Become accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia
#1 sport science school in Australia*
Industry partnerships with prominent sports clubs
Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2024 close 18 February 2024
Very late VTAC entry closes 1 December 2023 at 5pm. View other VTAC datesCurrent 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* and learn from expert teachers in world-class facilities with Deakin's Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management). Offering an accredited pathway for you to be eligible to register and practise as an Accredited Exercise Scientist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia; you will become a professional leader in exercise and sport science, with business knowledge to manage sporting organisations and events.
Exercise and sport science study enables you to develop the skills to apply exercise and sport science principles to improve the performance, health and participation of individuals, athletes and teams. Sport management study teaches you about the business of sport, including sport systems, finance, marketing, management and law. Plus, complete a minimum of 320 hours of practical experience. Be ready to broaden your career options and your understanding of wider sport contexts.
Want to learn the science behind elite performance and influence the business of sport?
With this combined course, you will gain unique knowledge and skills in managing organisations that support sports and events within disciplines such as:
- athlete management
- equipment/merchandising
- finance
- marketing
- promotion
- sponsorship
At the same time, you will focus your expertise on sport science and peak performance. The nationally recognised Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science is the field leader in Victoria and focuses on areas like:
- behavioural aspects of sport and exercise
- exercise physiology
- human growth and ageing
- improved performance
- motor learning and development.
Learning from teachers who are active in the industry means your classroom becomes a hub of the latest ideas, approaches and techniques. As well as classroom-based learning, you will undertake at least 220 hours of fieldwork experience in real-world settings through the Exercise Programming and Exercise and Sports Practicum units, plus 100 or more hours with a host sporting organisation in the Sport Management Practicum unit.
This extensive practical experience gives you the expertise to pursue opportunities varying from sport, exercise and coaching occupations, to sports administration, management, governance and development roles.
*ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)
- Year
2024 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
- CRICOS code?
- 072594F 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/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) students must attain 32 credit points. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. In order to gain 32 credit points you will need to study 32 units (AKA 'subjects'). Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester and usually undertaken two trimesters each year.
The course comprises a total of 32 credit points which must include 16 core units in the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, 15 core units and 1 elective unit in the Bachelor of Business (Sport Management).
HSE101 Principles of Exercise and Sport Science students are required to complete a Level 2 First Aid at your own expense. Current Level 2 First Aid certificates will be accepted.
Note for Geelong students:
- 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)
You may need to travel between Waterfront (Geelong) and Waurn Ponds (Geelong) to complete this course.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
31
Compulsory units
1
Elective units
32
Total units
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 at Student Central.
Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information.
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 - refer to course structure
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 consult a Student Adviser at Student Central.
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
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.
Course duration
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 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.
Participation requirements
The course contains two compulsory placements comprising a minimum of 240 hours. One placement from the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (minimum 140 hours) and one from the Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) (minimum 100 hours).
The Exercise Programming experience provides you with an 80 hour placement in exercise assessment, prescription and delivery at one of our approved host organisations.
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.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability.
Work experience
Exercise and Sport Science
The Exercise and Sport Science Practicum gives you the opportunity to undertake a formalised fieldwork experience of a minimum of 140 hours in an exercise and sport organisational setting. You will be responsible for selecting and negotiating an appropriate work experience. Field experiences are intended to provide you with opportunities to develop skills and knowledge in areas of exercise and sport science which will enhance your professional development and vocation potential.
Sport Management
The Sport Management Practicum will be a placement organised by you with a host sporting organisation, association or facility for a period of 100 hours.
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Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
Academic requirements
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 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
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Higher education study
Academic requirements
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) - Multiple Choice
Both Deakin Business School and the 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).
All Deakin Business School undergraduate courses require a minimum of 55 on the STAT Multiple Choice (MC) where the applicant has not completed senior secondary education (or equivalent) in the last ten 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) within the last ten years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent; 
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
VET study
Academic requirements
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) - Multiple Choice
Both Deakin Business School and the 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).
All Deakin Business School undergraduate courses require a minimum of 55 on the STAT Multiple Choice (MC) where the applicant has not completed senior secondary education (or equivalent) in the last ten 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) within the last ten years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Work and life experience
Academic requirements
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) - Multiple Choice
Both Deakin Business School and the 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).
All Deakin Business School undergraduate courses require a minimum of 55 on the STAT Multiple Choice (MC) where the applicant has not completed senior secondary education (or equivalent) in the last ten 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) within the last ten years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in any Business, any English, Health And Human Development, any Information Technology or Physical Education equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in any Business, English other than EAL, Health And Human Development, any Information Technology, Maths: Further Mathematics, Physical Education or Physics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Regional adjustments
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 bonus. 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 Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
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.
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 on our Current students fees website.
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 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 are open. Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, 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.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) with our pathways finder.
This course can be a pathway to:
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours) (H442)
Graduate Certificate of Strength and Conditioning (H513)
Graduate Certificate of Sport Performance Analysis (H514)
Master of Applied Sport Science (H707)
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
With this combined degree, you will be equipped to provide professional leadership in the field and contribute to the development of the Australian sporting industry. Career opportunities may include:
- business development manager
- exercise scientist
- player manager/agent
- recreation officer
- sports administrator
- elite coach
- strength and conditioning coach
- sports development officer
- sports event manager.
Students wanting to pursue further study in exercise and sport science may consider applying for Deakin’s:
Professional recognition
This qualification allows you to receive recognition from both business and exercise and sport science professional bodies.
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing course improvement and innovation, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
Be a sought-after accredited exercise scientist. When you graduate with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, 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.
If you are a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science student who has been awarded recognition for prior learning based on informal or non-formal learning, such as work experience, you may not be eligible for immediate accreditation with ESSA. This doesn’t mean that ESSA accreditation is not available to you. What it means is that to apply to become an accredited exercise scientist you will need follow the non-ESSA accredited course application pathway.
ESSA has implemented a new English language requirement if you’re seeking initial accreditation or reinstating accreditation to show English language competence. Find out if you need to take an English language test. If you have any questions about this new requirement, please contact ESSA on 07 3171 3335 or info@essa.org.au.
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.
See course entry for Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (H343) or Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) (M391)
Why Sport | The power of performance with Alessia Del Tito
Alessia has always loved sport. As a participant, fan and spectator. During Alessia’s double degree in sport science and sport management, she learnt about the power of performance analysis and now puts her skills to use with the AFL’s umpire division.
Footnotes
*ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021