Bachelor of Health Science (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education)

Why study the Bachelor of Health Science (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education)?

The UWS Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) degree brings together a comprehensive foundation of health sciences, understanding of physical activity and personal development, and skills in interacting with diverse people. You will gain the theoretical skills to analyse new challenges, and the practical skills required to help people improve their health through physical activity and greater awareness of lifestyle issues.

PDHPE health science graduates from UWS stand out for their holistic understanding of the concepts of health and physical activity and their relationship to other components of personal development and physical education.

The PDHPE degree is known for the international standard of its facilities. UWS has invested significantly in a new gymnasium and renovated the dance and gym facilities used for PDHPE. These are complemented by a wealth of sports venues in the local region, including Olympics facilities at Penrith and Homebush, and the opportunity for outdoor activities in the Blue Mountains. The course explores challenging areas of personal development, including youth health issues, sexuality, drugs, psychology and risk-taking behaviours, as well as general health science, including human biology, health systems, health promotion and research.

Practical Experience

Experience is integrated into course units. Students use UWS’s new gymnasium, dance and gym studies facility, and a dedicated research and teaching laboratory.

A Career in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

The Bachelor of Health Science (PDHPE) program is a popular pathway to a Master of Teaching (Secondary), and then on to a teaching career. You can extend your teaching opportunities beyond PDHPE by studying electives, such as science and mathematics, which lead into teaching. Note that admission to the Master of Teaching requires a separate application.

Alternatively, graduates work as personal trainers and sports coaches, for example, and new opportunities are opening up in community-based recreation. UWS will give you a broad set of skills that you can apply working in fitness businesses, the health sector, the education sector or for yourself.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens in a new window). Step by step instructions are available on the How to Apply pages.

All international applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made via the International Student Admission Application form. Step by step instructions are available on the International Admissions pages.