Career Options
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Check out this 45 sec video to explore the possibilities of working in the field of Exercise and Sports Science. Click here for a longer 2 minute version of the video. Podcast... |
A degree in Human Movement Studies can help launch a career in exercise and sports science. Exercise and sports science specialists work with a diverse range of people across the community ranging from children to the elderly, including a focus on people with disabilities, and elite athletes.
Graduates work as exercise physiologists, sports administrators, exercise therapists, strength and conditioning specialists, and rehabilitation specialists. The field of exercise and sports science provides a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining health and fitness, and to helping people feel good about themselves.
Graduates can also progress to postgraduate study. The Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (AAESS) http://www.aaess.com.au/ is a professional organisation committed to tertiary trained exercise and sports science practitioners. AAESS, as our governing body, accredits QUT's Graduates as Exercise Scientists or Exercise Physiologists.
Students in degree programs in Human Movement Studies are often faced with decisions about electives, practicum placements, and how to position themselves for careers in the field. To assist them with such decisions, the following sections outline four broad professional areas which many of our students follow:
The purpose of identifying these as broad areas rather than specific careers (e.g. coach or cardiac scientist) is to encourage students to think about possible career directions at an early stage. They are not intended to be prescriptive, nor to substitute for specific requirements of particular jobs or professions. They reflect groupings of related career options and are not intended to follow specific categories (e.g. AAESS or ACHPER). They are also intended to be flexible, and, indeed, some careers span two or more of these areas.
Work Experience/ Work Intergrated Learning Site (WILS)
During the degree, students are required to undertake work experience (practicum), or what we call Workplace Intergrated Learning (WIL) where they get hands-on experience in the industry, working for hospitals, fitness centres, sports associations and corporate work places.
Many students have done practical placements in Asia, USA, UK, and Europe, leading them to overseas job opportunities after graduating.
Students also have the opportunity to work in the on-campus Human Movement Studies Clinic, which allows them to deal directly with clients in areas such as health and fitness evaluation, exercise prescription, pre employment screening and physiological testing.
In addition, the many on-campus laboratories with up-to-date scientific equipment will provide valuable experiences during the course.