Bachelor of Human Movement
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2024
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 75.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 75.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV level or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Students commencing in July will follow an alternate degree structure to accommodate starting in Second Semester.
Degree overview
- Study the functioning of a healthy human body and the impact it has on a person’s holistic wellbeing.
- Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in health.1
- Tailor your degree to your interests and career goals through primary streams in Health and Physical Education, or Exercise and Sport Science.
- Graduate career ready with at least 75 hours of practical industry experience.
- Be taught by world-class staff, including Australia’s leading exercise scientists and physical activity specialists.
- Learn from SA’s No.1 university for human movement and sports science research.2
- Learn in dedicated facilities, such as our exercise physiology clinic, environmental chamber, exercise physiology laboratories, and UniSA Sport gyms.
- Continue your studies with multiple postgraduate options in physiotherapy, business, social work and primary or secondary teaching.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Health Services and Support – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 2The only university in SA to have all its assessed Human Movement and Sports Science research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Exercise and physical activity positively impacts human life in a variety of ways - biologically, psychologically and socially. In this industry-relevant degree, you'll develop a holistic understanding of these impacts.
You will develop a solid foundation in how the human body works, and can align your studies with your career aspirations by choosing one of two primary streams in either Exercise and Sport Science or Health and Physical Education.
You'll complete at least 75 hours of industry placement, allowing you to build professional networks while you study. You'll graduate with practical experience in areas including human movement, health and physical education, outdoor education, exercise science or health and wellbeing.
Tailor your degree even further and broaden your knowledge by selecting a secondary study stream from a wide range of options.
If you think secondary school teaching is for you, apply for the Bachelor of Human Movement/Master of Teaching (Secondary).
What you'll need
Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or industry 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
The Bachelor of Human Movement offers an exciting combination of theoretical, conceptual and hands on learning. From your first year, you can select from primary streams in either Exercise and Sport Science or Health and Physical Education.
If you choose to study the Exercise and Sport Science stream, you can also study a secondary stream in Advanced Exercise and Sport Science, Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports Coaching, Health Promotion or Nutrition.
If you pursue the Health and Physical Education Stream, you can study a second learning area chosen from a wide range of options including Outdoor Education, Mathematics, Science, English and Nutrition. Visit the Health and Physical Education (H&PE) teacher page to find out more.
During your first year of study, you'll develop a strong foundation in:
- human anatomy and physiology
- human movement
- health and physical activity
- motor development and ageing
- group and team psychology
Second year studies will focus on:
- motor learning and control
- human nutrition
- exercise physiology
- biomechanics
This degree teaches you practical skills and effective communication techniques to interact confidently with clients and peers, complete client screenings, conduct laboratory and field testing, interpret scientific research, and design and implement exercise and training programs.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- presentations
- reports
- research proposals
- essays and assignments
- examinations
- quizzes
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Human Movement
World-class teaching staff and state-of-the-art learning facilities make this degree a great choice for students passionate about exercise and physical activity.
UniSA is SA’s No 1. University for human movement and sport science research.1 Our on-campus facilities, such as the specialised exercise science laboratories, will be your training ground to develop practical skills and experience the hands-on nature of this growing industry.
Graduates are prepared for practice in health and fitness centres, sporting organisations, sports performance laboratories, community health, rehabilitation settings, and as physical activity providers.
You'll complete at least 75 hours of industry placement, allowing you to build networking opportunities while you study. You'll graduate with practical experience in the areas of human movement, health and physical education, outdoor education, exercise science or health and wellbeing.
In the third year, you may have the opportunity to study overseas by completing an international exchange in countries such as Norway, Canada, United States or the United Kingdom.
1The only university in SA to have all its assessed Human Movement and Sports Science research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Your career
Depending on your primary chosen stream, human movement graduates will be able to consider careers such as:
- 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.
- Sport development officer: coordinate 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 dietitians.
- Health and wellbeing advisor: provide advice on healthy active lifestyles and nutrition to support wellbeing.
- Outdoor education practitioner: lead 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.
Students in the Health and Physical Education stream can continue their studies with the Master of Teaching (Secondary), leading to teach Health and Physical Education (up to Year 12) and Junior Science (up to Year 10), as well as an additional learning area depending on your elective choices. For more information on the subjects you'll be able to teach, visit the Health and Physical Education (H&PE) teacher page.
Students in the Exercise and Sport Science stream are eligible to apply for accreditation and registration as an Accredited Exercise Scientist through Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA), as long as you have completed the required hours of practical experience.
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 in Nutrition and Food Sciences or Business (Sport and Recreation Management).
Other postgraduate coursework areas include physiotherapy, business, social work, primary teaching and research.
Where can my interest in health take me?
View our guide on Active Careers for more information.
Industry facts
To apply:
- Go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code*, then click Apply.
- You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.
*There are two SATAC codes – one for this degree, and one for this degree packaged with the Master of Teaching. You can apply to study this degree on its own. However if you already know you would like to combine it with a Master of Teaching, you can apply for both together.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Health (Sport)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Health)
- SAIBT Diploma of Health Science
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
As a hands-on degree, you’ll benefit from UniSA’s practical approach to learning. You'll have access to facilities including:
- Exercise Physiology Clinic
- environmental chamber
- exercise physiology laboratory
- biomechanics laboratory
- UniSA Sport gyms
- anatomy laboratories
- human performance and resistance training laboratory.
From 2025, students in our Human Movement, Exercise and Sport Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology programs will benefit from an integrated practical learning experience with the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI). You can study alongside elite athletes and leading industry experts, and learn how to use the latest equipment and sport science technology in new, purpose-built facilities.
You’ll also have access to a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.
Your program director
As program director I am responsible for the provision of academic leadership in the planning, management, development, improvement, quality assurance and growth of the suite of human movement degrees. I head a team of outstanding teachers and researchers who educate highly capable graduates who can engage in a wide range of industry and community settings, and can meaningfully contribute to a healthier and more just society.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
The Human Movement degree is a perfect spring board to kick-start any career in the ever-expanding health industry. I studied the linked pathway into the Master of Teaching and love working with young adolescents and seeing them active.
Kara Smallman
Bachelor of Human Movement
Sport Coordinator
