What can you do with a human movement degree?

Careers

Published 14 Sep, 2023 · 7-minute read

Physical activity and good nutrition positively affect human life in various ways – biologically, psychologically, and socially. If you're passionate about exploring the science behind these effects, the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences could be the perfect degree for you.

With the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, you'll gain a deep understanding of how physical activity and nutrition positively impact our wellbeing. You'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to inspire others to lead healthier and more active lives. And you’ll be able to make a real difference in people's lives by focusing on the two major risk factors for chronic diseases: physical inactivity and poor nutrition.

Curious to know what the study of human movement and nutrition sciences entails? Let's take a look at some of the topics you'll explore:

The influence of diet and physical activity on human health. Gain a deep understanding of how these vital factors shape the human body and impact overall wellbeing. Explore the intricate relationship between nutrition and physical activity and their effects on human health.
Psychology's role in promoting physical activity and nutrition. Discover the psychological mechanisms that drive behaviours related to physical activity and nutrition. Uncover strategies to motivate individuals to adopt healthier habits and overcome barriers to change.
The social impact of physical activity and nutrition. Explore the ways in which physical activity and nutrition intersect with society. Examine how communities, culture, and social environments influence people's engagement with healthy lifestyles.

So, what can you do with a human movement and nutrition sciences degree?

In this article, we’ll look at the different ways you can align this degree with your interests and career aspirations. We'll also explore the potential pathways you can explore, from majors and dual degree options to postgraduate study. Prepare to be inspired.

A pathway to careers in health (and beyond!)

One of the greatest strengths of the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences is the ability to tailor the degree towards different careers in (and beyond) the health sector. Whether you aspire to work directly with patients, or prefer to focus on research, education, or community health and sport, this degree has you covered.

Not sure yet which path to pursue? No problem! This program is designed to accommodate students who are still exploring their career options. It provides the flexibility to delve into various areas of study and potential specialisations. This allows you to discover your passions and interests while gaining a broad foundation in health and wellness.

On the other hand, if you already have a clear vision for your future, this program is ready to support your goals. Whether you dream of becoming a dietitian, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, health educator, sports manager, or sports journalist, the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills to get you on track towards your chosen career.

Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences student

Choosing a major

So, you think you might like to study the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, but you’re not sure which major to choose, or whether you should choose a major at all.

One of the best things about this degree is the diverse range of topics you can explore. With a huge selection of elective courses, and 3 Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences majors available, you have plenty of choice.

If you’re feeling some confusion about if you should choose a major, and if so, which major to choose, we’d suggest you take some time to familiarise yourself with the different options available. It’s also helpful to consider…

What subjects interest you?
What do you enjoy learning about?
What are you passionate about?
Do you already have a career in mind?

The 3 majors available are:

Major in Nutrition Sciences

Good nutrition and health are the bedrocks of a healthy life. With a Nutrition Sciences major, you’ll learn how to help people lead healthier lives through good nutrition. You’ll explore nutrition from a food science perspective, as well as community and public health nutrition. If you have your sights set on a career as a dietitian, this major meets the course requirements for entry into the UQ Master of Dietetics Studies, which is accredited by Dietitians Australia.

Explore this major

Major in Sports Coaching

If you’re passionate about sport and dream of working in the sporting sector, this major could be the perfect fit for you. In the Sports Coaching major, you’ll develop leadership skills for coaching and instruction. Your studies will focus on learning, performance, leadership, and personal development in and through sport. This major not only meets the course requirements for entry into the Master of Sports Coaching, but it also allows you to gain credit towards the program, so you can complete the master’s program in 1.5 years instead of 2.

Explore this major

Major in Sporting Cultures

Choosing a dual degree

Did you know you can tailor the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences even further by combining it with one of 4 other UQ programs?

By doing this, you’ll develop a unique set of skills and broaden your future career options even more.

Note: if you choose to study a dual program, you are unable to undertake a major.

Let’s take a look at the dual degree options available.

Dual degree with Bachelor of Business Management – Combine your interest and passion for physical activity, sport, exercise and nutrition with business acumen. This dual program opens up a broad range of employment pathways, including entrepreneurship and sports management.
Dual degree with Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management – Combine your interest and passion for physical activity, sport, exercise and nutrition with your interest in tourism and event management. Learn about sustainability and social media, and gain skills in planning and staging events and marketing tourist attractions. This dual program could lead to careers organising and promoting global sporting events.
Dual degree with Bachelor of Arts – Combine your interest and passion for physical activity, sport, exercise and nutrition with your interest in the arts. Gain creative and critical thinking skills that can be transferred across industries such as health care, government, education, and business and finance.
Dual degree with Bachelor of Journalism – Combine your interest and passion for physical activity, sport, exercise and nutrition with your thirst for information. Graduate ready to shape the global health conversation and make a real impact on the health of communities.

Now let’s look at how you can use the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences as a stepping stone to postgraduate studies and careers in clinical and non-clinical health careers.

Pathway to postgraduate study

The Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences is an excellent pathway degree to a huge range of postgraduate programs leading to specialist careers in health.

The choice of subject areas available within the program provide the opportunity to explore different fields, discover different interests, and gain a clearer idea of professions that may align with your passions.

You'll delve into subjects in areas such as chemistry, anatomy, biology, and nutrition science. These studies will equip you with a solid understanding of healthcare principles and a broad foundation of knowledge and skills that are applicable across many different clinical health professions. Whether you decide to pursue further study to become a doctor, a dietitian, a physiotherapist, or another clinical health profession, the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences program provides a solid platform to move towards your desired career.

My study opened my eyes to what is possible to study and just how broad the health and nutrition space is. The experience honed my professional and personal skills, and I was lucky enough to make some great friends in the process, who I am still close with today.

Claudia Cramer

Master of Dietetics Studies

So, what postgraduate study options are available following a Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences? You can tailor your studies towards meeting the entry requirements for programs including:

Did you know? If you don’t get a high enough ATAR to gain entry into your undergraduate program of choice (for example, the Bachelor of Physiotherapy or Bachelor of Occupational Therapy), you could study the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences for a year, and then ‘upgrade’ to your preferred program, based on your grade point average (GPA). UQ calls this a tertiary studies pathway.

Depending on the program you choose, you may also receive credit towards your studies and be able to graduate sooner.

UQ’s Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences typically has a more accessible entry score threshold than many other health and medicine undergraduate programs. So, if your ATAR ends up being lower than you expected, there are still options for you to make your dream career in health a reality.

Find out more about the tertiary studies pathway.

If you're passionate about health and eager to embark on an exciting and fulfilling career journey in a growing industry, UQ's Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences is the perfect starting point.

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