- Program summary
- Program overview
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Special features
- Teaching mode
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
Program summary
QTAC code: 511744
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 4 years full-time
Fee type 2010: 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
Commence: Semester 1
USC program code: SC3AI
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.
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); Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA, formerly AAESS); the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association; and the Australian Coaching Council.
To be eligible for membership to ESSA students must complete all required components of the program. This consists of the six introductory/foundation courses and 14 advanced courses. In addition, ESSA 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
SPX201
SPX202
SPX211
SPX221
SPX222
SPX231
SPX301
SPX302
SPX312
SPX322
SPX331
SPX352
Plus select 2 courses from:
LFS251
NUT212
SPX361 α
SPX371
WPL310 #
^ To be eligible for membership to ESSA students must complete all required components of this program. This consists of the 6 introductory/foundation courses and 14 advanced courses. In addition, ESSA 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 ESSA 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. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
- 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.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
Enquiries
How to apply
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