Key facts
1 year full-time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Advance your knowledge of exercise and sports science by undertaking an honours degree at Deakin.
Designed for students with a strong undergraduate academic record, the honours year combines coursework and an original piece of research under the guidance of a supervisor. You will gain an understanding of research methods and design as well as experience in project planning and implementation.
Graduates may apply to enter masters and PhD by research programs.
Examples of previous honours research pieces include:
- How does physical activity in childhood improve the adult heart?
- Can we monitor firefighters fatigue on the job in the same way we monitor our athletes?
- Influence of game characteristics on decision making in AFL umpires
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours)
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H442
- CRICOS code?
- 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
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours), you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- including 4 credit points of an independent research project
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per semester and usually undertake two semesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note:
- Attendance and presentation at the School Honours Conference is a hurdle requirement
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.
Semester 1 - February
- Start date: February
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Semester 2 - June
- Start date: June
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Applications for 2024 close on 22 October 2023
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.
Workload
You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.
Participation requirements
Engagement with online course material and scheduled classes (on campus). Regular meeting with project supervisors. On campus participation in other course events as required.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
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.
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.
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 at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Non-academic requirements
2025 Honours project information
Applicants are required to contact the Supervisors of the projects they are interested in applying for before submitting the Project Preference form.
Allocation to research projects is a competitive process and an applicant cannot be assured of being assigned to their choice of research projects.
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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
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 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.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
This course is a pathway into Higher Degrees by Research.
Careers
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
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 |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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. |
| Communication | Demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills in the clear and coherent communication of research questions, design and outcomes to a diverse audience. |
| Digital literacy | 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. |
| Critical thinking | 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. |
| Problem solving | Identify an original research question and, under supervision, apply appropriate theories and methodologies to address this question in an ethical manner. |
| Self-management | 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. |
| Teamwork | 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. |
| Global citizenship | 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. |
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