QUT’s degree in sport and exercise science is one of the first university programs in Australia to offer you a clear pathway into a career as accredited exercise scientist or accredited sports scientist. You will learn to apply complex  knowledge to the design, delivery, and evaluation of exercise programs, interventions and assessments that meet the specific needs of your clients.

During this course you will complete 280 hours of professional placement with organisations that may include sporting associations, fitness centres, school coaching programs, strength and conditioning programs, academies of sport and related organisations. Placement experiences may include:

• performance analysis of elite athletes and sportspeople
• strength and conditioning training
• school coaching and talent development
• corporate health.

You will develop confidence in using industry equipment and techniques with facilities on campus that include laboratories for biomechanics, motor control, injury prevention and resistance training. You will access technology that is used by elite sporting teams and coaches to analyse performance.

Your first year of study will focus on an introduction to exercise science, anatomy, physiology and coaching. You will begin to apply this knowledge in a sport and exercise science context with complementing studies in exercise psychology, physical activity and health.

During second year, you will continue with studies in core exercise science units of exercise physiology, motor control, skill acquisition and biomechanics, and begin to develop a more holistic understanding of the profession with studies in related areas including food and nutrition, and research in exercise and movement science.

Units in your final year concentrate on applied sport and exercise science, specifically sports physiology, sports injury prevention and rehabilitation, sports psychology and performance analysis. This is complemented with professional placement in an area that is of specific interest.

This course provides students with a defined career path as an Accredited Exercise Scientist or Accredited Sports Scientist. Graduates are prepared for a career in fitness, strength and conditioning coaching, performance analysis, corporate health, or exercise and sport science research.

You may be employed with sporting teams, community health providers, corporate organisations, education providers, gymnasiums and sports centres, or in the tourism industry.

A research career can lead to developments in sport and exercise science that result in healthier communities, and fitter and stronger athletes.

Professional recognition

This new course is provisionally accredited with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). QUT will seek full accreditation with ESSA to give graduates professional recognition as an accredited exercise physiologist
during 2019.

Graduates seeking professional recognition as a sports scientist level 1 will need to complete a further minimum of 80 hours of sport employment in order to meet ESSA requirements.

Possible careers

• Corporate Health Officer
• Performance Analyst
• Personal Trainer
• Sports Scientist
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Wellness Consultant