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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.
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
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
IELTS listening [6.5]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
Study the functioning of a healthy human body and the impact it has on a person’s holistic wellbeing.
Learn in purpose-built facilities designed for exercise testing and performance analysis alongside elite athletes and leading industry at the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI).
Tailor your degree to your interests and career goals through primary streams in Health and Physical Education, or Exercise and Sport Science.
Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers.1
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
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 2021-23– Full-time 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 #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Exercise and physical activity positively impacts human life in a variety of ways - biologically, psychologically and socially. In this customisable and industry-relevant degree, you'll develop a well-rounded understanding of these impacts on human health.
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.
This hands-on degree includes practical learning in brand-new, industry-leading facilities in our Sports Science Hub. Located within the SASI building alongside elite athletes, test your performance and analysis skills in our biomechanics, exercise physiology, and exercise teaching labs under the guidance of leading exercise and sport science experts.
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.
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’ll develop hands-on skills in the SASI facility to maximise human health and performance. 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.
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 courses throughout the degree.
2. Students are recommended to select from the primary study streams of Exercise Science or Health and Physical Education by the commencement of Study Period 5 in their first year.
Students can also select a secondary study stream beginning in their second or third year.
3. Exercise Science students are recommended to select 5 courses from Advanced Exercise and Sports Science, Rehabilitation Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics or Sports Coaching, but may also undertake courses from Health and Physical Education and Outdoor Education study streams.
4. Health and Physical Education students are recommended to undertake a secondary stream in Outdoor Education or Sports Coaching, but may also undertake a study stream in Nutrition and Dietetics, Rehabilitation Sciences or an additional learning area.
5. Electives can only be taken outside these study streams with the Program Director's permission.
6. All stream/optional electives may not be available each year but will be offered according to student demand.
7. Students select one free elective in their second or third year.
8. Exercise Science stream students seeking Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
full membership (Exercise Scientist) will need to complete 140 hours of industry practicum
that complies with ESSA requirements in their own time and will need to apply via the non-NUCAP process as an individual application..
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.
UniSA is SA’s No 1. University for human movement and sport science research.1World-class teaching staff and state-of-the-art learning facilities make this degree a great choice for students passionate about exercise and physical activity.
Get hands-on in brand-new facilities in our Sports Science Hub located in the new SASI site. Capture 360° motion-capture footage in our biomechanics lab, shape training routines in our Exercise Teaching space, and measure body capacity in our Exercise Physiology lab, including a world-standard Bod Pod to measure body composition.
Graduates are prepared for careers in sports organisations, health and fitness centres, 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).
Real-world connections
UniSA has strong alliances with industry, ranging from elite and local sporting clubs to not-for-profit organisations. We’ve partnered with the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) and state government to deliver exceptional exercise and sports science-related teaching. You’ll get to learn in custom-built facilities for elite athletes and sports science industry.
You'll complete an industry placement as part of your study, further enhancing your networks and relationships with industry. 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.
Depending on your primary chosen stream, human movement graduates will be able to consider careers such as:
High performance sports manager: oversee and optimise all aspects of an individual athlete or team’s performance.
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.
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
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
Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021019
How to apply
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
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.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots 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 international 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:
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your study spaces
As a hands-on degree, you’ll benefit from UniSA’s practical approach to learning. You’ll begin your studies on-site at our UniSA campus. If you study the Exercise and Sport Science stream, you will also get to learn in the industry-leading SASI site designed for sports science testing, analysis and performance.
SASI facilities you can learn in include:
environmental chamber
exercise physiology laboratory
exercise teaching lab and gym space
biomechanics laboratory
You’ll also get to use purpose-built UniSA facilities including:
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.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit 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 credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
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.
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
From your first year, you can select from primary streams in either Exercise and Sport Science or Health and Physical Education.
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.
