- Program summary
- Program overview
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Special features
- Teaching mode
- Advanced standing, recognition of prior learning, credit and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
- Recommended enrolment patterns
Program summary
QTAC code: 511744
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 4 years full-time
Fee type 2009: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places
Total units: 288 units (normally 24 courses) being 180 units (15 courses) completed at the University of the Sunshine Coast and 108 units advanced standing (equal to 9 courses) upon completion of the diploma at the Sunshine Coast TAFE (SCT)
Recommended prior study: completion of Year 12 or equivalent
CRICOS code: not available to international students on student visas
New students are not required to enrol in any USC courses until they complete their SCT diploma.
Program overview
The Diploma of Fitness/Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science is a dual award program offered jointly by the Sunshine Coast TAFE (SCT) and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Designed to produce graduates who can ‘hit the ground running’ in the sport and fitness industry, the program combines hands-on, practical experience at SCT, with a more theoretical focus at the University. This will enable you to learn relevant skills and knowledge, and to adjust your approach as directions and demands in the sport and exercise area change.
The award also meets the requirements of the lead agency, Fitness Australia, for graduates’ certification as either an Exercise Therapist or Exercise Trainer. Studies in the program will therefore position you at the cutting edge of the fitness industry.
Professional recognition
Graduates may be eligible for membership of Fitness Australia (the government-appointed lead agency in the field); the Australian Association of Exercise and Sports Science (AAESS); the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association; and the Australian Coaching Council.
To be eligible for membership to AAESS students must complete all required components of the program. This consists of the six introductory/foundation courses and 14 advanced courses. In addition, AAESS requires students to complete 150 hours of supervised practice. This can be completed via the two listed Work Place Learning courses, or through supervised practice (the latter can be arranged during the second and third years of the program).
Career opportunities
Graduates work in a range of areas, including:
- biomechanics consultancy
- ergonomics
- cardiac/respiratory
- professional coaching
- coaching development
- exercise physiology
- fitness assessing and counselling
- fitness/health/exercise consultancy
- health promotions
- program development
- sports science
Special features
- a current, highly marketable dual award program offered jointly by SCT and USC
- recognised by Fitness Australia, the government-appointed lead agency in the field
- accreditation with LSAS, an Australian Institute of Sport quality assurance program
- study two awards in four years
Teaching mode
There are different teaching modes between the SCT diploma modules and the University's Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science courses. Diploma modules are face-to-face teaching with performance based assessment. The University's Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science courses involve three or four hours of contact per course per week, generally in the mode of a one-hour lecture and two-hour tutorial. Students complete a further six or seven hours of self-directed learning per course per week. The self-directed learning consists of readings, research, assignments and other assessment items.
Please note that this full-time program commences only in Semester 1 each year. New students are not required to complete any USC courses until they complete their SCT diploma.
Program structure
Diploma of Fitness
SCT Modules required for the Diploma of Fitness are undertaken at the SCT Mooloolaba campus.
Modules undertaken cover the broad areas of:
- exercise science and exercise instruction
- client induction and screening and first aid
- fitness, aqua and aerobic instructor
- exercise planning, programming and administration
- postural screening and organise and conduct a sport and recreation session
- personal trainer, exercise of older adults and special populations
- sports marketing, management of events and sports psychology
- nutrition and drugs
Multiple modules are undertaken in each of the above areas. For information on the specific modules for this program refer to the student information provided by SCT.
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
13 required courses:
LFS201 Systemic Physiology I
SPX201 Functional Anatomy
SPX202 Biomechanics I
SPX211 Exercise Physiology I
SPX221 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX222 Sports Psychology
SPX231 Motor Control and Learning
SPX301 Cardiorespiratory Health and Rehabilitation
SPX302 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
SPX312 Performance Enhancement
SPX322 Biomechanics II
SPX331 Exercise Physiology II
SPX352 Sports Nutrition
Plus select 2 courses from:
LFS251 Biochemistry
NUT212 Principles of Nutrition
SPX361 Physical Education Studies A α
SPX371 Advanced Coaching Science
WPL310 Workplace Learning I #
^ To be eligible for membership to AAESS students must complete all required components of this program. This consists of the 6 introductory/foundation courses and 14 advanced courses. In addition, AAESS requires students to complete 150 hours of supervised practice. This can be completed via the two listed Work Place Learning courses, or through supervised practice (the latter can be arranged during the 2nd and 3rd years of this program).
# Entry to Work Place Learning will be selective, based on GPA and/or interview.
α Recommended for students interested in proceeding to a Graduate Diploma in Education, specialising in physical education. These courses can not be counted towards AAESS accreditation and so should not be selected by students wishing to become a member of this association.
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.
Program requirements and notes
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including; namely essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
How to apply
Apply for an undergraduate program.
Enquiries
Sunshine Coast TAFE (SCT)
Tel: +61 7 5459 3000
Email: sct.information@det.qld.gov.au
Refer to the Sunshine Coast TAFE website
University of the Sunshine Coast
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au