Do you love sport, movement or health? The University of Notre Dame Australia is the perfect place to explore your passion
If you’re passionate about sport, movement or health, the University of Notre Dame Australia can help you turn your interests into a career.
Explore what interests you through research projects, industry engagement and exposure to different opportunities. Just like a fast-paced netball game, Notre Dame lets you pivot your studies as you go.
Students don’t just learn theory. They apply their skills and build their CVs in placements with sport and medical organisations across the country.
All of Notre Dame’s health programs stand out for their personal approach. Think: specialised performance labs and gyms and approachable teachers. Plus, they have campuses across Australia, allowing you to study closer to home.
Notre Dame Uni will help you sprint into your future health career!
Grit and determination
For third-year sport science student Mitchell Searston, arriving at Notre Dame Uni marked a turning point.
After withdrawing from two other universities, plus multiple knee surgeries and a period of drifting through work, he enrolled at Notre Dame determined to take his studies seriously – and immediately felt the difference.
“There was always a wall at other unis,” Mitch says. “But at Notre Dame the lecturers are so open and welcoming.” This attitude, he says, is the same across the entire university: approachable staff, personalised feedback and opportunities that go far beyond the classroom.
Mitch has already worked with the WA Cricket Association’s senior men’s and women’s cricket programs, delivered conditioning sessions, helped develop training protocols, and designed programs for umpires.
Through involvement with the East Fremantle and Perth football clubs, Mitch has stepped into roles few undergrads experience – including acting Head of High Performance! “It was such a surreal experience,” Mitch says. “What you get taught does apply directly into the field.”
Next, Mitch plans to progress into Honours. He’s excited to explore research and work alongside mentors who have shaped his confidence, skills and career direction.
Pick and mix
- Biomedical science
- Clinical exercise physiology
- Exercise and sport science
- Health sciences
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
Mixing it up
For double-degree student Anna Watts, studying physiotherapy and sport science at Notre Dame Uni began with a simple wish: to help people move better.
Anna was initially interested in human biology, but decided to pursue physio instead after a personal experience with injury in Year 12. When she attended a Notre Dame open day, Anna immediately felt comfortable.
“I just found the environment so welcoming. They were all willing to talk to me and give me as much information as I needed,” she says. Anna says the staff always have time for her questions.
“It’s a very evidence-based and high-quality environment. I can’t praise them highly enough.”
Work placements have reinforced Anna’s passion. Notre Dame’s program ensures physio students rotate across musculoskeletal, neuro and cardiorespiratory placements, building a truly holistic skill set.
Anna has completed rotations in aged care, where she loved working closely with residents, and in a rehabilitation hospital, where she learnt the realities of how multidisciplinary teams operate.
Boost your brain
Need a study boost? Both Mitchell and Anna swear by movement. “Even 10 or 20 minutes of exercise can completely change how productive you are,” says Anna.
Short breaks – a run, cycle, stretch or even a handstand – can reset your brain and improve productivity.
This article originally appeared in Careers with STEM: Health 2026, and was produced in partnership with the University of Notre Dame Australia.
