University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This programme develops an integrated understanding of how nutrition, physical activity and behaviour influence health across the lifespan. Core topics typically include human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry of nutrition, fundamentals of metabolic health, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and principles of public health and health promotion.

• Nutrition units: macronutrients and micronutrients, lifecycle nutrition, food composition and food science, clinical and community nutrition principles, public health nutrition and food policy.
• Exercise units: exercise testing and prescription, musculoskeletal responses to exercise, sports nutrition, movement analysis and biomechanics, and exercise for chronic disease prevention and management.
• Research and professional practice: research methods and statistics, evidence-based practice, ethics in health care, communication skills, and a capstone or honours research project option in the final year.
• Practical experience: supervised practical labs, simulated clinical scenarios and community placements to develop skills in assessment, program design and behaviour-change strategies.

Students typically choose a combination of prescribed major units and elective subjects to tailor study towards community health, sport science, or research pathways.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and generally requires completion of secondary school with a sufficient tertiary entrance score (such as an ATAR or local equivalent). Applicants are normally expected to have background study in science subjects—commonly biology or chemistry—and strong English language competency.

• Domestic applicants: senior secondary qualification with required prerequisite subjects and a sufficient selection rank. Some applicants may be considered on the basis of prior tertiary study or relevant work experience.
• International applicants: an equivalent secondary qualification and demonstrated English proficiency (for example, IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent accepted test scores). Specific evidence of science subject background may also be required.
• Alternative pathways: pathway and enabling programmes, or admission based on recognised prior learning, may be available for mature-age applicants and those with vocational qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles across health, community and fitness settings. Typical career paths include:

• Community nutrition officer or health promotion officer delivering population-based nutrition and physical activity programs.
• Fitness professional or exercise specialist working in gym, corporate wellness or community recreation settings.
• Allied health assistant roles supporting chronic disease management teams, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and allied health clinics.
• Health policy and program development roles within government, non-government organisations and public health agencies.
• Research assistant roles in nutrition, exercise science and population health projects, or progression to honours and postgraduate professional degrees (for example, dietetics or exercise physiology accreditation) for regulated practice.

Note: accreditation for regulated professions (for example becoming an Accredited Practising Dietitian or an accredited Exercise Physiologist) usually requires further accredited postgraduate study and professional placement beyond the bachelor level.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a research-led health curriculum with strong practical components and industry engagement. Students benefit from modern physiology and nutrition laboratories, opportunities for supervised community placements across metropolitan and regional health services, and links with local hospitals and public health agencies.

The faculty emphasises evidence-based teaching and small-group practical training to build assessment, counselling and program-design skills valued by employers. Pathways to honours and postgraduate study are available for students seeking clinical accreditation or research careers.