Dreaming of a career in sport?

Ranked the #1 sport science school globally, Deakin's School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences offers a holistic approach to getting work ready. As an international leader in sport education, we prepare you to shape the sport industry of tomorrow.

Explore careers in exercise and sport science

Enjoy world-class sport facilities

We’ve got Australia’s most advanced sports facilities and technology, including an MCG-sized AFL oval, clinical exercise centre, climate chamber, 3D Gait lab; as well as teaching labs designed for studies in biomechanics, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning.

Learn from industry experts

Get the practical experience you need with access to our network of over 150 industry connections across AFL, netball, basketball, cricket, football, swimming and tennis. By working on industry-relevant projects using the same tools professionals use, you’ll be better prepared for your future career.

Be part of the Golden Decade of Sport

You deserve a university with state-of-the-art, future-focused sport facilities that give you the confidence to be part of Australia's Golden Decade of Sport. Learn how to transform performance, chase precision and design the future of sport, to achieve your best possible career outcome.

Choose from a variety of sport courses

Our industry-informed courses equip you with specialist knowledge and expert understanding in your field. Choose from sport management, sport development, clinical exercise physiology, exercise and sport science, human nutrition, and health and physical education teaching.

Learn more about our sport courses

#1 school of sport science in the world 

Our School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences is ranked the  #1 school of sport science in the world for three years running by the ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022, 2023, making Deakin the leader in progressive, real-world sport education.

Want to champion women in sport?

We want to raise the profile of women in sport by challenging, changing and advancing the sport industry. Deakin’s Women in Sport and Exercise (WISE) hub aims to:

  • improve women’s participation in sport and exercise
  • teach skills to help women be job ready in both sport and sport-related roles.

Learn more about women in sport

Interested in sport and social change?

We believe that sport is a force for good and a powerful vehicle for social change. The David Parkin Oration for Sport and Social Change considers the ways in which international sport and social change initiatives may contribute to policy, practice and debate in an Australian context, against a backdrop of global engagement.

Find out more about the David Parkin Oration for Sport and Social Change

Our students can go out and work in professional sporting organisations and they won’t be surprised by what they see – we have the same state-of-the-art equipment and follow industry standards.

Professor Aaron Russell

Associate Head of School, International and Partnerships, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences 

Make an impact

The Centre for Sport Research (CSR) focuses on influencing practice in sport to enhance the health and performance of people and organisations participating in sports. CSR is part of the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN).

Learn more about CSR

Sport for everyone

From elite athletes like the Geelong Cats AFL and AFLW teams to student-based clubs like the Deakin Ducks Soccer Club, our facilities support a wide range of users.

Interested in competing for Deakin?

You could be a Deakin Dragon. The Deakin Dragons compete across a range of different sports in national and local competitions, including the Australian University Games and UniBattle.

Want to join a sport club or society?

Sporting clubs and societies are a great way to get involved, get fit and make friends. We have clubs and societies dedicated to different sports, and new ones start up all the time. You could even start your own.

Are you an elite athlete?

Deakin is an Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU), so we can help you balance study, training and competition. You'll be able to access resources to help you manage your sporting and academic commitments when there are conflicts or increased demands.

Find out more about Deakin's Elite Athlete Program

Latest articles

  • Increasing women’s representation in sport science research
  • Empowering women's sport professionals
  • Promoting opportunity and visibility for women in sport
  • Driving high performance in women’s sport

Increasing women’s representation in sport science research

Monica Kelly studied sport at Deakin and now works with athletes. She’s seen first-hand the lack of women’s representation in sport science research.

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Empowering women's sport professionals

Deakin Associate Professor Natalie Saunders talks about how we can empower the next generation of women sport professionals.

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Promoting opportunity and visibility for women in sport

Deakin’s Dr Samantha Hoffmann supervises sport and exercise physiology students, and supports the next generation of sport professionals.

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Driving high performance in women’s sport

Deakin PhD student Olivia Knowles is helping women athletes reach their full potential.

Read more

Advance your future in sport

Graduate more fulfilled and confident about the future at a university that puts your study experience first. Whether you’re studying online or on campus, you’ll feel supported to achieve your best and transition into a job you love.

Explore sport courses

Footnotes

Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.