We create educational opportunities for aspiring athletes and those with a passion for sport. Through five-star teaching from people with industry credentials, key partnerships across sporting codes and world-class facilities, we create the perfect launch pad for dream sporting careers – on or off the field.
Through opportunities to work with the big names in sport
We put you at the heart of the sporting action by partnering with some of the biggest names in sport. Join teams such as the NRL Dolphins, Sunshine Coast Lightning and Brisbane Bullets for incredible work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities across the organisations – from working alongside players to helping behind-the-scenes on business operations.
Meet Ellen Szymanski – a UniSC Bachelor of Sports Studies graduate – who got an “incredible and extremely unexpected” placement with the Dolphins.
“I was blown away, I never thought it was possible to do a uni placement with a pro team like that. An unexpected blessing which I’ve loved ever since,” Ellen said.
Ellen is now employed with the Dolphins as an event and game day coordinator, while balancing uni.
Through learning from world-renowned experts and champions
Students learn from leading academics who have worked with elite sporting teams and athletes at the highest levels of competition.
Associate Professor Mark Sayers
Associate Professor, Sports Biomechanics | School of Health
Biomechanist and Special Skills Coach for the New Zealand All Blacks (2000–2001 and 2004–2008), contributing to one of the most successful eras in the team's history.
Associate Professor Anthony Bedford
Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching | Associate Professor, Data Science | School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Performance Analytics and Data Science Specialist in elite sport. Experience supporting AFL clubs, Melbourne Vixens, Sunshine Coast Lightning, Netball Australia, Netball New Zealand, the Silver Ferns and Badminton Australia. Contributed to medal-winning and championship-performing teams.
Professor Fiona Pelly
Discipline Lead, Nutrition and Dietetics | Professor, Nutrition and Dietetics | School of Health
Accredited Practising Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist who has consulted for the International Olympic Committee, NRL teams and Olympic athletes. Evaluated food provision for Olympic and Commonwealth Games since 2000.
Dr Dan van den Hoek
Senior Lecturer, Clinical Exercise Physiology | School of Health
Strength Sports Researcher specialising in powerlifting and para-powerlifting performance. Applied exercise science expertise with Cricket Victoria and the Red Bull Ampol Racing Team (Supercars). Consultant to World Para Powerlifting.
Miss Zara Nance
Clinical Educator in Sports Nutrition | School of Health
Sports Dietitian for the Dolphins NRL team through UniSC's industry partnership. Specialist in sports nutrition and athlete performance.
Dr Bridie Kean
Senior Lecturer, Public Health | School of Health | Coordinator, Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion
Dual wheelchair basketball Paralympic medallist (Beijing 2008, London 2012) who researches participation and performance pathways in disability and para-sport. Established and is chair of the 2032 Sunshine Coast Legacy Plan Community Reference Group to develop a Games legacy vision for the region.
Through our High Performance Student Athlete program
We support elite athletes and rising champions to succeed in both sport and study, helping them balance their studies while competing in the sport they love.
Like Brisbane Lions AFLW player Sophie Peters, who was carving out a name for herself on the footy field, after being drafted in her first year at uni while beginning a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours).
Our world-class facilities make UniSC the ideal home for a multi-sport community of athletes, from school leavers who represent Queensland in age-group national competitions, right up to Olympians, Paralympians, and world champions. Currently, 318 high performance student athletes in 30 sports receive tailored academic and career support across 55 degree programs.
Learn more about the High Performance Student Athlete program at UniSC.
Through off the field sporting careers
Careers in sport are not just for athletes. For our sports-loving students looking for a foothold into the industry, we open doors to the many careers in sports – on or off the field.
Students have the unique opportunity to learn from experts in their fields, from event planning to broadcasting, public relations, graphic design, education, and sports sciences. Whatever the specialisation, we offer the perfect mix of sports-focussed training, research, teaching and engagement opportunities.
Through partnerships and research opportunities
We have a rich history of working alongside major sport stakeholders to create opportunities for athletes, sports teams, researchers and students in sport sciences. The QAS hub is located at our sport and fitness precinct and our resident teams, partners and clubs include the Sunshine Coast Lightning and UniSC Swimming.
Learn more about our sport and exercise science research and partnerships.
Through a world-class para sports program
The world-class facilities at UniSC make us the ideal home for a multi-sport community of para athletes. Bringing together athletes, coaches, teams, sports organisations and the wider community, UniSC Para Sport is a program where partnerships are enriched, built upon a shared love of sport and a firm belief in the power of equal opportunity.
We have a successful history of supporting para athletes and teams for swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and para cycling. We provide partnerships and a pathway for athletes in our communities to reach the highest level of competition, while also providing supported education through the High-Performance Student Athlete program.
