#1 sport science school in the world*
Become accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia
295 hours practical experience
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
Combine a drive for exercise and sport with a passion for food and nutrition with Deakin’s Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science combined course. Offered by the #1 sport science school in the world, exercise and sport science at Deakin gives you a field-leading education in improving the performance, health and participation of individuals and teams. The nutrition science component gives you an understanding of the nature of food and the importance of nutrition for individual and population health.
Study two complementary fields and understand how athlete's bodies work, as well as the fuel required to unlock peak performance. You will have the opportunity to participate in 295 hours of invaluable practical experience across both study areas, and benefit from career mentoring; setting you apart from other graduates and opening the door to a wide range of career opportunities.
Want to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become an expert in elite athlete preparation?
Exercise and sport science at Deakin gives you the expertise to become a professional leader in the field. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the biology, technology, behaviour and best practices that underpin exercise and sport science.
You will have the opportunity to participate in two sport industry practical experiences during this course. In third 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 your final year provides a minimum 140 hours of practical experience.
Additionally, you can choose to study the Food and Nutrition Practicum in your final year, giving you a further 75 hours of practical food or nutrition industry experience.
These work-integrated learning experiences allow you to undertake hands-on training in a variety of sporting, exercise or health environments, and set you apart from other graduates. The roles can involve coaching, sport science, exercise research and fitness. Many graduates have even been offered employment based on their excellent fieldwork performance.
You can find work experience with a variety of organisations such as:
- AFL/VFL football clubs
- Basketball Victoria
- Cricket Victoria
- Cycling Victoria
- Football Federation Victoria
- health and fitness providers
- recreational gyms
- rehabilitation clinics
- state and national sporting organisations and clubs
- state and national institutes of sport
- Tennis Australia.
The complementary nutrition science component of this course gives you an in-depth understanding of the nature of food and the importance of nutrition for wellbeing. Become career-ready with a comprehensive knowledge of human nutrition, as well as the complexity of current issues relating to food and health including:
- bone health
- cardiovascular disease
- children’s food habits
- food policy, regulation and sustainability
- nutrition and ageing
- social and physiological aspects of food and nutrition.
With an increase in demand for qualified nutrition professionals, you will be in a strong position to pursue diverse career opportunities. Combining studies in exercise, sports and nutrition sciences means you will be ready to take your expertise into the field and find new and innovative ways to promote health across a broad range of organisations and communities.
*2021 Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science / Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- Year
2023 course information
- VTAC code
1400310611 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400311171 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - (Regional and Remote)
1400510611 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- D333
- CRICOS code?
- 098564J 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 Nutrition Science students must attain 32 credit points which includes 16 exercise core units and 16 nutrition units (15 core and 1 HSN coded elective unit).
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.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity, HSE010 Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety, HSN010 Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety and SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program must be completed prior to related co-requisite units (all 0 credit point compulsory units).
All Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus enrolled students are required to attend seminars and practical laboratory classes (if any) at the Melbourne Burwood Campus for the units marked (#) below.
Burwood students will need to enrol into the Burwood unit offerings.
Geelong students can choose one from the below two options:
A. Online unit offering: Attend two x 2 day intensive practical classes, one day for HSN104 The Science of Food and one day for HSN106 Food Fundamentals. These intensive practical sessions are typically conducted on a Saturday or Sunday at Burwood (Melbourne) Campus.
B. Burwood unit offering: attend four practical classes at Burwood. Geelong students who choose to enrol into Burwood offering can only do so if there is capacity and via manual enrolment.
31
Compulsory units
1
Elective units
32
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 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
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Year 4 - Trimester 2
plus one nutrition elective unit (must be HSN coded unit from level 3)
* Unit also available in Trimester 3
** Unit also available in Trimester 2
^ Indicates compulsory practicum core unit students need to complete in this course - refer course structure
+ Assumed knowledge: SLE133 Chemistry in our World or high achievement in VCE Chemistry 3 and 4 (or equivalent)
Elective units
Select one unit
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
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) with Burwood campus intensives and possible inter-campus travel.
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
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
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Additionally, you can choose to study the Food and Nutrition Practicum in your final year, giving you a further 75 hours of practical food or nutrition industry experience.
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 hours designed to meet the ESSA Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) professional standards, which comprise a minimum of 80 hours of exercise prescription and 140 hours of work integrated learning in an area of exercise and sports science directly aligned to their chosen career path.
Upon achievement of the prerequisite requirements, placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks listed on the Important dates page.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability, and/or athletes registered with the Elite Athlete Friendly University program.
Work experience
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science features two compulsory practical experiences through work-based practicum. In third year, students will complete 80 hours of work integrated learning in exercise assessment, prescription and delivery in both third and final year. In their fourth year, students will also complete 140 hours of work integrated learning in an exercise and sport science setting directly related to their career path.
These work integrated learning experiences provide you with 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, and fitness providers. The roles can involve coaching, sport science, sports administration, sport management, exercise research and fitness, while many graduates have been offered subsequent employment based on their excellent practicum/fieldwork performance.
In addition to work integrated learning experiences in sporting, exercise or health environments, you may also choose to gain further practical experience through studying HSN311 Food and Nutrition Practicum as an elective in your final year. This allows you to build industry experience and connections while applying your skills alongside established nutritionists.
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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 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 must 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 must 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 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 must 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, Food Studies, Health and Human Development, Outdoor and Environmental Studies or Physical Education equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Chemistry, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, any English, Food Studies, 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.
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 this scheme, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Nutrition 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 industries, you may pursue employment in sports 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 business organisations in corporate health.
You will also be well prepared for a nutrition-focused career and can work in areas in the nutrition and food industry such as:
- food analysis
- food policy and regulation
- individual and population health
- food sustainability
- nutrition and disease prevention
- assessing and evaluating food intake
More information on nutrition careers.
After successfully completing the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science, you may consider applying for further study to advance your career in the sport science and nutrition industry. We offer:
Professional recognition
Current students are eligible to apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA), and apply as an ‘ordinary member’ upon graduating.
Graduates are eligible to apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the:
- Nutrition Society of Australia
- Hong Kong Nutrition Association
- UK Association for Nutrition.
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
D333 Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science / Bachelor of Nutrition Science is currently NOT an accredited course 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. Please refer to ESSA webpage for more information.
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:
https://www.essa.org.au/Public/Professional_Standards/English_Language_Requirements.aspx
If you have any questions about this new requirement, please contact ESSA: 07 3171 3335 or email 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.
| 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 and nutrition, food and health. |
| 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 both exercise and sport science and nutrition, food and health 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 both exercise and sport science, and nutrition, food and health. |
| Problem solving | Independently deconstruct a range of real world and complex problems within both exercise and sport science, and nutrition, food and health 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 both exercise and sport science, and nutrition, food and health. |
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Footnotes
*ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021