南澳大学

This unique double degree will provide you with expertise in the areas of exercise and sport science, psychology, counselling, and behavioral research methodology. With a strong practical and multi-disciplinary industry focus you will graduate with a specialised set of skills to meet emerging market needs.

The exercise and sport science component prepares you to provide counselling to athletes, rehabilitation services and to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of the population. The psychological science component provides a balance of courses in psychology theory and counselling – for graduates this means you will enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology, as well as the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

What you'll learn

This unique double degree will provide you with expertise in the areas of exercise and sport science and psychology. You will graduate with a specialised set of skills to meet emerging market needs. You will gain expertise in human thought and behaviour, develop cognitive and creative skills to solve real-world scientific problems, and apply your knowledge in diverse contexts such as sports and mental health.

The exercise and sport science component prepares you to provide exercise advice, deliver strength and conditioning services, biomechanical analyses, and skill acquisition knowledge to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of generally healthy individuals, ranging from children to elite athletes to older persons.

The psychology component provides a balance of courses in psychology theory and counselling – for graduates this means you will enter the workforce with a strong understanding of psychology, as well as the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

During the first two years you will study exercise and sport science courses, with an introduction to psychology, which will give you a solid understanding of:

human anatomy and physiology
fundamental movement skills
skill acquisition
physical activity and health.

The third and fourth years have a strong practical focus, where you will develop critical thinking and practice-based skills through learning about:

develop influencing skills and intervention strategies
gain knowledge of psychological disorders, including their causes and range of treatments
study the relationship between psychology and physical activity.

Your career

As the health and wellbeing industry continue to grow, employment prospects for graduates of this double degree are promising. Careers to consider include:

Athlete Counsellor (with further study): concerned with the wellbeing, mental functioning and physical performance of athletes
Exercise Scientist: use a combination of biomechanics, physiology, and psychology to help assess and ultimately increase an individual’s fitness, sporting performance and general health
School Counsellor (with further study): work across primary and secondary schools to facilitate and advocate student wellbeing
Strength and Conditioning Coach: prepare athletes for high performance, enabling them the greatest advantage in competition
Sport Psychologist (with further study): working with athletes and coaches to increase athletic performance through psychology influences