#1 sport science school in the world
#11 in the world for sport-related subjects
Pathway to masters degree and PhD
Why choose exercise and sport science at Deakin
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.
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Unbeatable employability
Study sport at the world's #1 sport science school. More students choose Deakin for sport than any other university in Australia.
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Honours research experience
Undertake a supervised research project that builds advanced skills in performance analysis, data interpretation and scientific communication.
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Industry-connected learning
Gain hands-on experience through placements with partners including AFL clubs, Cricket Australia, Tennis Australia and Swimming Australia.
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Train in elite facilities
Access biomechanics, physiology and motion capture labs, plus high-performance and environmental testing facilities.
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
Build advanced exercise and sport science capability through research training, applied learning and industry-relevant experience.
Exercise scientist
Apply exercise science knowledge to assess movement, prescribe exercise and support health, performance and participation outcomes.
- $70-79k
Average graduate salary
- $120,000+
Average salary after 10 years
Other jobs
- Sport scientist
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Performance analyst
- Research officer
- Sport development officer
- Health and fitness coordinator
Key dates
Direct applications
Semester 1 2027 applications close 24 January 2027
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*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.
Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours)?
This one-year honours program is designed for high-achieving graduates seeking to extend their expertise in exercise and sport science through independent research. You’ll work closely with an academic supervisor to design, conduct and communicate a substantial research project in a specialised area of movement, performance or physical activity.
Research focus
Research design and methodology
Develop an advanced capability in designing experiments, critically evaluating scientific literature and conducting ethical research in exercise and sport science.
Independent supervised research thesis
Plan and undertake a substantial research project under academic supervision, in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control or physical activity and health.
Data analysis and research communication
Apply statistical and analytical techniques to interpret your findings and present your work in a research thesis and in formal academic settings.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours), you must pass 8 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
Professional recognition
Not applicable
What to expect while studying
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.
You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.
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.
Individual Honours research projects may involve industry partnership projects where students will be able to conduct some of their studies within the workplace.
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.
Orientation for this course is mandatory and it normally takes place the week prior to semester starts; i.e. the first week of February.
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 |
|---|
| 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. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H442
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$15,937
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
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 CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
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.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Semester 1 2027 applications close 24 January 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
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.
Pathways
This course is a pathway into Higher Degrees by Research.