The Division of Movement Science and Exercise Therapy offers the following courses:
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Our BSc Honours in Biokinetics and BSc Honours in Sport Science: Kinderkinetics will be on offer until 2028 and will then be gradually phased out and replaced by Professional degrees in Biokinetics and Kinderkinetics. For more information, please contact the Divisional Head: Movement Science and Exercise Therapy, Professor Karen Welman (
welman@sun.ac.za).
BSc Honours in Biokinetics
Biokinetics is the science of movement and the use of exercise for prevention, rehabilitation, and treatment across the lifespan. A Biokineticist, recognised and registered by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)*, is a clinical exercise and rehabilitation specialist. The degree in Biokinetics aims to develop skilled exercise therapists and rehabilitation professionals with a strong foundation in scientific exercise interventions. Biokineticists focus on health promotion, maintenance of physical abilities, and rehabilitation through evidence-based exercise prescriptions. They serve both healthy individuals and those with chronic conditions, disabilities, or neuro-musculoskeletal issues. After a comprehensive assessment, a Biokineticist designs personalised exercise programmes to enhance health, well-being, physical performance and injury recovery.
A successful Biokinetics graduate must be able to:
- Integrate core sub-disciplines of human movement and exercise sciences to design and deliver diverse healthcare services.
- Analyse scientific inquiry and clinical experiences using critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Conduct health risk screenings, assess capacity and function, and implement appropriate risk management strategies.
- Design, deliver, and manage evidence-based interventions to improve health, fitness, and performance.
- Provide safe exercise-based interventions for individuals with medical conditions, disabilities, and musculoskeletal injuries to optimise health and function.
- Understand psychosocial aspects of health and apply behavioural change principles to support adherence to interventions.
- Communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders, supporting person-centred care and maintaining accurate records.
- Collaborate effectively with others, delegating tasks and working in multidisciplinary partnerships.
- Display professional conduct consistent with HPCSA guidelines, ethical practice, and relevant legislation.
- Compile, evaluate, and communicate the scientific rationale for professional decision-making and service delivery.
- Commit to lifelong learning, professional self-development, and mentoring new graduates.
- Practise responsibly and inclusively, respecting individual and social-cultural differences.
- Use digital practices and technology, including telehealth, to support biokinetics services.
- Demonstrate leadership, health advocacy, and contribute to education and practice development.
- Conduct and interpret biokinetics research, disseminating findings to a research audience.
- Apply entrepreneurial and practice management skills in private or public healthcare settings.
* Note: Professional registration with the HPCSA (Health Professional Council of South Africa) is a requirement to be able to practice.
Please follow the
link to find out more.
BSc Honours in Sport Science: Kinderkinetics
Kinderkinetics aims to holistically develop children from 0 to 13 years old by stimulating, remedying, and promoting optimal gross motor and physical development. The main focus of Kinderkinetics is to evaluate gross motor skills using scientific test batteries to develop individualised exercise programmes. Kinderkinetics instils a love for movement and a healthy lifestyle from an early age, using playful, engaging exercises that support the development of perceptual and neuro motor skills and overall physical confidence. This profession ensures a well-rounded foundation for future physical activities and sports.
At the end of the practical and theoretical modules, the student will be able to:
- Work with children of different ages and abilities and be able to apply theory into practice.
- Make use of scientific methods to evaluate a child’s gross motor skills.
- Design and prescribe movement programmes for both prevention of health issues and the enhancement of children’s motor skills.
- Gain practical experience in a variety of social settings such as schools, institutions, communities, clinics, and professional practices.
* Note: Professional registration with the SAPIK (South African Professional Institute for Kinderkinetics) is a requirement to be able to practice as a Kinderkineticist.
Please follow the
link to find out more.
MSc in Sport Science
MSET offer a 100% research-based MSc, which means this programme does not include any coursework. However, based on your background and Divisional policy, you might have to follow certain courses.
Please follow the
link to find out more.
PhD in Sport Science
MSET offer a 100% research-based PhD, which means this programme does not include any coursework. However, based on your background and Divisional policy, you might have to follow certain courses.
Please follow the
link to find out more.