What is exercise science?

Physical activity is so important to staying well and feeling healthy. The science behind sport and exercise can help us recover from injury or even provide the edge needed to win Olympic Gold! Studying this science can open up an exciting variety of careers as an exercise physiologist or exercise and sport scientist.

What is the difference between exercise physiology and exercise and sport science?

Exercise physiologists are exercise therapists providing exercise programs and training for patients with chronic disease. They may work with individuals who have musculoskeletal conditions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, cancer or neurological impairments. Exercise physiologists can obtain a Medicare provider number and be registered with private health funds allowing patients the opportunity to access rebates for their services.

Exercise and sport scientists have a more diverse range of employment options. They may work in sport science, exercise stress testing, weight loss, health promotion, strength and conditioning, corporate fitness, sports administration, ergonomics, health and fitness, exercise/sport event management, or research. The exercise and sport science stream has more elective options allowing students to take courses to prepare them for the diverse range of careers available.

What will I do?

Exercise physiologists and exercise scientists have a wide range of skills that enable them to assist clients in adopting positive behaviours that deliver lifestyle changes and better health or assist in improving an athletes performance.

Their roles can include working with athletes in fitness testing, training and rehabilitation; helping individuals combat chronic disease, lose weight or deal with other health issues. They work in areas such as musculoskeletal or cardiac rehabilitation, sport science clinical exercise stress testing, weight loss, health promotion, strength and conditioning, corporate fitness, sports administration, ergonomics, health and fitness, exercise/sport event management, or research. They may own their own business, work for a government organisation or corporation - developing and managing exercise programs and helping employees with lifestyle management goals. They may work inside or outside, with children, adults or older people.

Who will I work with?
Healthcare is a team activity, and exercise physiologists often work in a multidisciplinary team, along with other health professionals including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists occupational therapists and psychologists. They will assess a patient’s current exercise capacity and assist with the implementation and integration of health and exercise initiatives in a patient’s life.

Where will I work?

A career as an exercise physiologist or exercise and sport scientist ensures a wide choice of workplaces and roles. UQ exercise science graduates are employed in major hospitals, private practice and in lucrative careers within the booming mining industry. Work places include rehabilitation clinics, academies and institutes of sport, universities, health and fitness centres, weight loss clinics, community organisations, age care facilities, corporate fitness programs, Universities or in occupational health and safety settings. Other key employment areas are government departments including WorkCover and Veteran Affairs and many private health funds.

Is it a good career?

Graduates in exercise physiology and exercise and sport science are in demand in Australia and overseas. Australia has a reputation for producing the worlds best sport scientists and our talented graduates are scattered throughout the world. The demand for exercise physiologists will continue to grow, particularly with an aging population, in order to help combat chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinsons, cardiovascular disease, hypertensions, depression, and cancer.

There is great room for growth as the development of the field of exercise and sport science has only occurred in recent years. Working in this field provides the opportunity to make a positive impact on society by improving people’s health and fitness. The skills and knowledge obtained can also help individuals with their own sporting career and personal health outcomes.

A career in this field provides limitless opportunities and is an excellent platform or further study or research.

How much will I earn?

With such a wide variety of workplaces and areas of employment, salary levels vary. A graduate can expect to earn a starting salary of between $40,000 to $50,000 a year.

What qualifications and skills do I need?

People considering a career in exercise physiology or exercise and sport science will need to have the ability to work closely with people. A passion for sport and exercise, as well as a desire to help people are all important attributes.

A university qualification such as UQ’s Bachelor of Human Movement Studies (Exercise Science) is required to enter the profession. This four year degree requires completion of grade 12 (with senior English and either senior chemistry, biology, or physics). After the third year of the degree, students decide whether to follow the exercise and sport science plan or the exercise physiology plan. Graduates from the exercise physiology stream can become accredited as exercise physiologists with the Australian Association for Exercise and Sport Science and work in allied health.

Why study at UQ?

The UQ’s School of Human Movement Studies is widely recognised as the leading unit of its kind in Australia.

Studying exercise physiology or exercise and sport science at UQ will enable accreditation by the national professional body. UQ is one of only four universities with an Accredited Exercise Physiology Program and one of six with an Accredited Exercise Science Program.

UQ’s teaching, research and professional service programs on movement, physical activity and health that are of the highest international standard. World-class research is being conducted that underpins teaching, which means students receive the very latest information.

UQ’s qualifications are recognised worldwide. The University boasts some of Australia’s best and brightest minds and state-of-the-art facilities, placing UQ among the top three research universities in the nation.

Future pathways

Opportunities also exist to pursue a research based career or work in fields including sports coaching, ergonomics, physiotherapy, medicine and more. Exercise physiology and exercise and sport science offer a range of dynamic careers that are new, exciting and rewarding.

To view a short clip on this career visit Health@UQ.