Study Bachelor of Human Movement, Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 75.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 70.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
View full entry requirements

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.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

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 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
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Students commencing in July will follow an alternate degree structure to accommodate starting in Second Semester.

Degree overview

Combine your passion for health and exercise with nutrition, and graduate with two highly complementary qualifications with only one extra year of study.
Tailor your degree to your interests and career goals through streams in Health and Physical Education, or Exercise and Sport Science.
Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers.¹
Graduate career ready by engaging with at least 75 hours of practical workplace experience during your studies.
Learn in dedicated facilities, such as our exercise physiology clinic, environmental chamber, and dedicated nutrition and food sciences hub.
Be taught by world-class teaching staff, including Australia’s leading exercise scientists and physical activity specialists.
Choose a university with well above world-class research in human movement and sport science, as well as nutrition and dietetics.²
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 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. ²2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ³Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Human Movement alumni instructing a yoga class

This double degree is for students who want to combine their passion for health and exercise with their interest in nutrition.

Through theoretical and practical learning, you’ll develop a deep understanding of holistic health and how exercise and nutrition directly impact each other. Participating in at least 75 hours of practical experience from an industry placement, you'll graduate ready to improve the nutritional and physical health, fitness and wellbeing of the community.

You'll learn from world-class industry experts in an environment full of opportunities for practical learning, and have the opportunity to complete a work placement with valuable industry experience. You can also tailor your degree to align with your career goals by choosing a primary stream in either Health and Physical Education, or Exercise and Sport Science.

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

This double degree offers a strong blend of theoretical, practice-based and industry learning.

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

physiology
health and physical activity
nutrition and food sciences
chemistry
motor development and ageing
group and team psychology
evidence based practice and research methods

From your second year, you can choose to tailor the human movement component of the degree using the electives to suit your career goals, through primary streams in Health and Physical Education or Exercise and Sport Science.

In addition to studying core subjects in your final years, the stream subjects focus on areas like exercise prescription, exercise delivery, fitness and lifestyle management, and outdoor leadership. Alternatively, you can opt not to study a stream, and instead choose to study a broad range of elective subjects to give you a multi-disciplinary perspective.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Physical Activity and Health	HLTH 1044	4.5
Physiology Essentials 100	BIOL 1051	4.5
Chemistry 100	CHEM 1006	4.5
Foundations in Human Movement, Exercise and Sports Science	HLTH 1039	4.5
OR
Introduction to Nutrition and Food Sciences 1	BIOL 1041	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Group and Team Leadership	HLTH 1017	4.5
Motor Development and Ageing	HLTH 1065	4.5
Chemistry of Food	FOSC 2002	4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences	HLTH 1049	4.5
OR
Quantitative Methods in Health	MATH 1065	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Anatomy 100	HLTH 1020	4.5
Human Nutrition	HLTH 2001	4.5
Exercise Physiology 1	HLTH 2006	4.5
Biology A	BIOL 1007	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Biomechanics of Human Movement	HLTH 2025	4.5
Food Innovation and Culinary Nutrition	FOSC 2007	4.5
Sensory and Consumer Evaluation of Foods	FOSC 2004	4.5
Elective		4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Motor Control and Learning	HLTH 2026	4.5
Biochemistry	BIOL 2014	4.5
Microbiology	BIOL 2051	4.5
Elective		4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Lifespan Physiology	BIOL 2052	4.5
Food Safety and Regulation	FOSC 2006	4.5
Elective		4.5
Elective		4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Communication in Nutrition and Food Sciences	FOSC 3014	4.5
Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Management	HLTH 3001	4.5
Professional Practice in Human Movement	HLTH 3085	4.5	Rule(s): 2
Elective		4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Sports Nutrition	HLTH 3002	4.5
Biochemistry of Human Metabolism	BIOL 3035	4.5
Sociology of Health, Physical Activity and Sport	HLTH 3055	4.5
Elective		4.5

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Exercise and Sports Science
Exercise Physiology 2	HLTH 2005	4.5
Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology	HLTH 3014	4.5
Exercise Prescription and Delivery 2	HLTH 3011	4.5
Exercise Prescription and Delivery 1	HLTH 2027	4.5
Functional Anatomy	HLTH 1045	4.5
Exercise and Sport Science Project Design	HLTH 3053	4.5
Health and Physical Education
UO Applications in Nutrition and Exercise	HLTH 3067	4.5
Foundations of Outdoor Leadership	HLTH 2024	4.5
Dance as Education and Recreation	EDUC 3066	4.5
Health Risks and Relationship Education	HLTH 2013	4.5
Fitness and Lifestyle Management	HLTH 1013	4.5
Principles of Teaching and Coaching	HLTH 1027	4.5
Optional Electives
Principles of Teaching and Coaching	HLTH 1027	4.5
Human Anatomy 101	HLTH 1030	4.5
Introduction to Public Health	HLTH 1038	4.5
Human Anatomy 200	HLTH 2022	4.5
Public Health and Wellbeing Practice	HLTH 3048	4.5
Leadership in Terrestrial Environments	HLTH 3051	4.5
Leadership in Aquatic Environments	HLTH 3050	4.5
Anthropometry and Body Image	HLTH 3016	4.5
Small Business for Professionals	BUSS 2040	4.5
Performance Analysis and Player Monitoring	HLTH 3043	4.5
Community Service Learning Project 1	EDUC 4186	4.5
Health Promotion Concepts	HLTH 1041	4.5
Health Systems and Services	HLTH 1040	4.5
Designing and Managing Health Projects	HLTH 2023	4.5
Outdoor, Wilderness and Adventure Education	HLTH 3052	4.5
Peers, Relationships and Health	EDUC 4213	4.5
Human Movement Neuroscience	HLTH 3049	4.5
Cultural Experience in Health Science	HLTH 3069	4.5
Pain Mechanisms and Management	REHB 3066	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.

2. Students must have a 'Provide First Aid Certificate', Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR) and Mandatory Notification Training Certificate, prior to the commencement of any field placement.

3. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.

Notes

1. There may be incidental fees depending on the choice of elective course.

2. All electives may not be available each year.

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
quizzes
assignments
research assignments
essays
examinations

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, Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences

Nutrition and Food Sciences students in the biology lab

World-class teaching staff and state-of-the-art learning facilities make this double degree a great choice to gain expertise in the body's physical and nutritional function.

This unique double degree from UniSA enables students to graduate with two qualifications with only one extra year of study.

UniSA is SA’s No 1. University for human movement and sport science research.¹ Our state-of-the-art on-campus facilities, including specialised exercise science laboratories and commercial kitchen, are excellent spaces to develop your practical skills and experience the hands-on nature of the health industry.

You’ll graduate with at least 75 hours of practical experience from an industry placement in the areas of human movement, nutrition, health and physical education, or exercise science.

Graduates are eligible to apply for professional membership with the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) and can start their registration pathway towards becoming a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) with the Nutrition Society of Australia.

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).

Real-world connections

UniSA has strong alliances with industry, ranging from elite and local sporting clubs to not-for-profit organisations.

You'll complete an industry placement as part of your study, further enhancing your industry networks and relationships. Our industry placement providers include elite and community sports clubs, public and private schools, gyms and fitness centres, aged care, local councils and not-for-profit organisations.

We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

As the health, nutrition, exercise and wellness industries continue to grow, employment prospects for graduates are promising.

Depending on your chosen stream, you may gain employment as a:

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.
Sports and fitness nutritionist: optimise the health and performance of athletes.
Community nutritionist: create changes in attitude toward nutrition and health; plan and co-ordinate nutrition programs; provide advice, guidance and support to the community.
Health promotion officer: plan and coordinate health promotion programs for various community groups.
Nutrition and food policy advisor: provide health and nutrition advice to the public.
Community and allied health worker: support and assist the work of allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and dietitians.
Health and wellbeing nutrition advisor: create nutrition plans, advise on dietary habits and monitor a client’s progress.
Sport development officer: coordinate club and athlete participation in sports programs, as well as improving the performance of individuals and teams.
Researcher: plan and conduct laboratory-based investigations, experiments and trials; and analyse results to broaden scientific understanding.

You'll be able to apply for official registration with the Nutrition Society of Australia as an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr), leading to become a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr), typically after three years of experience.

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 and Nutrition (up to Year 12) and Junior Science (up to Year 10). For more information on the subjects you'll be able to teach, visit our Health and & Physical Education (H&PE) teaching 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.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for professional membership of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST).

Graduates of the program are initially eligible to apply to the Nutrition Society of Australia for registration as an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr), leading to Registered Nutritionist (RNutr), usually after three years of experience.

Industry facts

Employment for sports coaches, instructors and officials is projected to increase by 9.8% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

Employment for nutrition professionals is projected to increase by 7.2% by November 2026

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in Health (Sport)
UniSA College Diploma in Health (Biomedical Science)
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:

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

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.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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 campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Anatomy laboratory.jpg

You’ll have access to UniSA’s comprehensive sports facilities, including:

Exercise Physiology clinics
environmental chamber
exercise physiology
laboratory
biomechanics laboratory
UniSA Sport gyms
sensory laboratory
microbiology laboratory
physiology laboratory
chemistry laboratory
commercial kitchen
anatomy laboratory
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.

Mr Scott Adams

Program Director

Enquire

Mr Scott Adams

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or 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. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.