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School of Health and Physical Education Postgraduate Programs

Outdoor Education

The graduate programs in Outdoor Education are primarily designed for teachers who want to extend their professional training to include outdoor education. Qualified teachers from any speciality can apply for these courses. Teachers will qualify to be directors of outdoor education programs in schools and also to teach the new post compulsory subject of Outdoor Education Studies. The course would also be appropriate for graduates in studies such as environmental science who wish to work with individuals in community-based adventure programs or in adventure tourism ventures. Those who are not already qualified teachers and who subsequently want to be a teacher would need to complete a Graduate Diploma of Education. This course is designed to enable suitably experienced candidates to apply for advanced standing in recognised outdoor leadership practical competencies.

Three articulated courses are available in Outdoor Education. They are designed to allow students to exit at several stages with the relevant qualification

  • One-year part time study Graduate Certificate in Outdoor Education
  • One-year Graduate Diploma In Outdoor Education (proposed for 2007)
  • Two-year Master of Outdoor Education (proposed for 2007)

Each outdoor education course articulates directly into the follow-on course. Students can elect at the first stage the Graduate Certificate (4 theory units plus one skills competency unit, part time over one year); continue studies to complete the Graduate Diploma (a further 4 units beyond the certificate level, full time over one year or part time equivalent); and finally complete the Masters year (an additional theory unit plus a research thesis).

The School of Health and Physical Education aims to develop outdoor education professionals with a strong understanding of the importance of curricular based programs and their place in wholistic education. The course creates graduates who are reflective practitioners with deep knowledge along with high level problem-solving, technical, organisational and teaching skills.

 
  • Postgraduate Studies in Exercise Science & Sport Science

Researchers have identified that physical inactivity is a critical risk factor contributing to ill health in Australia and that exercise plays an important role in preventing and rehabilitating diseases of lifestyle. The graduate courses in exercise science aim to provide highly trained professional exercise scientists to contribute to multidisciplinary health teams by providing exercise services to the exercise industry, the workplace and sport and for persons deemed at risk or with chronic health conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, insulin intolerance, diabetes, long-term sports injuries and joint disorders. Acquiring in-depth knowledge and research skills in the exercise sciences will allow graduates to work with clients to improve their health and well being in exercise, sport or rehabilitation contexts. The courses include significant practicum experiences to ensure high level practical skill on graduation.

Two Post Graduate articulated courses are offered.

  • Postgraduate Diploma of Exercise Science (one year full time or part-time equivalent comprising theory and 120 hours of practicum)
  • Master of Exercise Science (one additional year of full time study beyond the Graduate Diploma level, comprising theory, 240 hours of practicum and research thesis)

The Postgraduate Diploma course can be studied as a stand alone qualification or be used to gain advanced standing as the first year of the Masters degree.

Both the Postgraduate Diploma and Masters Degrees are designed to meet national accreditation standards required for the Australian Association of Exercise and Sport Science. As from January 2006, Exercise Physiology services are included under the Medicare Plus Scheme. Those patients referred by their General Practitioner to AAESS accredited Exercise Physiologists will be able to claim a Medicare rebate.

The philosophical approach of the courses is a commitment to developing evidence-based practice, in promoting healthy lifestyle through physical activity, in the importance of early intervention as a key to injury and disease prevention, and the role of exercise in treating those with lifestyle diseases or rehabilitating from injury. Graduates will be reflective exercise scientists with deep knowledge who enjoy working with people of all abilities, have high level problem-solving skills, and are highly skilled professionals who assist others in managing and maintaining health and well being through exercise.