Bachelors of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences / Arts

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences / Arts at The University of Queensland is a four-year dual degree that combines health science with the broad, flexible learning of an arts program. It is designed for students who want to understand human health and wellbeing while also exploring how society, culture, communication and policy shape real-world health outcomes.

This degree suits students who are interested in health-related careers as well as roles in media, education, community services, policy or public health. You will study how the human body works, how lifestyle impacts wellbeing, and how social and cultural factors influence health.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you will build a foundation in human movement and nutrition alongside introductory arts studies. Courses such as Health and Fitness Through Diet and Exercise introduce core health science concepts, while arts subjects help you develop communication, writing and critical thinking skills. This year establishes both the scientific and social foundations of health.

Year 2

The second year strengthens your understanding of health while you begin shaping your arts major. Through subjects such as Psychology of Sport, Physical Activity and Health, you explore how behaviour and physiology influence wellbeing, while arts courses deepen your knowledge in areas such as sociology, communication, history or policy depending on your chosen major.

Year 3

In your third year, you move into more advanced study in both areas. Human movement and nutrition subjects focus on applied health knowledge, while your arts major becomes more specialised in themes such as culture, media, society or public policy. This helps you connect scientific knowledge with broader social issues.

Year 4

In your final year, you bring both disciplines together through advanced coursework and real-world experience. The HMST3103 Nutrition, Sport and Physical Activity Management – Industry Placement gives you practical exposure to the health and sport industry, while advanced arts study strengthens your ability to analyse, research and communicate complex ideas clearly.

Focus Areas

Human Movement Sciences, Nutrition Sciences, Exercise Physiology, Health Promotion, Physical Activity, Sociology, Communication, Media Studies, Policy Studies, Cultural Studies, Public Health, Critical Thinking, Interdisciplinary Studies

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge of human movement and nutrition, Understanding of health and society, Critical thinking and analytical skills, Communication and research abilities, Health promotion knowledge, Policy and cultural awareness, Problem-solving skills, Interdisciplinary thinking, Professional communication, Practical industry experience

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This dual degree combines professional health science training with a broad arts education, preparing graduates for careers across health, government, policy, education, media and community sectors. Students also gain real-world experience through industry placement, which strengthens employability and workplace readiness.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for excellence in both sports science and humanities. Students benefit from high-quality teaching, strong research focus and industry connections, helping graduates build adaptable skills valued across many different career paths.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Queensland, the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences / Arts program is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This hands-on approach ensures that you not only learn the concepts but also apply them in real-world settings. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance your learning experience, allowing you to engage in various practical activities, research, and collaborative projects.

Here are some key aspects of experiential learning in this program:

- Practical Skills Development: Engage in practical classes and workshops that focus on human movement, nutrition, and health sciences.
- Laboratories: Access specialized laboratories equipped for research in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition, allowing you to conduct experiments and analyze data.
- Internships: Participate in industry placements and internships that provide valuable experience in health and fitness organizations, schools, and community programs.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on group projects that simulate real-world challenges, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Field Trips: Experience learning outside the classroom with field trips to health and fitness facilities, research institutes, and community health organizations.
- Digital Tools: Utilize advanced software and digital tools for data analysis, nutrition assessment, and exercise programming, enhancing your technical skills.
- Research Institutes: Engage with UQ’s research institutes, such as the Centre for Online Health and the Queensland Brain Institute, to gain insights into cutting-edge research and its applications.
- Libraries and Resources: Benefit from access to extensive library resources, including specialized collections in health and nutrition, to support your studies and research.

These opportunities not only enrich your academic experience but also prepare you for a successful career in the health and fitness industry.

Embarking on this journey at UQ means you’ll be well-equipped to make a meaningful impact in the fields of human movement and nutrition sciences.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences / Arts at The University of Queensland develop a strong blend of health science knowledge and arts-based skills in communication, analysis and critical thinking. This combination prepares them for diverse careers across health, government, education, media and community sectors where understanding both people and policy is important. Typical career pathways include Health Policy Analyst, Policy Adviser, Sports Journalist, and Community or Public Sector Professional.

University employability support: Students benefit from career development services, industry-engaged learning, and a compulsory 50-hour placement that provides real-world experience in relevant professional settings. These experiences help students build confidence and professional networks before graduation.
Employment statistics and salary figures: Graduates typically enter roles in public policy, health promotion, communications and government services. Entry-level salaries in these fields are generally around AUD $60,000–$80,000, depending on role and sector.
University–industry partnerships: The program includes placements and applied learning opportunities with health organisations, government departments and community sector partners, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and industry exposure.
Long-term professional value: While the Arts component does not lead to a licensed profession, the combined degree is highly valued for its transferable skills in communication, analysis, research and policy understanding, which are widely sought after across multiple industries.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with strong abilities in critical thinking, communication, research, health literacy and policy analysis, making them adaptable across a wide range of professional fields.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, graduates can continue into honours or postgraduate study in areas such as Public Health, Health Promotion, Policy Studies, Communication, Education or Social Sciences. Many also pursue Master’s degrees or research pathways such as Master by Research or PhD, or further specialise in either health sciences or humanities depending on their career goals.