Bachelor of Exercise Science (Sport Practice)

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Design and deliver evidence-based exercise interventions for apparently healthy populations, including high performance and recreational athletes;
2. Integrate the biological and social scientific knowledge and professional skills to practice in exercise and sport science settings as an ethical, professional and responsible practitioner;
3. Critically analyse and synthesise knowledge gathered from exercise and sport science research;
4. Exemplify judgement in solving routine exercise science problems using social, ethical, economic, regulatory and global perspectives;
5. Exhibit the capacity to work as an independent and collaborative professional who can communicate knowledge and ideas clearly and coherently;
6. Critically apply exercise and sport science knowledge and skills to solve routine problems in sport practice settings;
7. Consult and apply legal and ethical frameworks in order to work respectfully and inclusively with people of diverse backgrounds and populations; and
8. Critically reflect on practice capabilities and recognise the need for ongoing professional development.

Victoria University has been ranked number 7 in the world for sport science.

Our ground-breaking research, world-class facilities and partnerships with some of the world’s top sporting clubs have rocketed us to this position.

Studying with us means you benefit from all of the opportunities that come with our elite status – learning from academics who are connected with top organisations, researching with national sporting bodies and accessing our cutting-edge sport-science equipment.

VU has strong, unique partnerships with more than 350 local, national and global organisations across the sport, exercise and recreation industries. These partnerships inform the content of our courses and provide joint research opportunities. Our partnerships also give you access to industry contacts and work placements.

Our partners include:

• Western Bulldogs Football Club
• Australian Institute of Sport
• Victorian Racing Club
• Australian Sports Commission
• Real Madrid Football Club Foundation
• Beijing and German Sports Universities
• Sport Australia Hall of Fame
• National Heart Foundation
• VicHealth
• National Ageing Research Institute
• Football Federation Victoria
• Tennis Australia
• Western Health
• Australian Football League (AFL).

Everything you learn with VU has direct links to the real world. We place a strong emphasis on clinical and practical learning.

A key part of your studies will be experiencing the true nature of working in a professional sports environment in your industry placements. With mentoring and support along the way, you will gain direct practical experience by taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it in the real world. These placements will provide you with confidence and a competitive advantage in the workforce.

Placements and cadetships take place with VU partner organisations such as Western Bulldogs Football Club, Melbourne Storm or Maribyrnong College.

You will have access to the amazing sport and exercise infrastructure and facilities at Victoria University’s Footscray Park Campus. We have the most comprehensive range of sport and exercise science facilities in the southern hemisphere.

The Institute for Health & Sport (IHES) is part of the world-class sport and learning precinct at the Footscray Park Campus. The facility features the most advanced sport and exercise technology available and is used by students, researchers, professional sports teams and community organisations.

At the Victoria University Community Sports Stadium you will learn alongside sport and recreation professionals. This stadium is a joint initiative with the Western Bulldogs.

Our facilities include:

• exercise physiology labs
• altitude hotel
• biomechanics labs
• motor learning and skilled performance labs
• heat chambers
• motor control and biofeedback labs
• integrated teaching and learning facilities.

Victoria University is Australia's most recognisable sport university. We have an outstanding reputation in sport, exercise science and health and fitness.

We have gained this through our extensive offering of sport-related courses and our world-class facilities. Also unique to VU is our significant research and partnerships, as well as our leading academic staff.

VU has the largest number of students enrolled in sport courses, and has more sports industry partners than any other university. We also have the most graduates working in the sport industry.

We received the highest possible ranking for human movement and sports science in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment.

Meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee entry into this course.

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
PLUS:
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
OR:
Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.

Special entry programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special admission programs

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of the course.

You should carefully consider the inherent requirement statement as a:

• guide for your learning during the course
• way for you to identify challenges you may have in studying this course.

Learn more about inherent requirements

Additional information

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Students will require a Working with Children Check and National Police Check to be eligible to undertake and participate in workplace visits, placements or projects. Use the following site links to obtain additional information:
http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274.

SUPERVISED PLACEMENT
The Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Practicum Standards specify that for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES), students need to complete a minimum total of 140 hours of practicum that is required to include at least 80 hours of activities to demonstrate competence in exercise assessment, prescription and delivery and up to 60 hours of any other activities within the scope of practice of an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES). The exercise assessment and prescription hours must be to improve health and fitness, well-being, or performance, and not for the treatment and/or management of a clinical condition or injury. Exercise delivery hours can be with non-clinical clients or with clinical clients when prescription is provided by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) or qualified health professional. No more than 15 hours can be undertaken in a simulated learning environment (SLE).

In terms of Supervision arrangements for Practicum, Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) specifies that all supervisors must be appropriately qualified and experienced for the activity being supervised and supervisors of exercise delivery must be trained in exercise prescription. At least 80 hours of practicum must be supervised by one of more of: a supervisor with a Bachelor degree in exercise and sport science or higher, an Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) level 2 qualification for strength and conditioning placements, or a qualified physical education teacher for placements in a school setting. Up to 60 hours may be supervised by a professional holding a formally recognised qualification for the activity being supervised, with any exercise assessment, prescription and delivery hours supervised by such an individual overseen by a supervision plan with an appropriately qualified and experienced supervisor as specified above.

SCL3004 Sport and Exercise Practice is designed to ensure that students meet these Practicum Standards. SCL3004 provides for practical placement. Prior to commencing practical placement in SCL3004 students must have a valid working with children check, current police check, and first aid and CPR certificate. In SCL3004 students must pass a theory practical readiness test and a practical readiness test to determine competency for placement before commencing placement. Students must also submit a 140 hours practicum placement logbook indicating they have worked with apparently healthy clients, and have these hours signed off in accordance with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) criteria, which must be graded by the practicum supervisor as “satisfactory”.