#1 sport science school in the world
#11 in the world for sport-related subjects
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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Proven employability
Graduate from the #1 sport science school in the world and the #1 university in the Australian state of Victoria for business and management 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 at least 100 hours of sport management experience, embedded in a relevant organisation.
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Global industry connections
Access 150+ sport industry partners and international business study experiences that broaden your perspective.
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Recognised quality and facilities
Learn in elite sport facilities and study at a dual-accredited business school with AACSB and EQUIS recognition.
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.
- 13.1%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- $120,000+
Average salary after 10 years
Other jobs
- Sport development officer
- Performance analyst
- Sport marketing coordinator
- High performance coordinator
- Club development officer
- Event coordinator
FAQs
Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.
Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.
There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.
*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.
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
- 1400314683 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514683 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- D394
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 072594F Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- 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
$45,400
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points 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.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
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.
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
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.