Programmes
The programme is a two-year, full-time and credit-based articulated honours programme designed for local Associate Degree and Higher Diploma holders. The programme aims to offer an excellent learning experience to students who aspire to a career in the exercise, sport and allied health sciences. It is characterized by two closely linked areas.
The ‘exercise science’ component explores the complex nature of human movement and the manner in which the body reacts to acute and chronic physical activities, such as general fitness regimes, physical lifestyle activities and elite sports; whereas the ‘health education’ component examines the efficacy of a variety of prescribed physical activities, in addition to health promotion theories and strategies. The courses are designed to assist individuals and communities in achieving a better understanding of health issues, to prevent and change the unhealthy lifestyles and behaviours linked to chronic diseases, disability and a poor quality of life. This BSc programme prepares students for professional practice in exercise science, behavioural science and health-related careers.
Exercise and Health Ambassadors
‘Exercise’ and ‘health’ may be the two most frequently associated words for each other. Given the two, even a kindergarten pupil will give you a sentence like ‘Exercise is good for health’.
With increasing health consciousness among the general population, exercise and health education is one of the fastest growing professional areas in global and local contexts. The demand for graduates of this discipline to assist different populations to make important lifestyle and behavioural changes has been growing at an unprecedented rate.
The Bachelor of Science Programme in Exercise Science and Health Education (ESHE) offered by CUHK’s Faculty of Education is a programme for applicants who have successfully completed a local course of study leading to the qualification of associate degree / higher diploma in a sports-related discipline.
The programme is characterized by two closely linked components. The Exercise Science component explores the complex nature of human movement and examines the manner by which the body reacts to acute and chronic physical activity pursuits, such as general fitness regimes, lifestyle physical activities, and elite sport. The Health Education component examines the efficacy of a variety of prescribed physical activities, as well as theories and strategies for health promotion.
Jim Yu Chung-hung has developed a strong interest in sports and health topics during his sub-degree studies. Upon sharing his reason for joining the ESHE programme, he stated ‘I hope I can improve my social awareness of health and exercise by studying the programme to live a better life.’
As a final year student of ESHE, Jim knows that the programme is the best choice for him. ‘All students can optimize their potential and progress smoothly throughout their studies.’
‘I have studied sports science- and health-related topics in great depth. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the teaching staff of the department. The relationship between students and teaching staff is like peers and family. The teachers and professors take good care of students’ academic performance and even daily life beyond the classroom setting.’ According to Jim, the teaching team of ESHE spare no effort to pass on their experience to students and improve students’ critical thinking skills. ‘The two-year programme exposes students to a diversity of learning experiences: internship, term-time or summer international exchange programmes, and a supervised capstone research project.’
By helping in an international symposium or a ceremony, students gain hands-on experience of event organization, operation and administration. They learn to communicate with organizers, professionals and academic experts from various fields, both local and overseas. Students also gain various working experiences through interning at sport institutes, camp sites or sports associations.
The Department of Sports Science and Physical Education has been actively arranging internship opportunities for ESHE students. By serving as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) on Physical Training Establishment in The Hong Kong Fire Services Department, Jim was involved in operational work such as the annual fitness test, weekly training and general administrative tasks. ‘Not only did I get the chance to apply my sports science knowledge in the workplace, I also acquire a good work attitude inspired by my work supervisors,’ he said.
With such comprehensive training, ESHE graduates will be highly sought after as administrators in sports associations, executives in fitness and leisure industries, supervisors / officers in private and commercial sectors, inspectors or officers in disciplinary forces or physical training officers.
Published: Summer 2017
Last Updated: Summer 2021