range of industries. Graduates pursue careers in health and wellness management, health promotion agencies, corporate health, community and elite sport, hospital-based science, occupational health and safety, private and public hospitals, multidisciplinary medical centres, fitness centres, aged-care facilities, workplace health and rehabilitation, and private practice.

This course will seek Exercise & Sports Science Australia Exercise Science (ES) and Exercise Physiology (EP) course accreditation. We are currently seeking qualifying accreditation and will apply for full accreditation in 2028/2029 as per ESSA accreditation guidelines. If fully accredited, graduates of this course may be eligible for professional membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia.

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD13,240.00
• Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD31,110.00
• A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.

Pathways to JCU

JCU Prep provides a pathway into this course. Enrolling in this flexible program will enable you to meet entry requirements including subject pre-requisites and ATARs. Introductory academic subjects are also available to prepare you for tertiary study.

Explore our list of guaranteed entry courses to see if you are eligible through your prior qualification.

Some courses require that additional subject prerequisites are met. These prerequisites may include subjects such as English, Mathematics or Science. Subject prerequisites are detailed in the Handbook above.

Real Stories

• Lecturer: Professor Anthony Leicht, Academic Head, Sport and Exercise Science
• Student: Raquel France, Graduating into the Exercise Science field
• Student: Alexander Anthony, Graduating into the Exercise Science field
• Student: Danica Biffanti, Graduating into the Exercise Science field
• Employer: Luke Gauci, Director, Mindset Performance Fitness Centre