Program summary

Program title: Diploma of Fitness/Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
QTAC code: 511744 FT
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: Not applicable
Duration: 4 years full-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places
Total units: 288 units (normally 24 courses) being 192 units (16 courses) completed at the University of the Sunshine Coast and 96 units advanced standing (equal to 8 courses) upon completion of the diploma at the Sunshine Coast TAFE (SCT)
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Note: New students are not required to enrol in any USC courses until they complete their TAFE diploma.

Highlights

• Study a diploma and degree in four years
• Combine vocational training with university education
• Expand qualifications and career opportunities

In this dual degree, you undertake initial study at TAFE Queensland (Mooloolaba campus) and complete the degree at USC.

In this program you gain skills and knowledge to assist people who are considered to be moderately at risk when exercising. Areas of study include: postural appraisal and corrective exercise; the prevention and management of exercise related injuries; obesity and body composition management; and exercise strategies for individuals with disability, musculo-skeletal conditions, cardio-respiratory needs, metabolic disorders, or neurological impairments. You may undertake certificate-level study in the first year; contact the relevant institute for details. The bachelor component provides a theoretical and research focus. Refer to the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science for more information.

Post-admission requirements

You must complete 140 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for accreditation.

Career opportunities

See separate entry for Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Scientist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia*. Graduates may also become members of Sports Medicine Australia.

* Pending professional registration from Exercise and Sports Science Australia.

Teaching mode

There are different teaching modes between the TAFE 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.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete all courses as listed below.
• Present your completed Diploma of Fitness to enable 8 courses (96 units) of transfer credits to be applied to your academic record.
• Complete a minimum of 140 hours of work experience in “two or more settings directly relevant to the practice of an exercise and sports scientist”, in order to be eligible to apply for accreditation as an Accrediated Exercise Scientist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia* (ESSA) requirement. These hours can be completed as part of the Clinical Placement course.

* Pending professional registration from Exercise and Sports Science Australia.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Program structure

Year 1

Required courses: (8)

Please note: SCI110 should be studied in Session 11.

Year 2

Required courses: (8)

Please note: SPX300 should be studied in Semester 1.

TOTAL UNITS 192

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

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