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Exercise & Sports Science

ECU's Sports Science program is internationally recognised and includes our postgraduate studies in Strength and Conditioning. High performance sports teams choose ECU for testing, including West Coast Eagles, Perth Glory and many other elite athletes.

Why ECU?

  • QILT logo

    ECU top in teaching quality

    For the fifth year in a row, ECU has received the top undergraduate teaching quality ranking of all 37 public universities in Australia.

    ECU was also the top-ranked public university in Australia for undergraduate skills development for the sixth year in a row.

    View QILT results.

  • The Good Universities Guide 2021

    Good Universities Guide

    In the 2021 Good Universities Guide, ECU graduates have given us a 5-star rating for teaching quality, skills development, student support, learning resources, learner engagement and overall student experience.

    The 5-star rating for teaching quality has now been achieved for 14 straight years.

    Read more about the Good Universities Guide.

  • THE World University Rankings 2020 Top 100 Young

    THE Young University Rankings

    ECU has been ranked in the world's top 100 universities under 50 years old in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) Young Universities Rankings, THE World University Rankings.

Courses

Study world ready

Our Exercise Science and Rehabilitation program was the first in Western Australia accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia.

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Download a guide

If you prefer paper over pixels, please download one of our guides.

Domestic Students

Study area guide Undergraduate course guide Postgraduate course guide

International Students

Create your own guide International student guide

Become World Ready

Experience Exercise & Sports Science at ECU.

World Ready facilities

Scholarship opportunities to reduce your expenses

Scholarships recognise those whose life journey may have been challenging, as well as students who've shown outstanding academic excellence and endeavour.

A scholarship can help you realise your ambitions by paying for fees, text books and living expenses.

Realise your dream with our scholarships

Students benefit from professional partnerships

ECU's sponsorship-based partnerships with sports industry leaders, such as the West Coast Eagles and Perth Wildcats, offer our students unique opportunities to go behind the scenes, gain industry insights, network and see what career prospects might be available after they graduate.

Last year, Exercise & Sports Science and Business students attended an afternoon of workshops and activities with coaches and management teams from the West Coast Eagles (pictured). Partnerships like this help students learn how the knowledge and skills they’re gaining from their courses can be applied in the real world.

Student aims for glory

Kristian Popovic, ECU Exercise and Sports Science student and Perth Glory footballer

"I am originally from Sydney, and was recommended to study at ECU by a well-known person in the field of sports science. Since starting at ECU, I have not been disappointed -the ECU Joondalup campus is large and home to the latest technology and facilities."

"The course has really helped me in my aspirations to be a pro-footballer, helping to develop my knowledge in areas such as recovery strategies, nutrition and coaching. I would highly recommend ECU to anybody looking to study sports science."

Kristian Popovic, ECU Exercise and Sports Science student and Perth Glory footballer.

Student stories

  • Exercise & Sports Science student Ricky LeGuay, working with the West Coast Eagles

    Ricky LeGuay

    Exercise & Sports Science student

    "I did my research beforehand and found Exercise & Sports Science can pave the way for different career paths"

    The course has taken my personal training to the next level (evidence-based training). It has also given me the opportunity to work with the West Coast Eagles.

    I went to China last year and worked with coaches from China's Olympic team and I will possibly be in Sri Lanka later this year with their athletes and continue to fast track my development as a Sports Scientist.

    I did my research beforehand and found Exercise & Sports Science can pave the way for different career paths. Strength & Conditioning, Exercise Physiology and Teaching Physical Education to name a few, but there are so many more.

    I chose ECU because of their corporate partnerships with some of our country's biggest sporting organisations, including the West Coast Eagles, WACA, Wildcats, etc.

    When asked about Ricky's placement, West Coast Eagles General Manager (Community and Game Development) Richard O'Connell said, "Ricky is actively involved in the running of our Academies, learning from experienced coaches and elite players."

    "His enthusiasm is a great reflection of the support Edith Cowan University provide their students. His journey is a great path for others to follow.

  • Yosuke Kotani

    Yosuke Kotani

    Integrated PhD candidate (Exercise Science)

    "I would like to become a professor and strength and conditioning coach"

    I got a masters degree in the United States, but had no research experience before I came to ECU. I wanted to pursue my PhD under Dr. Haff and Dr. Nosaka, plus ECU is ranked 13th in the world in the field of exercise science.

    The first year of the Integrated PhD really helped me to gain research skills such as writing, reading, presenting, and skills needed for experimentation. My supervisors have been devoting so much of their time to assist me to gain these skills.

    In the longer term, I would like to become a professor and strength and conditioning coach at the university and to coach elite athletes.

  • Eric Mackenzie

    ECU Exercise and Sports Science graduate

    "A day in the life"

    Exercise and Sports Science graduate and West Coast Eagles key defender Eric Mackenzie shares a typical day in his busy life.