Future Students

Exercise and Health

A sound basis in theory is combined with practical, technical and communication skills to produce a well-rounded graduate. The mix of core and elective units enables specialisation in several fields. The program is accredited by the Australian Association of Exercise and Sport Science (AAESS).

Sport Science, Exercise and Health can be studied as a major in the Bachelor of Science, which allows you flexibility in the choice of your second major and elective units. Or, you can enrol in the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Health), a named program that provides a structured focus on exercise science and complementary topics.

Level 1
At Level 1, besides the core units, human movement and human biology, you will choose from options such as anthropology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, economics and commerce, health and fitness, information technology, mathematics/statistics, physics, or psychology. Maths may be required.

Level 2 and 3
In the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Health) you will complete one of two majors: Exercise and Health Science (which can be combined with a major in a different subject) or Physical and Health Education (which occupies your full third year). You study topics such as:

• Biomechanics - how the body best moves in activities ranging from elite to disabled performance
• Sport and Exercise Physiology - the changes that take place in the body during exercise
• Sport and Exercise Psychology - why people take part in physical activity, and how it affects their health and wellbeing
• Motor Control and Learning - how intricate and simple motor skills are best learned in sports activities
• Exercise Rehabilitation - how exercise may be used to assist in returning humans to full function for daily living after injury
• Most units include a component of practical physical activity, such as tennis, swimming, ballroom dancing or triathlon

Additional studies
Following on from your Level 3 studies you can apply for entry to a fourth year to add a professional qualification to your degree. There are two possibilities:

Physical and Health Education
(available to students who have completed either the Bachelor of Science, majoring in Sport Science, Exercise and Health, or the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Health) with a major in physical and health education).

If you are interested in a teaching career you can complete a Graduate Diploma in Education. During your Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Health) you will need to include studies in a teaching area other than physical and health education (such as anatomy and human biology). Your Diploma year includes not only teaching philosophy and practice but also corporate health and fitness education for those planning to work in the corporate health sector.

Exercise and Rehabilitation Science
(available to students who have completed the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Health) with the specified Level 3 prerequisites). If you wish to specialise in the field of rehabilitation of worksite and sporting injuries, you can complete the fourth-level Bachelor of Exercise and Rehabilitation Science. Practical experiences are a compulsory part of this course.

Career opportunities

There are many exciting careers you can pursue by completing a BSc (Exercise and Health Science). The students in this course are a mix of local, interstate and international people with a general interest in sport, exercise, health, rehabilitation and management. The course provides you with vocational, communication, research and organisational skills. These lead to diverse employment opportunities such as:

• Education – physical education or outdoor education teacher
• Fitness industry – fitness centre manager
• Local government – recreation officer
• Health science and exercise rehabilitation – health promotion officer
• Occupational health and safety/risk management –health and safety officer
• Marketing/management – marketing and program manager
• Sales – sales consultant
• Public service