University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This degree blends core human movement science with professional studies in secondary health and physical education. You will study human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control and learning, and health promotion, alongside curriculum, pedagogy and assessment for the secondary classroom.

• Foundations of Human Movement: anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics and motor control that underpin movement analysis and performance.
• Health and Wellbeing: adolescent development, health promotion, nutrition basics, mental health literacy and contemporary public health issues relevant to schools.
• Teaching and Curriculum: secondary curriculum design, lesson planning, assessment and reporting, classroom management, inclusion and differentiation in PE and health settings.
• Professional Practice: progressive school-based practicums that place you in secondary schools to build classroom skills, assessment literacy and professional behaviour under mentor supervision.
• Applied and Professional Skills: fitness testing and training principles, coaching methods, first aid and risk management, use of technology in assessment and performance analysis.
• Capstone and Research Elements: inquiry or project work that integrates movement science evidence with educational practice and school-based initiatives.

The program is typically structured with sequential learning and increasing amounts of professional placement across the degree, culminating in substantial practicum blocks to meet teacher education accreditation requirements.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and based on academic qualifications and other selection criteria. Domestic applicants normally present a completed senior secondary qualification (or equivalent) with demonstrated competence in academic English; international applicants present an equivalent secondary school completion and approved English language proficiency.

• Academic entry: a completed secondary school qualification or approved tertiary pathway; specific score or rank requirements align with standard university admissions criteria.
• Subject prerequisites: demonstrated competence in English at the senior secondary level; some background in a science, health or physical education subject is advantageous.
• Professional suitability checks: successful applicants must satisfy working with children checks (or equivalent), provide immunisation evidence as required for school placements, and complete any health or safety clearances.
• Selection processes: may include a personal statement, interview, or review of prior experience in sport, coaching or community health activities.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared primarily for secondary teaching roles in Health and Physical Education and are eligible to pursue teacher registration in Australia after meeting professional standards and any local registration requirements. Common career paths include:

• Secondary school Health and Physical Education teacher
• PE coordinator or curriculum leader within schools
• Community or school-based health promotion officer
• Sports coach, strength and conditioning assistant or program coordinator
• Pathway to postgraduate study in education (for specialist registration), exercise science, allied health or sports science research roles

The combination of human movement knowledge and professional experience also equips graduates for roles in youth development programs, recreation and community sport organisations, and health education initiatives.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide provides a strong research-informed curriculum and substantial school partnerships that underpin practical teacher development. You will benefit from specialised facilities and laboratories that support movement analysis and applied learning, plus structured professional placements across metropolitan and regional schools.

• Practical focus: extensive supervised practicum embedded in the program builds classroom confidence and professional networks with local schools.
• Research-led teaching: access to staff active in exercise science, pedagogy and health promotion ensures course content reflects contemporary evidence and best practice.
• Facilities and support: on-campus sport and biomechanics facilities, academic support services and career guidance tailored to education and health sector employment.
• Pathways: clear progression to postgraduate teacher accreditation or further study in allied health and sport science disciplines.

Overall, the degree is suited to students seeking a professional teaching qualification grounded in human movement science, with practical experience that supports entry to secondary school teaching and related health and sport roles.