Bachelor of Health and Physical Education

The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only. 

Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.

Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.

Overview

The Bachelor of Health and Physical Education provides academic and professional preparation for employment, both nationally and internationally, as a health and physical education teacher. Graduates of the degree can be employed in both primary and secondary educational settings and develop a range of skills valuable in other health and physical education sectors. UOW is a leader in this field and this degree reflects the growing importance, and potential, of health and physical education in today’s society.

The course offers studies in health and physical education, including games and sport, rhythmic movements, mental and sexual health, relationships, curriculum and pedagogy, anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, educational foundations and movement skills. Students will also study subjects that have a cross-curriculum perspective such as Aboriginal education, effective use of ICT, learners with exceptional needs, communication, and risk and behaviour management.

Professional Experience is a compulsory component of this course and usually occurs in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Southern Sydney schools. There are also opportunities for students to apply for ‘out-of-area’ (e.g. in rural NSW) Professional Experience and overseas teaching experiences in countries such as Thailand, Fiji, China and Malaysia.

Students who have achieved a high level of academic performance in the first two and a half years of the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education may complete the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education at Honours level.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education will:

1. Demonstrate broad and coherent pedagogical and content knowledge for the teaching profession.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the connection between research and theory and the ability to use this knowledge to inform their practice as a teacher.
3. Have well-developed skills in student-focused pedagogy and practice to manipulate mandatory documents related to policy, student learning and integrate teaching across curricula areas.
4. Display well-developed communication and evaluation skills as a reflective practitioner, articulating and analysing the complex and dynamic role of the teacher in the learning environment.
5. Apply pedagogical skills and content knowledge to solve educational problems, integrate technology in the classroom, plan for all learners, apply pedagogical strategies for differentiation and reflect on their practice.
6. Demonstrate the ability to autonomously apply educational ethics that value student differences, the importance of differentiation and social justice. 

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Health and Physical Education requires:

1. The successful completion of 192 credit points comprising:
   1. 29 core subjects (180cp);
   2. 2 electives (12cp);
   3. No more than 60 credit points will be at 100 level.
2. The successful completion of the Professional Experience components embedded in the course.   

Health and Physical Education electives

Minors

Students in the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education can undertake a minor study from another Faculty. A minor consists of an approved combination of subjects which have a minimum value of 24 credit points offered by one or more academic units, of which 12 credit points should be at least 200 level or higher. The cross-counting of subjects towards majors, minors and core degree requirements is limited to one subject.

Students should check that there is room within their degree structure to accommodate a minor study and still meet their degree requirements; and that the subjects are able to be studied in line with PEx requirements. If in doubt, students should seek academic advice before undertaking a minor study.

Students should also note that some subjects listed for minor studies may require other subjects as pre/co-requisites and that due to demand or space limitations, some subjects may have quotas. Students are advised to check for specific subject information in the online subject database before selecting subjects.

Dean's Scholar

A Dean's Scholar program is available. For further information refer to the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Dean's Scholar).

Honours

Students who have achieved a high level of academic performance in the first two and a half years of the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education may apply to transfer to the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Honours).

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

This degree is undergoing accreditation with the Board of Studies, Teaching and Education Standards (BOSTES) as a national professional teaching qualification. Students seeking work outside NSW are advised to check with potential employers for any additional requirements.

From 2016, future teachers will need to meet the BOSTES increased academic standards. As a part of the increased standards, all students will be required to pass a national literacy and numeracy test before commencing the final professional experience placement.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au