Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science

Help people reach peak performance.

A career in sport and exercise science is more than coaching, matches and athletes.

It's a dynamic and exhilarating field that uses data and scientific principles and techniques to help people build strength, regain movement, prevent injuries and perform at their peak.

With Australia's ageing population and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, we need sport and exercise science professionals more than ever before.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science gives you the scientific knowledge and practical skills to improve health and wellbeing.

You'll gain a detailed understanding of the science behind training.

Explore the strengths and limitations of the human body while building strong foundations in physiology, anatomy and biomechanics.

Then build industry contacts during 140 hours of industry placement with leading organisations such as Carlton Football Club, Melbourne City and Exercise Research Australia.

Experience sport and exercise science first-hand at La Trobe's $150 million Research and Innovation precinct and Sports Park.

Equipped with world-class teaching and research facilities, elite athlete performance space, AFL oval, FIFA-1 accredited synthetic soccer pitch and more.

You'll learn:

Physiology and biomechanics Investigate the physiological response of the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and nervous systems to sport and exercise.

Strength and conditioning Learn scientific principles and techniques to enhance strength, endurance and speed qualities of athletes to meet the demands of various sports.

Skill development in sport Discover the science behind movement learning and execution and its relationship to athlete performance.

Performance analysis Explore the theoretical concepts and principles that underpin the field of sports analytics and performance analysis.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7.

First year

Second year

Third year

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last two years)

Prerequisite

VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in two of Biology, Chemistry, any Mathematics, Physical Education or Physics.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

ATAR (Compulsory)

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). Learn more about our processes View the 2020 ATAR distribution report for the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science [174.4 KB].

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) (Current year 12 students exempt)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

Work Recognition (Current year 12 students exempt)

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

Selection rank adjustments

Subject adjustments

VCE: A study score of 25 in Health And Human Development, any Mathematics, Physical Education or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with higher education study

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

Work Recognition

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Selection rank adjustments

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

Work Recognition

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Selection rank adjustments

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with work and life experience

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

Work Recognition

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Selection rank adjustments

Subject adjustments

VCE: A study score of 25 in Health And Human Development, any Mathematics, Physical Education or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes