topImage

Health and Physical Education

Welcome from the Head of School

The positive effect of physical activity on health and well being is becoming increasingly recognised as an important factor in lifestyle disease prevention. The study of physical activity from many perspectives underpins the degree programs in the School of Health and Physical Education. It is our goal to prepare young professionals with industry-ready skills who are committed to serving the community either as health and physical education teachers, as exercise specialists, or as sports or recreation managers. Each of these broad careers is focused on the prevention of ill-health through physical activity.

The School of Health and Physical Education commenced in 2001, it now boasts three strong undergraduate programs and an expanding suite of postgraduate specialisations. At undergraduate level, we offer the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education specialist degree for intending teachers. For aspiring exercise specialists there is the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science degree and for sports administrators there is the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management degree. Specialised studies in health education and promotion can be studied as a Health Science major. High achieving, exceptional students may study Honours programs as an extra year of study. At graduate level, higher level studies are available in the Graduate Diploma and the Masters of Exercise Science courses. For qualified teachers and those wishing to develop their expertise in a challenging curriculum area, studies in outdoor education are now available through the Graduate Certificate and the Graduate Diploma of Outdoor Education.

The study of physical activity science is multidisciplinary and considers the whole person. The staff members in health and physical education are all highly qualified experts in their field. They have chosen to work at Notre Dame because they are committed to providing the highest quality education with a personalised approach for every student. Our vision is to graduate reflective professionals who are committed to serving their students, their health club clients and their sports participants with expertise, passion and leadership to make a positive difference in the health of the community.

Associate Professor Beth Hands

Associate Professor Beth Hands
Head of School