Graduate Opportunities

Current research emphatically confirms the importance of regular moderate physical activity for public health. As a result, there is considerable interest in the exercise and sports science fields from within the government/public and private sectors and a need for qualified professionals. Below, Melanie Newton from Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) gives an outline of this increasingly popular industry.

At the ESSA, we define the central tenet of our profession as:

"Exercise and Sports Science is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the understanding and enhancement of human movement in the broadest sense, including general physical activity pursuits such as goal oriented fitness regimens and recreational sport as well as elite sport and the area of performance enhancement. It includes the knowledge, methods and applications of subdisciplines (ie. exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and motor development, exercise and sport psychology) as well as how they interact".

There are a wide range of roles and vocations in the field and many students and graduates are recognising the many positives of a career in exercise or sports science. Two rewarding professional career pathways are exercise physiology and sports science.

Exercise Physiologists are four-year university qualified allied health professionals who specialise in the delivery of exercise, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and injuries. EPs provide physical activity and behaviour change support for clients with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depressions, cancer, arthritis, COPD and many more.

The Exercise Physiology industry is a mainstream allied health profession widely recognised in the healthcare sector. EPs are eligible to register with Medicare Australia, the Department of Veterans Affairs and have recognition amount a number of health insurers. At state level EPs are included within health professional awards and in compensation schemes akin to other mainstream health professionals. The term Exercise Physiologist is a term protected by title under the Health Insurance Act 1973. ESSA has developed clear skills and competencies for Exercise Physiologists.

Sport Science is a multi-disciplinary field concerned with the understanding and enhancement of human performance. It includes the knowledge, methods and applications of sub-disciplines of human movement studies (i.e. exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and motor development, exercise and sport psychology) as well as how they interact.

Sport scientists are trained experts who assist sports people to achieve the best possible sporting performance. They evaluate research, assess and advise on coaching, training, competition and recovery practices in all areas and levels of sport.

A degree in sports and/or exercise science or human movement studies is the basic requirement for a career as a sports scientist. However, in general, a postgraduate degree by research (Masters or PhD) in sports science is a mandatory requirement to gain employment either overseas or within Australia within an academy or institute of sport, professional sporting team, or university. You can expect to study subjects in anatomy, physiology, immunology, nutrition, biological chemistry, microbiology as you prepare for a career in sports science. Part of your job will be conducting experiments, making observations, interpreting data and communicating findings. To do this, you’ll need skills in communication, project management and information technology.

The major employers of sports scientists are sporting academies (such as the Australian Institute of Sport) and professional sporting teams. Many sport scientists also work in universities conducting sport science research and educating the next generation of sport scientists.

About ESSA

ESSA is a professional organisation which is committed to establishing, promoting and defending the career paths of tertiary trained exercise and sports science practitioners, who are in turn committed to best practice and client well-being. It was officially founded in 1991 to meet the professional needs of exercise and sports scientists in Australia. It is directed by an Executive Board comprised of leading academics and practitioners in these fields and is supported by a growing number of regional chapters throughout Australia.

ESSA National hosts ongoing workshops in all capital cities to support the continued enhancement of professional qualifications, knowledge and competency.

ESSA members are qualified to comprehensively assess an individual’s exercise capacity and can ensure that participation is safe and achieves the optimum outcomes for all sectors of the population.

Benefits of ESSA membership are many – see www.essa.org.au for more information. Students can enjoy the many benefits of ESSA members at reduced rates.