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Sports lovers dream degree
24 October, 2005
The University of the Sunshine Coast is offering dedicated sport lovers the chance to turn their passion into their profession.
Sport is an important part of Australian culture, particularly here on the Sunshine Coast, and the sporting industry is one of Australia's fastest growing areas.
USC's new Bachelor of Sport and Industry offers students the chance to blend university level sports science with specific industry accredited modules.
It means graduates with have extensive sports science knowledge and industry accreditation in a range of different sporting industries such as golf, surf-lifesaving and sailing.
This innovative combination of tertiary study and industry know-how will deliver in-demand graduates to a rapidly growing employment market.
The University already has an excellent reputation in sport science and this new degree is a welcomed addition to an already popular area of study according to Course Coordinator and Associate Professor Brendan Burkett.
"The Sport and Industry degree offers students the industry accreditation employers want, but which is not usually gained in a university degree," Associate Professor Burkett said.
"It meets a niche area of employment within the sporting industry."
"We envisaged this degree will appeal to both school leavers and mature age students as it offers excellent employment opportunities, and for any sport fan or enthusiast this degree is an excellent way to work professionally within their favourite sport."
The University's Sport and Exercise degree is always popular with students and while that degree offers opportunities for working within sports science and further research, the new degree offers a whole different career direction.
"Students have the opportunity to complement their science studies with subjects in sport marketing and management or health promotion.
"In third year, they have the chance to choose a specific sport industry pathway in their special area of interest and really focus in-depth.
Depending on the choice of subjects a student makes, they may apply to become members of the Australian Coaching Council, Fitness Australia, Sports Medicine Australia, or Sports Marketing and Management, on graduation.
Career opportunities include working as a sport and recreation officer, a sports development officer, sports marketing and event manager or a sports specific coach or administrator.