Pros and Cons of a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at UTS

So, you pretty much know all the details and info on studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at UTS — take a quick look here if you don’t! 

But you want to know how people really feel about this degree? 

Well, we’ve had a chat with Sharon Deng, a current UTS student studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science! We ask her all those questions you really want to know the answers to! 

So, let’s get started! 

Why should you study a Sport and Exercise Science degree at UTS?

Top 3 Pros of a Sport and Exercise Science Degree

Top 3 Cons of a Sport and Exercise Science Degree

Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make

Things to Know Before Starting UTS Sport and Exercise Science

What Makes this Degree Different

Motivations for Studying UTS Sport and Exercise Science

Potential Career Paths

Why should you study a Sport and Exercise Science degree at UTS?

“The practicum work gives students a taste of what it’s like working in the sports and health industry and provides opportunities of long-term career positions,” Sharon pointed out.

She added, “It gives you a solid foundation for entering the exercise and sport related health industry, and it’s also a good first step if you want to break into the professional sport field like NRL, AFL or even the Olympics!” 

Plus, this degree is professionally recognised by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) — sweet! 

Top 3 Pros of a Sport and Exercise Science degree

#1: Interactive and practical 

“You get opportunities in class to consolidate theory with practice which is especially important considering lots of the content from the course will be extremely helpful when you’re working in the field,” Sharon said. 

She told us that because the degree is taught in an “interactive and hands-on manner”, students don’t just learn for the exams and then forget everything once the semester is over.

Students complete a minimum of 140 hours of practical work experience in their final semester which gives them valuable experience in the industry before they’ve finished their degree. 

#2: Degree structure 

Sharon told us that her favourite part about the degree is how “the course is laid out in a nice and progressive way.”

She added, “Knowledge learnt in one particular year provides a solid foundation and substantial context for subjects to be studied in the following year.”

#3: Great teachers

You’re taught by highly-qualified teachers who have experience in the industry and can provide you with a range of insights. 

“Some teachers have been in the sport industry working with the NRL or AFL, working as dieticians or strength and conditioning coaches,” Sharon said. 

She added, “So, they’ve been in the industry before they came to teach here and some teachers are working at UTS as well as working other roles in the sport industry.”  

There’s definitely no better way to learn than from people who actually have industry experience and contacts! 

Top 3 Cons of a Sport and Exercise Science degree

#1: Can be hard to get a job 

“The sports industry is oversaturated so it may be difficult to find good work after graduating without the right connections,” Sharon said.

So, make sure you build a good network of friends and contacts throughout the degree — you’ll be very thankful you did after graduation, when you’re looking for full-time work. 

However, if you’re wanting to become a Physiotherapist, Sharon said that you’re in luck because this job is in “high demand due to the ageing population.” 

#2: Can’t slack off 

It’s alright, everyone feels like slacking off at some point in the semester. But trust us, with this degree you’re better off being consistent throughout the whole semester. Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

“While the assignments given in the first year are your typical essays, reports and group presentations, the assignments generally given in the second year are more drawn out and require consistent effort,” Sharon told us. 

#3: There’s lots of biology! 

Now, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing at all — but you might struggle a little bit to understand all the new bio knowledge if you didn’t take HSC Biology. 

Sharon explained that it’s “helpful to do biology for HSC to provide background knowledge and make relevant subjects easier to understand rather than having to take in all new knowledge at once.”

Of course, you’ll eventually get on top of it all — it might just take a little longer. 

Any regrets? 

Sharon told us that she has “no regrets about choosing the course itself and the content being taught.”

However, she did mention: “One regret is not managing my time well enough to make the most of these practical assignments, which are set out in a way to mimic the duties of various professions in the sport industry.”

She also wishes she had built up more of a network during her degree because these connections can be very useful for finding out about future job opportunities. 

“I would recommend attending relevant society events, making a ton of friends and being active on LinkedIn,” she said. 

What do you wish you had known before starting the degree? 

#1: Time management 

Now, this doesn’t come as a surprise! Time management is always important once you get to university because you also have a social life, possibly a part-time job and of course, want to do well in your degree. 

According to Sharon, time management “becomes increasingly important as the years progress since some assignments can occur over an entire semester and need to be done alongside your typical essay or report assignments.”

So, make sure you stay organised and manage your time well — you’ve got this! 

#2: Research jobs before you start the degree

It’s a good idea to research all the different jobs you could possibly do after graduating — that way, you know your options!  

Sharon told us that she knew she wanted to do Physiotherapy during HSC, however she still did some research so she knew about other possible jobs related to Sport and Exercise Science. 

“It is still good to do some research on what jobs you can go into after graduating since there are misconceptions/lack of awareness, and as a back-up option in case postgraduate study doesn’t work out for you,” she said. 

What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities? 

#1: Own campus 

Yes, it’s pretty cool right?! Sport and Exercise Science students have their own state-of-the-art facility at Moore Park. Yes — there is a rooftop running track!

#2: Latest technology

“We use lots of the latest technology (e.g. 3D motion capture systems) and research which is good for a rapidly evolving industry,” Sharon said. 

There are different research laboratories equipped with the latest equipment. In the Exercise and physiology research lab, you’ve got treadmills and different equipment to monitor how the body reacts to exercise.

The environment lab lets students see how temperature can affect performance and in the body composition lab, there’s a dual energy X-ray machine (DEXA) which examines bone density. Pretty sweet!

Check this out to see what else is offered at the Moore Park facility! 

What inspired you to choose this degree?

Sharon wants to become a Physio! So, she has chosen to major in Exercise Therapy and after completing her Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, she will do her Master of Physiotherapy, which is an additional two years of study. 

The amount of practical experience is what makes Sport and Exercise Science at UTS stand out. 

“Since other universities do offer this degree, when I was doing research after HSC, I heard that this degree has more practical experience and since I’m going into Physio, you need lots of practical experience,” she told us. 

What are the possible career paths?

The great thing about studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science is that you can end up in a range of different health/sport-related jobs! Some of these include but aren’t limited to:

• • Sport and exercise scientist
  • Personal trainer
  • Physiotherapist 
  • Nutritionist
  • Researcher
  • Sports coach 
  • Outdoor activities manager
  • Sport and exercise psychologist 

Tanna Nankivell is a Content Writer at Art of Smart Education and is currently in Germany completing a year of study for her double degree in Communications (Journalism) and Bachelor of Arts (International Studies). She has had articles published on Central News – the UTS Journalism Lab and wrote a feature piece for Time Out Sydney during her internship. Tanna has a love for travel and the great outdoors, you’ll either find her on the snowfields or in the ocean, teaching aqua aerobics or creating short films.