Exercise and physical activity positively affect human life in a variety of ways - biologically, psychologically and socially. In this industry-relevant degree you will develop a holistic understanding of these impacts.

You can align your studies with your career aspirations, with the opportunity to select one of two primary streams in Exercise and Sport Science or Health and Physical Education. There is also the opportunity to select secondary study streams in Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports Coaching, Outdoor Education, Health Promotion, Nutrition or Advanced Exercise and Sport Science.

If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Human Movement/Master of Teaching (Secondary). Please see the Your Career section below for more information.

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

What you'll learn

During your first year of study, you will develop a strong foundation in:

• human anatomy and physiology
• human movement professional practice
• health and physical activity
• growth and motor development
• group and team psychology.

Second year studies will focus on:

• motor learning
• nutrition
• exercise physiology
• biomechanics
• specialist knowledge through electives.

During your final year you will focus largely on your chosen stream, in addition to core courses in sociology of health and physical activity. You can choose to complete a stream in one of the following areas:

• Health and Physical Education
• Rehabilitation Sciences
• Sports Coaching
• Outdoor Education
• Health Promotion.

You will also develop knowledge in two additional specialist areas, choosing from physical education, coaching, health, outdoor education, rehabilitation or nutrition.

This degree teaches you practical skills and effective communication skills to facilitate interaction with a range of clients and peers, complete client screening, conduct laboratory and field testing, interpret scientific research and design and implement physical activity, exercise and training programs.

Depending on your primary chosen stream, human movement graduates will be able to consider careers such as:

• Sport development officer: responsible for coordinating club and athlete participation in sports programs, as well as improving the performance of individuals and teams
• Community and allied health worker: support and assist the work of allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and dieticians
• Health and wellbeing advisor: provide advice on healthy active lifestyles and nutrition to support wellbeing
• Human Movement practitioner: engage a broad population of people and groups throughout the lifespan to be more physically active using a broad range of modalities for health, fitness and wellbeing
• Outdoor education practitioner: facilitate nature-based outdoor learning experiences for personal and group development, health and wellbeing, environmental learning, sustainability and social justice
• Sports coach: provide expert training advice to sporting professionals, and analyse their performances to provide further feedback and development strategies.

Those students in the Health and Physical Education stream can continue their studies in either primary or secondary teaching, leading to a career as a primary specialist Health and Physical Education or Science teacher, or a secondary school teacher in Health and PE and Junior Science, as well as a third learning area depending on your electives. For more information including subjects you'll be able to teach, visit our secondary health and physical education teaching page.

Become even more employable by combining your Bachelor of Human Movement degree with another degree. With just one year of extra study you can graduate with a double degree. Your options include Nutrition and Food Sciences or Psychological Science (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills).

Other postgraduate coursework areas include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, business, journalism and social work.