Frequently asked questions
These questions relate to prospective undergraduate students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. International students should refer to Programs, fees and entry requirements for international students.
- What were the TER cut-off scores for 2007 entry?
- What is the full-time duration of the program?
- At which campus will I be studying?
- What are the prerequisites?
- What are the career opportunities?
- How can I gain entry to the program?
- How do I apply?
- What can I do if I don't get offered a place?
- Can I defer once I have been accepted?
- How much does it cost?
- Can I get credit for prior tertiary study?
- Can I complete the programs externally or part-time?
- Further information
What were the TER cut-off scores for 2007 entry?
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement and Health Studies) - IBHT: 83.50
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement and Health Studies) and Bachelor of Education (Middle and Secondary) - IBHU: 88.8
- Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Diagnostic Radiography) - IBMI: 95.05
- Bachelor of Medical Radiation (Radiation Therapy) - IBMI: 91.15
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) - IBOC: 92.20
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy - IBPZ: 98.45
- Bachelor of Podiatry- IBOP: 94.25
Further information is available from the SATAC website.
What is the full-time duration of the program?
- Human Movement and Health Studies - 3 years
- Double Degree - Human Movement and Health Studies and Education - 4 years
- Medical Radiation - 4 years
- Occupational Therapy - 4 years
- Physiotherapy - 4 years
- Podiatry - 4 years
At which campus will I be studying?
Most Health Science programs are taught at the City East campus with the exception of a number of courses in the Human Movement programs that are taught at Mawson Lakes Campus.
What are the prerequisites?
Human Movement
There are no pre-requisites but this is an applied science degree so you should expect to be doing some science based courses.
Medical Radiation
No prerequisites.
Occupational Therapy
None. Year 12 Biology is useful, but not essential. You need four PES and/or PAS and one PES, PAS or SAS. Choose subjects in which you are likely to obtain your highest score.
Podiatry
None. Knowledge of Stage One Physics and Chemistry and Stage Two Biology is assumed because a background in these courses helps with a number of courses in first and second year. You can still gain entry without these subjects, but may need to do some additional background reading and study to assist you with understanding some aspects of the course content.
Physiotherapy
None. Stage 2 Biology and Physics are assumed knowledge because a background in Biology and Physics assists in a number of first year Physiotherapy courses. However, you may still gain entry without Biology and Physics.
What are the career opportunities?
Human Movement
There is a diverse range of employment opportunities both within Australia and internationally for graduates with a Human Movement degree. Graduates generally follow one of three pathways:
- Enter the Bachelor of Education (Specialisation) award to qualify as a secondary school Health and Physical Education teacher. Some also pursue Outdoor Education or Nutrition in this specialisation
- Embark on further study – whether it be Honours, Masters, PhD or additional postgraduate qualifications in the Health Sciences area
- Work in sports administration/management, rehabilitation, exercise consulting, sales, coaching/training, outdoor adventure programs, corporate health and fitness
- The base salary for a Human Movement graduate is about $30 000, and around $37 000 for first year Health and Physical Education teachers.
Medical Radiation
Medical Radiation graduates can expect to follow careers in hospitals and private practice as diagnostic radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists or radiation therapists according to the speciality they selected during their studies. After graduates complete a professional development year in Australia they are also eligible for employment overseas where their skills are highly regarded.
Occupational Therapy
Graduates follow careers in a variety of roles including clinician, consultant, academic and policy maker. Workplaces are also varied and may include hospitals, rehabilitation centres, special schools and private practice. The starting salary for an Occupational Therapy graduate is about $34 000.
Physiotherapy
Graduates are eligible for registration throughout Australia and New Zealand and the Bachelor of Physiotherapy is also recognised internationally so graduates may obtain registration to work overseas. The starting salary for hospital physiotherapists is about $47,134, and generally higher for those working in private practice.
Podiatry
Most podiatrists follow careers in private practice but graduates are also employed in hospitals, community health centres and domiciliary care centres. Graduates can expect a starting salary of
$34 000.
How can I gain entry to the program?
- Directly from year 12 or the equivalent (based on the TER).
- As a tertiary transfer student, that is, if you have completed one semester or more of study at university level. Entry is based on your grade point average during your tertiary study. If you have completed one year or less of tertiary study, selection will be by the better of your school leaver score or university grade point average. No preference is given to students seeking to transfer from particular programs.
- Mature entry (over 21 years of age) - selection is based on the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
- Special entry (if you left high school prior to completing year 12, or your former high school scores were not sufficient to gain entry) - consult the SATAC Guide for specific criteria for special entry students. Entry is on the basis of results of sitting the STAT.
How do I apply?
All undergraduate program applications are processed by the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). The SATAC Guide is distributed each year in schools and is also available at newsagents or from SATAC. Visit the SATAC website for further information and details of the application process.
Postgraduate and Graduate Entry programs are direct entry to the University and the application process is through the University Apply On-line system.
What can I do if I don’t get offered a place?
- If you are a school leaver you could do a year 13 to improve your SACE score, or enter another university program and then apply for a tertiary transfer the next year (be sure to choose a program that you would be happy to continue should you be unsuccessful in obtaining a transfer).
- For tertiary transfer students who are unsuccessful applying for a transfer, you can aim to achieve a higher grade point average.
Can I defer once I have been accepted?
Yes, you may apply to defer your entry for one year only. If you do not take up the offer the following year you will be required to reapply for entry through SATAC.
How much does it cost?
Australian citizens or residents can pay fees via the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP). A different fee structure applies for international students.
Note that some programs may have additional expenses depending on the courses selected and there are miscellaneous costs for texts, notes etc.
Can I get credit for prior tertiary study?
You may apply to receive credit and it is granted at the discretion of the Program Director. To obtain credit see the Program Director at enrolment or early in the semester, or you can enquire at Campus Central. You will need to provide transcripts and details of your prior study.
Can I complete the programs externally or part-time?
Human Movement
Internal only. May be completed part-time upon negotiation with the Program Director.
Medical Radiation
Internal only. It is strongly recommended that the program be undertaken full-time.
Occupational Therapy
Internal only. It is strongly recommended that the program be undertaken full-time.
Physiotherapy
Internal only. It is strongly recommended that the program be undertaken full-time.
Podiatry
Internal only. First and second year can be undertaken part-time, but due to the program’s clinical requirements, third year must be undertaken full-time.
Further information
See the Medical and Health Sciences discipline brochure.