#1 sport science school in the world
#1 provider for sport in Australia
150+ industry links in elite sport organisations
Why choose Deakin
Study at Deakin – home to the world’s #1 sport science school – and build your expertise across exercise and sport science, sport management and business. Learn from leading academics in world-class facilities while developing the scientific capability to support performance, health and participation – alongside learning the business knowledge required to lead and manage sport organisations.
Through an accredited pathway toward registration as an Accredited Exercise Scientist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), you will develop the skills required to prescribe exercise and sport to improve health and performance. At the same time, explore sport systems, finance, marketing, management and law to understand how sporting organisations operate and grow. Complete at least 320 hours of practical experience and graduate prepared to contribute across high-performance environments, community sport and Australia’s $40 billion sport industry.
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Unbeatable employability
Study at the #1 sport science school in the world and the #1 Victoria uni for business and management graduate employment.
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Practical experience in both fields
Complete 220+ hours of fieldwork experience in exercise and sport science – more than any comparable accredited program in Victoria, and get practical experience in business through work-integrated learning units.
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Learn with industry leaders
Connect with 150+ sport partners and work with brands through business consulting, social impact and internship programs.
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World-class facilities and accreditation
Learn in Deakin’s elite sport precinct with world-leading facilities and study at a business school with prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditation.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Combine sport science foundations with business and management knowledge for careers across sport, performance and active organisations.
Exercise scientist
Apply exercise science knowledge to assess movement, prescribe exercise and support health, performance and participation outcomes.
- $70-79k
Entry-level annual salary
- $120,000k
Average salary after 10 years
Other jobs
- Sport development officer
- Performance analyst
- Sport marketing coordinator
- High performance coordinator
- Club development officer
- Event coordinator
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*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.
Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)?
This degree integrates exercise and sport science with specialised business studies in sport management, building capability in both performance science and sport industry leadership. Undertake at least 220 hours of fieldwork experience – more than any comparable accredited course in Victoria.
Core foundations
Human movement science
Learn the fundamentals of exercise and sport science, including anatomy and physiology, as you develop the scientific understanding to analyse performance and physical activity.
Business fundamentals
Build knowledge in management, marketing and organisational systems to understand how sport and recreation organisations operate.
Communication and analysis
Develop quantitative reasoning and professional communication skills applied to business and sport-related contexts.
Applied sport context
Physiology, biomechanics and performance
Examine performance, efficiency and injury risk through fitness, strength and movement testing.
Applied organisational analysis
Analyse strategic, financial and operational challenges facing contemporary sport and recreation organisations.
Exercise delivery and motor learning
Explore health, exercise delivery and movement skill development in sport and exercise contexts.
Industry application
Exercise programming and applied physiology
Design, implement and evaluate exercise programs across community, health and performance environments, and undertake a placement in exercise assessment, prescription and delivery.
Promotion, biomechanics and physiology
Apply sport and exercise science knowledge to movement, health and performance contexts.
Work-integrated learning and professional practice
Apply exercise science and sport management knowledge through placement, industry-focused experiences and applied projects.
Integration
Advanced performance and training analysis
Apply physiological, cognitive, behavioural, nutritional and biomechanical principles to interpret complex exercise and sport science scenarios.
Strategic sport management
Apply major-specific knowledge to analyse governance, operations and decision-making in sport organisations.
Industry engagement experience
Take part in two more placement experiences, working in exercise and sport organisational settings to integrate your skills and knowledge.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management), you must pass 32 credit points.
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.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Year 3 - Trimester 2
One Business and Law elective unit (level 2 or level 3)
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Year 4 - Trimester 2
^ Indicates compulsory practicum core units students need to complete in this course.
Professional recognition
This qualification allows you to receive recognition from both business and exercise and sport science professional bodies.
Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
Be a sought-after accredited Exercise Scientist. When you graduate with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management), you will be eligible to apply for accreditation with the peak national accrediting body Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Deakin was first to achieve this nationally recognised accreditation in Victoria, a result of our long-standing commitment to high education standards and curriculum delivery in sport. For more information please refer to the ESSA-accredited course application process.
Recognition of Prior Learning will only be awarded based on formal learning, which includes, at a minimum, documented learning outcomes and assessments (e.g. course transcripts and course completion certificates). If you receive credits based on informal learning (e.g. work experience), you will need to apply to become an accredited Exercise Scientist via the non-ESSA accredited course application pathway.
It is an ESSA English language requirement if you’re seeking initial accreditation to show English language competence. Find out if you need to take an English language test. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact info@essa.org.au.
What to expect while studying
This combined course features extensive practical experience in exercise and sport science 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 rehabilitation providers. The roles can involve coaching, sport science, sports administration, sport management, rehabilitation and fitness. Many graduates have been offered work based on their excellent fieldwork performance.
^Indicates compulsory practicum core unit students need to complete in this course - refer course structure.
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.
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.
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online 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.
You may need to travel between Waterfront (Geelong) and Waurn Ponds (Geelong) to complete this course.
Practical experience
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science features 220 hours of practical experience (more than any comparable accredited program in Victoria) in national, state or local sport, exercise or health organisations during the third and fourth years, providing you with invaluable workplace experiences that mean you graduate career ready.
The Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) features a minimum 100 hours of practical experience in a sporting organisation, association or facility.
Unit information
Exercise and Sport Science (H-coded) units are offered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong).
Business (Sport Management) (M-coded) units are mostly offered online, and/or delivered at Waterfront (Geelong).
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Upon achievement of the prerequisite requirements, placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks.
Exercise and Sport Science
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 can undertake hands-on experience in a variety of sporting, exercise or health environments. These 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).
Sport Management
The MMS306 Sport Industry Experience will be a placement organised by you with a host sporting organisation, association or facility for a period of 100 hours.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and well-developed theoretical and technical knowledge within the broad disciplines of exercise and sport science. | Demonstrate core knowledge of the elements of management that are unique to sport business through analysis and application of theory from business and allied disciplines in order to provide effective management in sport organisations |
| Demonstrate clear and accurate communication using a range of modes to select and deliver relevant information. | Develop written, oral and visual communication skills around complex concepts for diverse stakeholders involved in the sport industry including organisations in government and corporate sectors and those involved in delivery of sport at community through to elite settings |
| 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. | Select and use a range of digital technologies in appropriate ways to manage and disseminate relevant information to stakeholders in the sport industry |
| Use information from multiple sources of evidence to inform decision making applied to exercise and sport science. | Demonstrate the ability to exercise reasoned judgement and reflection in relation to managing in the sport industry |
| Independently deconstruct a range of real world and complex problems within exercise and sport science environments to formulate, execute and evaluate possible solutions. | Identify and address issues, formulate solutions related to commercial and social improvements in the sport industry and implement efficient strategic and operational outcomes for organisations in the sport industry |
| 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. | Demonstrate skills to work independently and take responsibility for continuing professional development |
| Consistently demonstrate professional behaviours while making effective contributions across a range of roles when undertaking collaborative work within intra- and inter-disciplinary team | Constructively engage in teams to contribute to collaborative outcomes and be able to take on roles towards demonstration of sound management within the sport industry |
| Practise ethical and professional behaviours with an awareness of, and sensitivity to, diverse global and local perspectives in exercise and sport science. | Engage as a professional in the sport industry with the skills that are applicable to a variety of contexts (professional, amateur) and issues (global, social, ethical, cultural) |
- Award granted
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
1400310391 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Regional and Remote
1400314681 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400514681 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
- Deakin code
- D394
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$14,944
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for 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.
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will only be awarded based on formal learning that includes documented learning outcomes and assessment, such as course transcripts and completion certificates. Students seeking RPL based on informal or non-formal learning, such as work experience, and who wish to obtain ESSA professional accreditation, will need to apply through the non-ESSA accredited course application pathway and should refer to the Professional Recognition section for further information.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.