Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (Level 6)

The programme will allow students to:

• Gain skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to working with the general public or  special populations or further training in the sport, exercise science and recreation sector.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills to standards recognised by the industry sector as appropriate.
• Develop work habits and practice appropriate for further training and employment in the sport, exercise science and recreation sector.

Students must undertake a minimum of 90 credits at level 6 and a minimum of 120 credits overall to be awarded this qualification.

GEN200 Research and Statistics
This paper aims to prepare the student for professional practice by presenting research as a uniting strategy for practice, theory and scholarship.  Students will be introduced to several approaches to research, both qualitative and quantitative.  Students will also be assisted to develop skills as a beginning researcher.

SE6201 Biophysical Foundation of Human Movement
This paper builds on Applied Anatomy and Physiology. The study of body systems and the application of biochemical and microbiologic processes to normal body function is continued. An introduction to sport medicine is included with practical application of strapping techniques.

SE6202 Management for Professional Practice
This paper will provide the basic principles of management and leadership as they pertain to applied recreation settings. The paper recognises that students will work as part of an interdisciplinary team with both licensed and unlicensed personnel.

SE6241 Fitness Assessment and Programming
The paper will provide students with physiological knowledge, skills and understanding to carry out effective lifestyle assessment and physical activity programming for the general population. The focus of this paper will be on assessing individual needs and designing appropriate exercise programmes. Special considerations will be examined e.g. pregnancy, back problems and cardiac rehabilitation. Related aspects including behaviour change and exercise adherence will also be covered.

SE6245 Nutrition for Human Performance
The paper will examine the management of nutrition for sports performance, exercise and weight control. Issues related to measurement, analysis and professional practice are central to this paper.

 
SE6247 Psychology in Sport, Health and Education
The paper will introduce students to developmental psychology, health psychology and psychology related to human performance. The paper will examine social development and cognition across the lifespan, learning and social theory, healthy behaviour, psychopathology, exercise psychology and an introduction to psychology in sport. The role of psychology will be examined to understand physical activity determinants and strategies to achieve behaviour change.

SE6248 Exercise Physiology
The paper will provide students with physiological knowledge, skills and understanding which underpin current theories and practice of training for performance and health.  The focus of this paper will be to examine the physiological basis of training by evaluation and application of scientific research to training theory.  The measurement of many of the parameters of fitness will allow students to evaluate fitness and thus allow effective training protocols to be prescribed.

 
SE6282 Programming Outdoor Education
This paper will develop an understanding of programming theory and promote an awareness of outdoor education. There will be a focus on programme planning, risk management, team building and personal development. Components important to programme planning include: knowledge about theories of learning applied to outdoor settings, the learning process and the role of the outdoor recreation practitioner in this process, assessment, activity analysis, developmental and age appropriate activities, adaptations and modifications, risk management and evaluation. Practical classes may include activities such as: challenge ropes course, bush navigation, abseiling, tramping, climbing, caving, kayaking and cycling. Students will plan and undertake an outdoor journey.

Elective 1

Elective 2

Electives may be chosen from this or another programme at level 5, 6 or 7.

Depending on elective choice, graduates can manage sport and recreation services, design and implement physical activity for special population groups (eg. cardiac rehabilitation, back conditions, pregnancy), provide dietary and physical conditioning and analysis and advice to athletes and the general public; provide coaching and sports counselling to athletes to enhance optimum performance; lead and instruct groups in outdoor settings; prepare risk management plans for outdoor activities, as well as develop outdoor activity programmes for special populations (eg. youth at risk, the unemployed, retirees, the tourism industry).

Graduates can critique research and write academic assignments. Graduates of this programme may staircase onto further study such as the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise.

Graduates can work in management roles in sports and fitness centres, in sport and recreation related retail businesses, as fitness trainers, as coaches and in leadership or assistant leadership roles in outdoor recreation businesses.

Applicants should have successfully completed the SIT Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (Level 5) programme or possess equivalent knowledge and skills, or have completed an external or overseas qualification which is considered to be the equivalent of the above qualification, as approved by the head of faculty.

Special Application

Applicants who have successfully completed courses from any equivalent level programmes may be admitted to the Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (L6) programme through cross-credit processes.

Applicants who have relevant experience in the sport and exercise science industry may seek admission to the Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (Level 6) programme through a Recognition of Prior Learning process. Their experience will be taken into account for the purpose of admission. Where such applicants gain admission, credit may be given for experience relevant to the learning outcomes of particular papers.

Please note that applicants who successfully complete and are awarded the Southern Institute of Technology Bachelor of Sport and Exercise will not be entitled in addition to apply for and receive the award of Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (Level 6).

International Students 

Applicants whose first language is not English or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English must provide evidence of having successfully completed English instruction to a level deemed appropriate by the Head of Faculty.  Evidence may include official transcripts and or recognised English test results such as IELTS and TOEFL.

For students to be considered to have satisfactorily completed an SIT programme, and be eligible for award of a qualification, they must have:

• attended for not less than 80% of the timetabled class hours and other scheduled learning activities relating to the programme
• completed all scheduled course work requirements and assessments
• successfully completed assessment requirements for all modules, and achieved a total of 120 credits

In order to be awarded the Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (Level 6), students must attain the minimum number of prescribed credits as specified in the programme schedule. (Please note that students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours will forfeit zero fees entitlement).