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 up to 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. Or you may wish to undertake an elective international study tour (run every two years) to learn about the context of food, nutrition and health from an international perspective, past countries have included the Netherlands, the US, Singapore and Malaysia.
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/AFLW football clubs
- VFL/VFLW football clubs
- Football Federation Victoria
- Tennis Australia
- WNBL clubs
- Cricket Australia
- private strength and conditioning and high-performance centres (including Institutes of Sport)
- recreational gyms
- rehabilitation clinics.
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:
- the role of food in disease prevention
- nutrition education and research
- food choice and intake
- food regulation
- nutritional physiology
- lifespan nutrition
- sustainable food systems
- the science of food
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. Find out more about the exciting and diverse career opportunities across sport and nutrition.
Are you a current Year 12 student? If you attend a school in a regional or remote area or within the City of Greater Geelong you may be eligible to apply for this course through our Regional and Remote Entry Scheme using our dedicated VTAC codes. As an eligible applicant you may also receive up to a 10 aggregate point adjustment towards your entry score. Make the most of your ATAR.
Discover our sport courses.
*Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 22 June 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science / Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- Year
2025 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
- 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, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- HSN010 Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety (0-credit-point compulsory unit) prior to the first laboratory based unit in this course
- SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit) prior to your SLE-coded unit
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
- 16 credit points of core units
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- 15 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of HSN coded course elective
- course requirements for both the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science H343 and Bachelor of Nutrition Science H315 must be satisfied.
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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: 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:
- 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
- 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).
Course duration
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.
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 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.
You can also 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.
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.
Entry requirements
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 academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
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
Higher education
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)
Vocational education
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
Work and life experience
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.
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) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
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,Maths: General Mathematics, Outdoor and Environmental Studies, 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
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
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 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 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – 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.
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.
Students who are seeking Recognition of prior learning based on non-formal studies (eg. work experience) and wish to apply for ESSA professional accreditation please refer to Professional Recognition section in this handbook.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 this 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, 2026 open in July. 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.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and 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.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science with our pathways finder.
This course is a pathway to professional qualifications via postgraduate study and/or research (honours, masters or PhD level) such as Deakin's Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Graduate Diploma or Master of Applied Sport Science, Graduate Certificate of Strength and Conditioning, Graduate Certificate of Sport Performance Analysis or Master of Dietetics. Other study pathways may include human nutrition, sport management, education, ergonomics, podiatry and physiotherapy.
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 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- 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
There are diverse career opportunities across many roles and fields available for graduates of the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Nutrition.
Accredited Exercise Scientists are qualified to prescribe exercise to improve health, wellbeing, fitness and performance, and to assist in the prevention of chronic conditions, at an individual, community or population level. As well as typical roles in the sport, exercise, coaching and fitness industries, you may pursue employment in sports science, 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.
Find out more about where your exercise and sport science degree can take you.
Registered Nutritionists are qualified to provide evidence-based advice on matters relating to food and its impact on human health, and mostly work in group/community settings. You will be well prepared for a nutrition-focused career and can work in areas in the nutrition and food industry such as:
- human nutrition
- population health
- food analysis
- food sustainability
- food policy
- nutrition and disease prevention
- assessing and evaluating food intake
Find out more about where a qualification in nutrition can take you.
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
This course allows you to receive recognition from both nutrition and exercise and sport science professional bodies.
While studying, you’re eligible to apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Graduates can apply for ordinary membership of NSA or apply to become a registered associate nutritionist. Registration ensures you’re recognised as a qualified nutrition professional in the field. The course is globally recognised too – as a graduate, you’re also eligible to apply to become a registered associate nutritionist with the Hong Kong Nutrition Association and the UK Association for Nutrition.
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 Nutrition 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. 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 (eg. course transcripts and course completion certificates). Students who received credits based on informal learning (eg. work experience) will need to apply to become an accredited Exercise Scientist via 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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (H343) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Nutrition Science (H315) |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and well-developed theoretical and technical knowledge within the broad disciplines of exercise and sport science. | Apply food and nutrition and health knowledge from a range of perspectives. |
| Communication | Demonstrate clear and accurate communication using a range of modes to select and deliver relevant information. | Select and use a variety of engaging communication modes to disseminate knowledge to individuals, groups, government and non-government organisations and health professionals. |
| Digital literacy | Use a range of digital tools within exercise and sport science environments to accurately and efficiently locate, evaluate, and disseminate information, including the collection and analysis of data. | Select and use appropriate technologies to source, understand, evaluate, and communicate information to professional networks and communities. |
| Critical thinking | Use information from multiple sources of evidence to inform decision making applied to exercise and sport science. | Source and critically analyse the food and nutrition literature to apply an evidence-based approach to the field. |
| Problem solving | Independently deconstruct a range of real world and complex problems within exercise and sport science environments to formulate, execute and evaluate possible solutions. | Identify and apply practical solutions to a range of changing and complex food and nutrition and health issues. |
| 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. | Employ self-directed, reflective work and learning practices in a responsible manner to professionally contribute to nutrition sciences. |
| Teamwork | Consistently demonstrate professional behaviours while making effective contributions across a range of roles when undertaking collaborative work within intra- and inter-disciplinary teams. | Work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams with a range of stakeholders to advance the field of nutrition sciences. |
| Global citizenship | Practise ethical and professional behaviours with an awareness of, and sensitivity to, diverse global and local perspectives in exercise and sport science. | Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates awareness of, and adaptability to, diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts in nutrition sciences. |
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Footnotes
*ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022, 2023