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Bachelor of Exercise Science / Master of Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology

Help us shape the future of health
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
Accelerate your career in a range of clinical and non-clinical settings with three qualifications in five years. With the UNSW Bachelor of Exercise Science/Master of Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology, you'll draw on three areas of practice to help people recover from injury and illness.
Commencing Terms
Term 1
Duration
5 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
UAC code 428500
Program code 3896
CRICOS code 109399M
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank
98.0
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$11,000*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$58,000*

International application pause for 2025 intakes

Applications for international students to study at UNSW in 2025 are currently paused. Please submit your expression of interest to join our application waitlist so we can contact you.

Overview

Push the boundaries of traditional practice with an extensive education in exercise science, physiotherapy and exercise physiology. This unique degree combination will prepare you to provide more comprehensive care for patients across three areas of practice. Prepare yourself for an exciting career in clinical settings such as hospitals or private practices, as well as non-clinical roles such as working with sporting teams or leading advocacy in healthcare management and policy. 

Exercise scientists are specialists in the human body both at rest and in response to exercise. Exercise scientists gain knowledge in a broad array of subdisciplines such as biomechanics, motor control and exercise prescription – they use this knowledge to better prescribe exercise for the maintenance of health and improvement of performance.

Physiotherapists are experts in the structure and movement of the human body. Physiotherapists use hands-on physical therapy, tailored exercises, rehabilitation technologies and lifestyle modifications to help people affected by injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and neurological and cardiovascular disorders. Along with improving mobility and function, physiotherapists provide health education to prevent further injury or illness.

Exercise physiologists use physical activity as a rehabilitative and preventative therapy. Exercise prescriptions are used to manage a wide range of conditions including cancers, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, respiratory, neurologic and mental health conditions.

In just five years, you’ll gain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, which will accelerate your career in health. When studied separately, this set of qualifications would normally take a minimum of six to seven years to complete. This degree has an embedded professional practice stream, where you’ll learn alongside students from our dietetics and food innovation, clinical exercise physiology and pharmacy programs. You’ll develop key interprofessional skills such as effective communication, cultural safety and competence, leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship and business management. The stream provides an opportunity to start building connections with your future health colleagues and mirrors real-world practice, where professionals work in integrated healthcare teams. You’ll gain an understanding of how different teams work together to improve patient outcomes, such as how and when to refer a client to another health professional. 

This degree will prepare you to work as an exercise scientist, physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, workplace rehabilitation consultant, wellness coordinator or clinical research assistant.

If you're passionate about helping people improve their quality of life, this degree will set you on the path to a fulfilling career.

Key features

  • This five-year program provides unmatched hands-on learning opportunities with scope to learn, explore and develop as a healthcare professional. Your hands-on training starts in year one, giving you time to build confidence in your ability to practice by applying what you learn to real-world scenarios. When you graduate, you’ll be highly skilled, adaptable and well-prepared for a wide spectrum of healthcare settings.

    This structure allows for a broad range of clinical placements including musculoskeletal (e.g., sports injuries), hospital-based (e.g., cardiorespiratory and intensive care), rehabilitation (e.g., neurological and orthopaedic) and more specialised categories (e.g., paediatrics, women’s health, men’s health). This breadth of practical training across a range of clinical environments will ensure you become a well-rounded, competent practitioner. This broad experience also gives you the opportunity to try out different areas to discover what you're interested in and what career path you'd like to pursue. 

    • We offer 1400 hours of physiotherapy placements across the five years. 
    • We offer 140 hours of exercise science placements and 360 hours of exercise physiology placements throughout your degree.
    • Regional, rural and international placements may be undertaken in your fifth year. 
  • Best practice healthcare requires a high degree of collaboration among professionals from different disciplines. This degree has an embedded professional practice stream, where you’ll learn alongside students from our dietetics and food innovation, clinical exercise physiology and pharmacy programs. Our professional practice stream includes seven courses, which will teach you critical interprofessional skills in:

    • professionalism and communication
    • teamwork and collaboration
    • evidence-based and value-based healthcare
    • ethics and law
    • leadership and business management skills
    • innovation and entrepreneurship
    • advocacy
    • investigation and creative problem-solving
  • We have connections with some of Australia’s best hospitals, private practices and health organisations. You'll have contact with industry professionals throughout your degree, giving you the opportunity to grow your professional network while you study and gain a head start in your career.

    Our staff have extensive industry experience with many still actively working in the sector. This means our teaching is informed by the latest industry trends and developments. You’ll also benefit from UNSW’s numerous sporting partnerships with high profile clubs including the Sydney Swans, NSW Waratahs and Sydney FC.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

  • As one of the world's top medical schools*, we're creating the health leaders of tomorrow. Our diverse community of students, educators, clinicians and researchers are working together to tackle the world's most pressing health challenges. 

    Our internationally recognised research centres and institutes are translating ground-breaking research into cures, treatment strategies and therapies. This degree offers research opportunities to develop your investigative skills and provide a pathway if you want to pursue a career in research. You’ll gain a strong understanding of research methods and the application of research to practice. You’ll learn how to apply the principles of evidence-based practice and value-based care to inform your clinical decisions.

    *Ranked 54th globally according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

  • The combination of three complementary disciplines enhances and diversifies your career prospects. You'll be able to care for healthy as well as chronic disease populations across three areas of practice.

    For the client, this leads to improved continuity of care. As the practitioner, you'll benefit from being able to provide multiple services, generate an extended income stream and have more time to build rapport with your clients. For example, a client may present to a physiotherapist with an injury that requires diagnosis and treatment. Following this initial treatment, the client may then work with an exercise physiologist to continue their ongoing rehabilitation. Exercise physiologists develop exercise prescriptions that may then be delivered by an exercise scientist. This example demonstrates how your breadth of skills will enable you to care for clients across all phases of the injury cycle, rather than referring to another practitioner.

    This unique degree provides you with the breadth of knowledge, skills and experience that employers are looking for.

  • Significant industry consultation was undertaken to ensure our programs align with industry needs, both in contemporary and future practice. This degree has a strong focus on evidence-based and reflective practice, interprofessional education and healthcare ethics. It also supports the development of high-level clinical reasoning and professional communication skills. 

    The professional practice stream supports the development of management and entrepreneurial skills, which provides a pathway to leadership positions in health. These skills build resilience and provide you with career security as you'll be able to draw upon your interdisciplinary skills to adapt to changes in the industry. 

    We're building a community of effective and empathetic healthcare practitioners. Our professional practice stream provides training in mental health, cultural safety and advocacy to ensure you can provide all people with the care they need.

  • UNSW Medicine & Health offers a diverse range of facilities across our Kensington campus, rural and metropolitan teaching hospitals and our world-class research centres and institutes. You’ll be learning in our exercise physiology laboratories and purpose-built research spaces. Once complete, our transformed Village Green will provide a brand-new world-class sport and leisure environment.

    The UNSW Health Translation Hub (UNSW HTH), which will soon form part of the wider Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct, reflects our commitment to transforming healthcare. The UNSW HTH will integrate health education, training and research with healthcare services to drive improvements in patient care and health outcomes. Through the UNSW HTH, you’ll have opportunities to work in interprofessional clinics and pursue research interests.

    Our UNSW Lifestyle Clinic brings together some of Australia’s most innovative teams of healthcare professionals and researchers. The Clinic provides a practical learning environment where you can gain hands-on training, complete clinical placements and engage with the community.

Program Code
3896
CRICOS Code
109399M
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
428500
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
240
Lowest Selection Rank
98.0

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Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank
98.0
2024 A levels
18.0
2024 IB Diploma
41.0
2024 Lowest ATAR
87.6
    1. The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
    2. The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

Assumed knowledge

Chemistry, Mathematics Advanced

Student expectations

As an accredited program, there are certain professional requirements that students are expected to meet. The following document outlines some of the professional expectations to help prospective students make informed choices about future study and professional requirements. UNSW welcomes and encourages applications from students with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds. A range of support measures are available through our Equitable Learning Services so that students are able to undertake their course requirements. 

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways


Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW. 

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study. 

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International entry

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

The Bachelor of Exercise Science/Master of Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology is completed over five years of full-time study. The program is made up of 41 courses total, including seven professional practice courses. Students are encouraged to undertake full-time study and complete the program over five years. 

Full program structure

  • In year one, your courses will focus on human anatomy and physiology, nutrition and biomechanics. Your professional practice courses will teach you how to navigate the Australian healthcare system and work with other health professionals to deliver high-quality care. 

    • Academic Preparation for Health Studies
    • Molecules, Cells and Genes 
    • Exercise and Nutrition (General Education)
    • Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics 1
    • Interprofessional Practice and Collaborative Care
    • Human Systems 1
    • Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics 2
    • Human Systems 2
    • Exercise Physiology and Metabolism
  • In your second year, your courses will focus on human anatomy and physiology, motor control, exercise prescription and exercise physiology. Your professional practice courses will explore the social determinants of health and principles of evidence-based practice.

    • Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics 3
    • Exercise Assessment and Testing 
    • Neuroanatomy Fundamentals for Allied Health
    • Exercise Prescription and Delivery
    • Driving Behaviour Change 1
    • Motor Learning and Motor Control
    • Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1
    • Appraising and Applying Evidence for Allied Health Practice 
  • In your third year, you’ll complete integrated learning placements to complete your Bachelor of Exercise Science. You’ll be introduced to a wide spectrum of physiotherapy practices, including cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, neurological physiotherapy, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, exercise prescription across the lifespan and rehabilitation for chronic conditions. Your professional practice courses will explore mental health, negotiation and advocacy. 

    • Exercise and Health Across the Lifespan
    • Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2
    • Driving Behaviour Change 2
    • Neurological Physiotherapy
    • Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
    • Rehabilitation for Chronic Conditions
    • Exercise Science Professional Placement
    • Leading Change in the Health Professions
  • In your fourth year, you’ll complete a range of clinical courses, work placements and advanced training across exercise physiology, acute physiotherapy care, neurological rehabilitation and musculoskeletal conditions. Your professional practice courses will teach you how to identify and solve real-world problems in clinical health practice. 

    • Advanced Neurological Rehabilitation for Physiotherapy
    • Acute Physiotherapy Care
    • Professional Placement A
    • Professional Placement B
    • Physiotherapy Clinical Placement 1
    • Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice
    • Professional Placement C
    • Identifying and Solving Clinical Problems
  • In your fifth year, you’ll learn how to manage sports and complex musculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan. Along with advanced research courses, you’ll complete a range of clinical placements in physiotherapy. Your final course in the professional practice stream will focus on your career development, including how to secure roles in health and how to manage a private practice.

    • Specialist Physiotherapy Practice
    • Physiotherapy Clinical Placement 2
    • Advanced Research Training
    • Sports Physiotherapy
    • Health Research Project
    • Preparing for a Career in Health and Beyond
    • Physiotherapy Clinical Placement 3
    • Physiotherapy Clinical Placement 4

Future careers

Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists are in high demand in Australia and overseas and find employment in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings. The Bachelor of Exercise Science/Master of Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology opens up a wide range of career opportunities. This degree will prepare you to work as an accredited exercise scientist, exercise physiologist and physiotherapist, and pursue a diverse range of roles such as workplace rehabilitation consultant, wellness coordinator or clinical research assistant.

You'll have the skills to work with healthy and chronic disease populations across a range of settings, including:

  • public and private hospitals 
  • private practice 
  • aged care 
  • mental health clinics 
  • community exercise and physical activity programs
  • workplace health and rehabilitation
  • sporting organisations

The exercise physiology and physiotherapy professions are growing, with Medicare, Work Cover, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Department of Veteran Affairs and most private health insurers covering services. 

This unique degree provides you with the breadth of knowledge, skills and experience that employers are looking for.

Accreditation

This program is accredited for 2 years with conditions by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) and has qualifying accreditation from Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) at the level of Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology. The program will be submitted for consideration of full accreditation at the required stage.

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$11,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$58,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$55,500*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$308,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.


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Rashmi Jayathilake

Rashmi Jayathilake

Medicine Student

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