Being physically active and loving nature guided Katie’s choice to study a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science.

Katie Vuleta grew up with an active family life full of hiking, netball and dancing. Being physically active and spending time in nature are a huge part of her lifestyle. It’s no surprise she was attracted to a unique combination degree featuring Sport and Exercise Science combined with a postgrad qualification in Clinical Exercise. What Katie didn’t know before she got to Murdoch is where that specialised interest would take her. 

Unique course uses state-of-the art learning facilities

Studying at Murdoch University was an easy choice for Katie because the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science / Graduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology let her study what she loves.

Murdoch offers one of the only integrated Exercise Physiology degree in Western Australia. Plus, the Good Universities Guide 2024 gave the degree a five-star rating for learning resources for courses in health services and support. 

Students learn practical skills in purpose-built facilities including chiropractic science and exercise science laboratories - but Murdoch had more to offer.

“I was also drawn to Murdoch’s friendly and intimate campus environment,” Katie said.

“The fact that Murdoch’s Perth campus is so close to home was an additional bonus.”

Katie wanted to make a career helping others

Katie realises how fortunate she’s been in her life to do the things she loves. She wanted to pursue a career that helps others who have faced challenges.

“I chose to study Clinical Exercise Physiology so that I can help others reach their goals and improve their quality of life,” Katie said.

“I aspire to be an exercise physiologist in the neurological rehabilitation domain.”

Katie thrived in her course and was ranked as a high-achieving student, among the top 15 per cent of students across the university. Her hard work paid off in many ways. She participated in real-world learning that enhanced her studies with three different opportunities. 

She undertook a practicum placement at Tennis West, the governing body of tennis in Western Australia.

“This was a very valuable learning experience and I walked away from this organisation with a much richer understanding of sport and exercise science as well as strength and conditioning,” Katie said.

She also gained practical experience at MSWA, a global leader in neuro research.

This placement has been so eye-opening for me and is what has made me realise that I want to work in the neurological domain of exercise physiology.”

Despite these impressive placements, Katie describes her work with the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre as a stand-out.

“One of my greatest achievements at the university was being able to do my practicum placement at Murdoch’s Kulbardi program,” Katie said.

“I really enjoyed participating in this and loved getting to meet new people.” 

Academic support results in highest-quality education possible

Katie is the first to admit her success was made all the easier because of the amount of support provided by Murdoch academics and says they’re always willing to help their students in any way they can.

“From studying at Murdoch, it has become apparent that the main focus of the academics is to provide students with the highest-quality education possible,” Katie said.

Katie recommends new students take advantage of every opportunity offered by Murdoch lecturers and tutors. She also found support from sharing studying experiences with fellow classmates.

When it comes to succeeding at uni, Katie’s advice is simple:

“Study hard, but also make sure that you are looking after yourself, mentally and physically.” 

Passionate about transforming the lives of others? Kicks tart your career by studying the only Exercise Physiology Qualification in WA at Murdoch.