Master of Applied Human Performance Science

Program Overview

The Master of Applied Human Performance Science from the University of Western Australia enhances the skills of professionals seeking to optimize human performance in athletic or occupational settings. By combining advanced knowledge in exercise physiology, performance psychology, and human movement, the program equips students to design and deliver evidence-based interventions, interpret data, and navigate ethical considerations in the human performance industry. With a focus on real-world experience, the program provides opportunities for work-integrated learning and prepares graduates for careers in sport science, exercise physiology, and related fields.

Program Outline

Master of Applied Human Performance Science - University of Western Australia

Degree Overview:

This program aims to enhance the skills of professionals working to maximize the human performance potential of individuals in athletic and occupational settings (e.g., military, emergency services, mining, performing arts etc.). It is designed to improve the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills of practitioners currently, or prospectively working in the human performance industry. The course expands on the knowledge and practices in high-performance sport, making it relevant to industry. It exposes students to advanced-level units that build upon knowledge gained in their undergraduate studies, especially in regards to applying scientific principles and techniques to improve human performance using the latest sport science knowledge.

Outline:

Course Structure:

• Conversion: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Science from UWA with an extended major in Sport Science, Exercise and Health, or equivalent, or a bachelor's degree in Sport, Exercise and/or Movement Sciences from a recognized tertiary institution accredited by ESSA at the 'Exercise Science' level must complete relevant conversion unit(s) up to the value of 24 points.
• SSEH3301 Exercise Prescription and Nutrition for Health and Fitness (6 points)
• SSEH3345 Lifespan Motor Development (6 points)
• SSEH3355 Biomechanical Principles (6 points)
• SSEH3388 Promoting Lifelong Physical Activity (6 points)
• SSEH3394 Professional Practice (6 points)
• Core: Take all units (72 points):
• HMSC5004 Research Methods in Human Sciences (6 points)
• HMSC5005 Data Analysis in Human Sciences (6 points)
• SSEH5020 Literature Review and Research Proposal (6 points)
• SSEH5021 Sport Science Exercise and Health Research Project Part 1 (6 points)
• SSEH5022 Sport Science Exercise and Health Research Project Part 2 (6 points)
• SSEH5023 Sport Science Exercise and Health Research Project Part 3 (6 points)
• SSEH5026 Exploring the Limits of Human Performance (6 points)
• SSEH5027 Strength and Conditioning in Human Performance Settings (6 points)
• SSEH5029 Start-ups in Human Performance (6 points)
• SSEH5111 Developing Skill Sets in Human Performance Settings (6 points)
• SSEH5222 Applications of Knowledge in Human Performance Settings (6 points)
• SSEH5333 Networks and Collaboration in Human Performance Settings (6 points)

Course Content:

The Applied Human Performance Science program uses an interdisciplinary approach, covering fields of:

• Advanced exercise physiology
• Performance psychology
• Human movement and ergonomics
• Energy metabolism (nutrition)
• Exercise programming and prescription
• Load monitoring and analytics
• Technology in the management and treatment of various conditions

Teaching:

• Lectures
• Laboratories
• Practical sessions
• Contemporary research-informed units
• Emphasis on developing practical skills, critical thinking, and research skills

Other:

• The program is one of the first master's degrees of its kind offered in Australia.
• It includes an extensive work-integrated learning component, allowing students to acquire direct experience in a sport science work environment.
• Students will apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in a real-world environment with an experienced host or mentor.
• The program is delivered on-campus and partially online.
• The program is full-time only.
• The program starts in Semester 1.
• The program is a postgraduate level of study.
• The program's course code is 73570.
• The program's CRICOS code is 108371J.
• The program's full-time/part-time duration is 2 years.

UWA Exercise and Performance Centre:

• Provides individual and group exercise services to improve health, function, and physical performance.
• Offers clinical programs targeting a range of health goals, including cardiometabolic disease, musculoskeletal pain or injury, cancer, healthy aging, and more.
• Linked with the School of Human Sciences, providing clinical training to postgraduate students undertaking the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology.

• UWA has a long-standing reputation for excellence in this field, ranked 22nd for Sports-Related subjects (QS 2023).
• UWA is ranked 1st in WA, 4th in Australia, and 19th in the world for Anatomy and Physiology (QS 2024).
• UWA is ranked 5th in Australia and 20th in the world for Sports-Related Subjects (QS 2024).

What You'll Learn:

• Understand, design or modify, and apply assessment protocols and methods appropriate to the athlete or team and the situation.
• Design, deliver, and interpret safe, effective, and evidence-based Sports Science interventions for service users in a collaborative manner with medical, allied health, and coaching staff.
• Monitor, recognize, interpret, report, and take appropriate action regarding adverse signs and symptoms that may arise during exercise, sport, or recovery.
• Understand and practice in accordance with ethically relevant policies, legislation, and regulations, including those concerning anti-doping, member protection, match fixing, privacy, equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, and workplace health and safety.