Accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia
#1 sport science school in the world*
Industry partnerships with prominent sports clubs
Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2023 close 25 June 2023
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Join the #1 sport science school in the world* by studying Deakin's Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science. The course provides an accredited pathway for you to be eligible to join Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and practise as an Accredited Exercise Scientist. You'll learn how to apply knowledge and skills in exercise and sport science to improve the performance, health and participation of individuals, athletes and teams.
Develop the skills to become a professional leader in exercise and sport science and allied fields, with a focus on the biological, sociological and behavioural bases of exercise and sport science. Learn in world-class facilities at our Elite Sports Precinct in Geelong and Specialised Indoor Exercise and Sport Science building in Burwood. The course includes 220 hours of practical experience – more than any comparable accredited program in Victoria – meaning you'll graduate job-ready with an advantage.
Why not fulfil your potential in the world of exercise and sports science and graduate with a practical degree that lets you hit the ground running in the industry?
Our world-class facilities allow you to learn in elite environments. The Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus’ Elite Sports Precinct supports the activities of a wide range of athletes, from the Geelong Cats AFL team, to the student-based Deakin Ducks Soccer Club. This opens the door to outstanding placement opportunities for students. Our new specialised indoor exercise and sport science building at the Melbourne Burwood Campus features four levels of state-of-the-art sport science learning facilities, providing you with a broad range of hands-on learning experiences.
Deakin’s Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science is the first and longest-standing undergraduate course in Victoria. Develop the expertise to become a professional leader in exercise and sport science, studying the biology, technology, behaviour and best practices that underpin exercise and sport science. Tailor the course to your interests and career goals, choosing from the following majors:
- applied sport science
- disability and inclusion
- exercise physiology
- family, society and health
- health promotion
- nutrition
- physical activity and health
- psychology
- sport coaching
- sports nutrition
- strength and conditioning.
You will have the opportunity to participate in work experience placements in a variety of environments such as:
- AFL/VFL football clubs
- Football Federation Victoria
- Tennis Australia
- WNBL clubs
- Cricket Victoria
- private strength and conditioning and high-performance centres (including Institutes of Sport)
- recreational gyms
- rehabilitation clinics.
All students participate in two industry-based practical experiences. In second year, students complete 80 hours of practical experience at a pre-approved host organisation through the Exercise Programming unit. The Exercise and Sports Science Practicum in final year provides a minimum 140 hours of practical experiences. These are a core feature of the course which, combined with career mentoring by staff in particular units, set you apart from other graduates. career mentoring by staff in particular units, set you apart from other graduates.
*Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
- Year
2023 course information
- VTAC code
1400310381 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Regional and Remote
1400314411 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400514411 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
- Deakin code
- H343
- CRICOS code?
- 045332G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. In order to gain 24 credit points you will need to study 24 units (AKA 'subjects'). Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester and usually undertaken in two trimesters each year.
The course comprises 24 credit points which includes 16 core units (these are compulsory) and 8 elective units (you can choose which ones to study). No more than 10 credit points may be taken at level 1 and at least 6 credit points must be taken at level 3.
Also, you can select elective units to form a major sequence. Majors can be selected from within the Faculty of Health or any other Faculty, subject to availability and pre-requisites. Majors may include applied sport science, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sport coaching, nutrition, physical activity and health, health promotion, management, sports nutrition, marketing, languages or media.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity and HSE010 Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory units).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.
16
Compulsory units
8
Elective units
24
Total
Core units
Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2022 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2022 should refer to previous online Handbooks or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit (recommended from level 1)
Level 1 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit (recommended from level 1)
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus one elective units (recommended from level 1 or level 2)
Level 2 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit (recommended from level 2 or level 3)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
plus two elective unit (recommended from level 2 or level 3)
Level 3 - Trimester 2
plus two elective units (recommended from level 2 or level 3)
* Unit also available in Trimester 3
^Indicates compulsory practicum core unit students need to complete in this course - refer course structure
Major sequences
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
- Exercise Physiology - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Applied Sport Science - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Physical Activity and Health - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong),
- Sports Nutrition - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Sport Coaching - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Strength and Conditioning - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Psychology - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online. Individual units may not be available on every campus
- Nutrition - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Health Promotion - Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong),Online
- Family, Society and Health - Burwood (Melbourne), Online
- Disability and Inclusion - Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Note: Minor sequences are not available to H343 Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science students.
Students can choose to undertake majors from other courses as long as they can fit the major into their course structure and the majors are available for you to undertake.
Please ensure you discuss your request with your Course Adviser to ensure you are still meeting your course rules
Elective units
Exercise and Sport Science elective units
Electives are offered subject to availability of resources and quotas where applicable.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 3
H718 Master of Dietetics Pre-Requisite units information
Students wishing to be eligible to enrol in postgraduate dietetics at Deakin should refer to the H718 Master of Dietetics Pre-requisite unit 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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2022 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2022 should refer to previous online Handbooks or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
^Indicates compulsory practicum core unit students need to complete in this course - refer course structure.
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Working with Children Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the relevant state prior to undertaking placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement units.
Police record check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement units.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and on-line interaction. 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.
Participation requirements
The course contains compulsory practicum placements designed to meet the ESSA Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) professional standards.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability and/or athletes registered with the Deakin Elite Athlete program.
Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science features compulsory practical experience through work-based practicum, so you can start your career before you graduate with hands-on work placement experience.
You have the opportunity to undertake hands-on experience in a variety of sporting, exercise or health environments. These may vary from local, state or national sporting organisations and professional sporting clubs; state and national institutes of sport; as well as health, fitness and exercise physiology rehabilitation providers. The roles can involve coaching, sport science, sports administration, sport management, exercise physiology and fitness, while many graduates have been offered subsequent employment based on their excellent practicum/fieldwork performance.
To meet the ESSA professional standards for accreditation, at least 80 hours of course practicum hours must demonstrate attainment of competency in exercise assessment, prescription and delivery.
The units comprising of the practical experience outlined above are HSE312 Exercise and Sports Science Practicum (140 hours) and HSE302 Exercise Programming (80 hours).
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Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.
VCE Prerequisite subjects
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
ATAR
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection consideration.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Higher education study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
If you wish experience to be considered you should include this information with suitable evidence on your personal statement. This may include supporting statements from employers, organisations, coaches and other educational institutions. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
VET study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your secondary education and subsequent academic records as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
If you wish experience to be considered you should include this information with suitable evidence on your personal statement. This may include supporting statements from employers, organisations, coaches and other educational institutions. Learn more about the personal statement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
All Faculty of Health undergraduate courses require you to sit a STAT Multiple Choice if you have not completed a Year 12 (senior secondary education, or equivalent) in the last 10 years (from commencement date of the course applied for). STAT Multiple choice is not required if you have undertaken any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV or higher).
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
All Faculty of Health undergraduate courses require you to sit a STAT Multiple Choice if you have not completed a Year 12 (senior secondary education, or equivalent) in the last 10 years (from commencement date of the course applied for). STAT Multiple choice is not required if you have undertaken any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV or higher).
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Personal statement
If you wish experience to be considered you should include this information with suitable evidence on your personal statement. This may include supporting statements from employers, organisations, coaches and other educational institutions. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in Biology, any English, Health and Human Development, Outdoor and Environmental Studies or Physical Education equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, any English, Health and Human Development, Outdoor and Environmental Studies, Maths: Further Mathematics or Physical Education equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Regional and Remote Entry Scheme
Current year 12 students from regional and remote areas who apply to study this course at Waurn Ponds campus may be eligible for additional aggregate points to their selection rank through Deakin's Regional and Remote Entry Scheme. Learn more about this scheme, eligibility and how to apply.
Elite Athlete program
Student athletes may be eligible to receive 5 bonus aggregate points. Applicants wishing to be considered for an elite athlete bonus must complete a personal statement indicating how their studies have been impacted by participation in sport at an elite level. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of their participation in sport at an elite level to be considered for this. Learn more about the Elite Athlete Program eligibility and how to apply.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you're from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements.
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
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 System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science students who have been awarded Recognition of Prior Learning based on informal or non-formal learning ie. work experience, may not be eligible for immediate accreditation with ESSA. This does not mean that ESSA accreditation is not available to you. What it means is that to apply to become an AES you will need to do so through the non-ESSA Accredited Course application pathway.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 open in August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
Direct applications are open for applicants who are not currently in Year 12, including:
- recent Year 12 students who completed secondary education in the past two years
- applicants with work and life experience
- applicants with TAFE study
- applicants with higher education study.
Please note: If you’re applying for more than one course, you need to apply through VTAC.
The Indigenous Access Scheme is a pathway to undergraduate study for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and looks beyond academic results to recognise all the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for study at university.
To apply, complete the online application form.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science with our pathways finder.
This course can be a pathway to:
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
As well as typical roles in the sport, exercise, coaching and fitness industry, you may pursue employment in sport science, sports administration, facility management, community health and wellness, or rehabilitation.
Upon graduating, you may find employment opportunities in:
- elite, professional sporting clubs
- local and state government agencies
- professional sporting bodies
- local and community sporting clubs
- hospital and rehabilitation clinics
- fitness and aquatic centres
- private health and recreation centres
- large organisations in corporate health.
After successfully completing the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, you may consider applying for further study to advance your career in the sport science industry. We offer:
Professional recognition
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
H343 Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science graduates, please refer to the ESSA Accredited Course information application process.
ESSA has implemented a new English requirement for all individuals seeking initial accreditation or reinstating accreditation to show English language competence, please refer to this webpage for more information.
Course learning outcomes
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.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and well-developed theoretical and technical knowledge within the broad disciplines of exercise and sport science. |
| Communication | Demonstrate clear and accurate communication using a range of modes to select and deliver relevant information. |
| Digital literacy | Use a range of digital tools within exercise and sport science environments to accurately and efficiently locate, evaluate, and disseminate information, including the collection and analysis of data. |
| Critical thinking | Use information from multiple sources of evidence to inform decision making applied to exercise and sport science. |
| Problem solving | Independently deconstruct a range of real world and complex problems within exercise and sport science environments to formulate, execute and evaluate possible solutions. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate the capacity to learn and work independently, taking personal responsibility for actions and outcomes commensurate with priorities and timeframes established both personally and by others. |
| Teamwork | Consistently demonstrate professional behaviours while making effective contributions across a range of roles when undertaking collaborative work within intra- and inter-disciplinary teams. |
| Global citizenship | Practise ethical and professional behaviours with an awareness of, and sensitivity to, diverse global and local perspectives in exercise and sport science. |
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Footnotes
*ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2022
+Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of media references.