Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

Course overview

Take the next step to advance in exercise and sport science. In this honours year, you will study advanced coursework to build on your undergraduate foundations, and complete an original research project under the supervision of an experienced researcher. Develop skills in research design, data analysis, project planning and implementation while contributing to research that informs athlete performance, physical activity and health outcomes.

Study in purpose-built facilities, including high-performance laboratories and applied learning spaces. Deakin is home to internationally recognised research groups that drive innovation in performance, health and injury prevention. Your learning will be connected to industry and community partners in sport, health and high-performance settings, which ensures your research is relevant. Graduate prepared for a career in research or to take on further study, including masters and PhD degrees.

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Semester 1 2027 close 24 January 2027

Current Deakin students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Award granted
Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours)
Year

2027 course information

Deakin code
H442
CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
062176G 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 8

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Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours) you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:

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.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Note:

Semester 1

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
Research Methods
Developing Research Skills

Semester 2

Honours Research Project - Part A
Honours Research Project - Part B

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

  • Start date: February
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
  • Start date: June
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Orientation for this course is mandatory and it normally takes place the week prior to semester starts; i.e. the first week of February.

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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.

Workload

You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.

Participation requirements

Engagement with online course material and scheduled on-campus classes is required, along with regular meetings with project supervisors. Students may also need to attend additional on-campus course activities and events as required.

At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.

If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.

Work experience

Individual Honours research projects may involve industry partnership projects where students will be able to conduct some of their studies within the workplace.

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 or higher 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.

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • completion of a bachelor degree or higher or major in a related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65 in third year units, or where relevant, final year units.

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

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.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.

$15,937 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.

The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.

Check your eligibility or learn more about a FEE-HELP loan

Scholarship options

We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.

Find the right scholarship for your goals

Apply now

Apply directly to Deakin

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.

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Pathways

This course is a pathway into Higher Degrees by Research.

Career outcomes

The course provides four credit points of research training and four credit points of applied research project, therefore directly fostering the skills and capabilities required for progression to higher degrees by research and then to roles involving research in industry or academia. For students not wishing to pursue a research-focussed career pathway, the course equips them with research project management, problem solving, critical appraisal and high-quality communication skills to assist with employability in a range of health or other sectors.

Professional recognition

Not applicable

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.

Course Learning Outcomes

Acquire advanced knowledge of the philosophies, ethics, methods and principles of research in one or more discipline areas of practice in food science and nutrition/exercise and sports science. Apply this knowledge to plan and execute a substantial research project.

Demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills in the clear and coherent communication of research questions, design and outcomes to a diverse audience.

Acquire advanced skills in using digital technologies to research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate evidence-based information to an academic audience and specialists in the field of food science and nutrition/exercise and sports science. Use appropriate technologies to manage data and apply methodologies applicable for the exercise and sports sciences.

Employ intellectual independence to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific literature and to apply appropriate methodologies and analytical techniques to answer the research question. Apply advanced theoretical knowledge to interpret outcomes and to identify how they contribute to advancing the field of food science and nutrition/exercise and sports science.

Identify an original research question and, under supervision, apply appropriate theories and methodologies to address this question in an ethical manner.

Take initiative to identify personal learning goals and needs in order to undertake and manage an independent research project including the communication of research outcomes.

Contribute constructively and collaboratively as a member of research and professional team of specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.

Apply ethical standards governing research and professional practice in the field of food science and nutrition/exercise and sports science whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting inclusive, cultural sensitivities.

Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.

*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.

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