Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
This course is only offered Online with on-campus intensives.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science prepares you to lead and manage high-performance teams in elite sport. Build advanced expertise in sport science, performance analysis and strength and conditioning, while developing the leadership and management skills needed to support athletes and performance staff. The course also focuses on culture development and continuous improvement to help drive team success.
Underpinned by world-class research from Deakin’s Centre for Sport Research and Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, you’ll learn to critically evaluate evidence and apply sport science insights in professional environments. Designed for busy professionals, the course can be completed online in just one year full-time, allowing you to study while you work. It includes eight units from the Master of Applied Sport Science, with the option to progress to the master’s by completing two additional units.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H607
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
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Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core units
^These units have practical Intensive components. Please refer to ‘Participation requirements’ section for further information.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
STUDY AT THE #1 SPORT SCIENCE SCHOOL IN THE WORLD
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Workload
As a student in an online course with on campus intensives in some units in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend at least 11-13 hours per unit every week participating in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals, placements and online interaction online. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time. Teaching, placements and assessment tasks may take place outside of Deakin University teaching periods.
Participation requirements
HSE721, HSE724, HSE725 and HSE726 have on campus intensives. Intensives are typically delivered up to 5 days.
Domestic students must attend HSE721, HSE724 and HSE725 intensives on-campus at Deakin University. HSE726 can be completed on campus at Deakin University or online.
International students must attend HSE724 and HSE725 intensives on campus at Deakin University, Australia. HSE721 and HSE726 intensives must be completed either on-campus at Deakin University, Australia or online (video conferencing). International students who wish to complete intensives in person please refer to the visa information under 'Additional course information' section.
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Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Roles such as Strength and Conditioning Coach, Performance Analyst, Sport Physiologist, Biomechanist, Skill Acquisition Specialist, Performance Scientist, High Performance Manager or any other role that represents a discipline of Applied Sport Science.
The role should be within a sporting club or institute of sport
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$27,600 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
Master of Applied Sport Science (H707)
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Applied Sport Science (H507)
- Graduate Certificate of Sport Performance Analysis (H514)
- Graduate Certificate of Strength and Conditioning (H513)
Career outcomes
The course prepares you for career growth in the industry. Graduate with a sought-after combination of sport science and managerial skills that set you up for success in roles such as:
- high performance manager
- sports scientist
- strength and conditioning coach
- rehabilitation coach
- sport performance analyst
Depending on other professional accreditation, graduates could work as a strength and conditioning coach, sport performance analyst, a sport scientist or sport performance manager.
If you are looking to pursue further study, you may wish to articulate into the Master of Applied Sport Science after completing this course.
Professional recognition
We are recognised as an industry provider for the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA).
Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science or Graduate Certificate of Strength and Conditioning, you will meet the theoretical and practical skills gained through HSE724 Strength and Conditioning for High Performing Athletes and HSE725 Advanced Training Design for Sport for Level 2 ASCA accreditation. You would be required to provide ASCA with evidence of an article of publication standard for the Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (JASC), and practical coaching experience, to meet the eligibility requirements for Level 2 accreditation.
For more details and to view the application form, visit ASCA.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply advanced knowledge of sport science to sport performance related problems including key principles, concepts and research strategies. |
| Select and use appropriate modes of communication to transmit evidence based sport science knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences with a view to inform, motivate and effect change at the individual and organisational level. |
| Use digital technologies to locate and disseminate information, ideas and resources related to sport science to specialist and non- specialist audiences. |
| Critically analyse complex theoretical and technical information related to a range of specialised sport science contexts. |
| Apply advanced cognitive and technical skills to autonomously analyse, generate and transmit solutions to complex sport science problems. |
| Employ high-level personal responsibility, accountability and autonomy to demonstrate expert judgement and adaptability to familiar and emerging challenges confronting sport scientists. |
| Contribute to an interdisciplinary team and establish constructive relationships, with a range of stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes and to advance sport science across the broad spectrum of contexts. |
| Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates personal autonomy, awareness of, and adaptability to, diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts in sport sciences. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
