Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement & Health Studies)

Human Movement students train clients in the HLS Gym

Program overview

Human Movement and Health Studies students will learn to advocate, assess, prescribe and conduct general physical activity and fitness training schedules. While the program includes a considerable amount of work in the nutrition area and some introductory sports psychology, graduates will not be able to seek registration as nutritionists or sports psychologists on the basis of this degree alone. However, additional study electives are available for students who wish to pursue these interests.

Graduates may undertake projects with other health science professionals in the area of human movement. They may also be involved in understanding and addressing the social barriers to physical activity participation, including age, gender, physical environments, cost, cultural backgrounds and personal safety.

What will I study?

In the first year students undertake introductory studies in core areas such as anatomy and physiology, the sociology of health and physical activity and biomechanics.

During the second year students complete additional core courses in nutrition and exercise physiology. They also begin to focus on areas of interest and expand their knowledge by choosing from four study streams in the areas of Exercise and Sport Science; Health and Physical Education; Health Promotion; and Outdoor Education.

In the final year students complete their last core course in lifespan growth and motor development and continue their study stream, selecting appropriate electives to best prepare them for their future career.

In practical classes, held in specialised facilities housing exercise physiology and biomechanics laboratories, students work on human models to learn how to measure specific fitness determinants, prescribe exercise regimes and provide nutrition advice. Students have the opportunity through a field study practical elective to undertake 100 hours of experience in workplaces such as health and fitness centres, health promotion agencies, elite sporting organisations, aged care facilities or work with individual allied health professionals in the prescription of exercise.

What does it take?

Students should have a passion for physical activity and, in particular, an understanding of the role that it can play in the development of strong, positive identities and self-esteem. They should also have an interest in the development and maintenance of good health and fitness practices, and the ways this can be encouraged. Students should be observant with the ability to analyse and solve complex scientific and humanistic problems. They also need good written and verbal communication skills, which assist both throughout the duration of the program and in professional settings. While the program does not aim to make students better athletes, many of the courses will provide an insight into the requirements for elite/high level performance. Students will be expected to take part in numerous laboratory and practical sessions.

Who will employ me?

Graduates may find employment in a diverse range of positions, both within Australia and overseas. They may secure work in the sport, fitness, rehabilitation, health, education or recreation industries as exercise physiologists or scientists; outdoor education and recreation consultants; occupational ergonomists; physical training officers; community health workers; sports coaches; sports nutrition advisers; or sports, recreation, health or retail representatives. There are also opportunities in exercise physiology areas and this degree prepares students to begin the process of accreditation as a practising Exercise Physiologist. Graduates have the potential to work in health clinics or own their own business.