#1 sport science school in the world
ESSA-accredited exercise science degree
220+ hours of placement experience
Why choose exercise and sport science at Deakin
Study at Deakin, home to the world's #1 ranked sport science school for five years, with the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science. This professionally recognised degree provides a pathway to Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Scientist. Build a strong foundation in the physiological, anatomical and behavioural principles of exercise and sport, and learn how these are applied across health, performance and participation.
Gain hands-on experience in world-class facilities across Deakin's campuses, including a climate chamber and biomechanics and motor learning laboratories. You will have access to a dedicated athletics track and Elite Sports Precinct in Geelong, supporting athletes from community to elite level. With 220 hours of practical experience – more than any comparable accredited program in Victoria – you will graduate with hands-on experience and strong grounding in contemporary exercise and sport science practice.
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Proven employability
Graduate from the world’s #1 sport science school and join Australia’s leading provider for sport study.
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Career-ready applied learning
Build practical skills in exercise and sport science. Complete 220 hours of practical placement and study hands-on units grounded in evidence-based practice.
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Industry-connected learning
Gain hands-on experience through placements with partners including Australian Football League (AFL) clubs, Cricket Australia, Tenni Australia and Swimming Australia.
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Train in elite facilities
Train in Deakin’s multi-million dollar biomechanics, physiology and motion capture labs, along with 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
Prepare for careers that apply exercise and sport science to health, performance, participation and active communities.
Exercise scientist
Apply exercise science knowledge to assess movement, prescribe exercise and support health, performance and participation outcomes.
- $70-79k
Entry-level annual salary
- $120,000k
Average salary after 10 years
Other jobs
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Performance analyst
- Sport development officer
- Exercise physiologist assistant
- Research assistant
- Health and fitness coordinator
“Deakin is ranked the #1 in sport science school in the world. They provide quality education and make students work-ready after studying. My plan is to work in the sport industry and ultimately, I want to work in big American sports leagues such as NFL or NBA.”
Munjun, South KoreaBachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
Stories that start here
Download a course guide
Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
FAQs
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science includes substantial practical experience through laboratory practicals, fieldwork and industry placements. In your second year you’ll complete 80 hours of practical experience at a pre-approved host organisation and a minimum 140 hours of practical experience in your final year. These placements give you the chance to work in sport performance, community health and clinical settings, applying physiological testing, biomechanics and exercise programming skills in real environments.
ESSA accreditation is an Australian professional standard, but the skills and knowledge it represents are valued internationally. Deakin's ESSA-accredited degree prepares you for exercise science and exercise physiology roles globally. If you plan to work outside Australia, it is worth checking the relevant professional body requirements in your destination country, as registration or credential recognition processes vary.
Deakin's Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science covers anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning, sport psychology, nutrition, strength and conditioning and health promotion. Students develop skills in physiological testing, exercise prescription, performance analysis and client assessment. The degree also includes industry placements across sport, health and rehabilitation settings.
As an Exercise and Sport Science student, you'll learn in purpose-built sport science facilities designed to support practical learning from your first year. Depending on your studies, you'll have access to the Specialised Indoor Exercise and Sport Science Building, which includes clinical learning spaces, exercise stations and specialist laboratories, as well as facilities such as the Deakin Clinical Exercise Centre and the 3D Gait Lab, where you'll develop skills in biomechanics, movement analysis and exercise assessment using industry-standard equipment.
*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.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science?
This degree explores how the body moves, adapts and performs across health, rehabilitation and sport environments. You’ll learn to use exercise to support behaviour change, disease prevention and performance enhancement, while building a strong foundation for roles in the exercise and sport sector and pathways to further accreditation.
Foundations of movement
Human anatomy and physiology
Explore how the body's structure, function and development relate to movement and physical activity.
Exercise science principles
Examine the health benefits of physical activity and barriers to participation, develop skills in exercise prescription and delivery, and study research methods and data analysis.
Start your major
From Year 1 tailor your degree to your career goals by choosing from 11 majors related to performance, participation and health.
Applied performance science
Exercise physiology and health science
Analyse cardiovascular and muscular responses to training using lab testing, applied case studies and performance data interpretation and develop skills in designing and evaluating physical activity interventions across diverse settings.
Biomechanics and performance analysis
Examine movement efficiency and skill acquisition using motion analysis and observational assessment tools.
Placement experience
Complete 80 hours of practical experience at a host organisation to strengthen your professional capability.
Professional preparation
Exercise prescription and program design
Develop structured programs for health and performance outcomes, tailored to diverse populations and supported by evidence-based principles.
Exercise and chronic disease
Investigate exercise in prevention and management across community, clinical and high-performance settings.
Placement experience
Apply professional skills during a second placement in an exercise and sport organisational setting.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, you must pass 24 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
Level 1 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit (recommended from level 1)
Level 1 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit (recommended from level 1)
Level 2 - Trimester 1
plus one elective units (recommended from level 1 or level 2)
Level 2 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit (recommended from level 2 or level 3)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
plus two elective unit (recommended from level 2 or level 3)
Level 3 - Trimester 2
plus two elective units (recommended from level 2 or level 3)
* Unit also available in Trimester 3
^Indicates compulsory practicum core unit students need to complete in this course
Exercise and Sport Science elective units
Electives are offered subject to availability of resources and quotas where applicable.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 3
H718 Master of Dietetics Pre-Requisite units information
Students wishing to be eligible to enrol in postgraduate dietetics at Deakin should refer to the H718 Master of Dietetics Pre-requisite unit information
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
- Exercise Physiology
- Applied Sport Science
- Physical Activity and Health
- Sports Nutrition
- Sport Coaching and Coaching Ecosystems *
- Strength and Conditioning
- Psychology - Individual units may not be available on every campus
- Nutrition
- Health Promotion
- Family, Society and Health
- Disability and Inclusion
Note * minor available
Students can choose to undertake majors from other courses as long as they can fit the major into their course structure and the majors are available for you to undertake.
Please ensure you discuss your request with your Course Adviser to ensure you are still meeting your course rules
Professional recognition
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
Be a sought-after Accredited Exercise Scientist. When you graduate with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport 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 .
It is an ESSA English language requirement if you’re seeking initial accreditation to show English language competence. Find out if you need to take an English language test. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact info@essa.org.au.
If you chose to undertake the Nutrition major, you will also be eligible to apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) while studying. Upon graduation you may be eligible to apply for ordinary membership of NSA or apply to become a registered Associate Nutritionist. Registration will ensure you are recognised as a qualified nutrition professional in the field.
What to expect while studying
^Indicates compulsory practicum core unit students need to complete in this course - refer course structure.
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.
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.
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.
The course contains compulsory practicum placements designed to meet the ESSA Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) professional standards. Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
If you are an athlete registered with the Deakin Elite Athlete program. additional supports may be available to help you manage placement and course participation requirements.
Work Integrated Learning
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science features compulsory practical experience through work-based practicum, so you can start your career before you graduate with hands-on work placement experience.
You can 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, fitness and exercise physiology rehabilitation providers. The roles can involve coaching, sport science, sports administration, sport management, exercise physiology and fitness, while many graduates have been offered subsequent employment based on their excellent practicum/fieldwork performance.
To meet the ESSA professional standards for accreditation, at least 80 hours of course practicum hours must demonstrate attainment of competency in exercise assessment, prescription and delivery.
The units comprising of the practical experience outlined above are HSE312 Exercise and Sports Science Practicum (140 hours) and HSE302 Exercise Programming (80 hours).
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.
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 |
|---|
| Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and well-developed theoretical and technical knowledge within the broad disciplines of exercise and sport science. |
| Demonstrate clear and accurate communication using a range of modes to select and deliver relevant information. |
| 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. |
| Use information from multiple sources of evidence to inform decision making applied to exercise and sport science. |
| Independently deconstruct a range of real world and complex problems within exercise and sport science environments to formulate, execute and evaluate possible solutions. |
| 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. |
| Consistently demonstrate professional behaviours while making effective contributions across a range of roles when undertaking collaborative work within intra- and inter-disciplinary teams. |
| Practise ethical and professional behaviours with an awareness of, and sensitivity to, diverse global and local perspectives in exercise and sport science. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400314413 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514413 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- H343
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 045332G 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$45,400
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
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.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
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.
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will only be awarded based on formal learning that includes documented learning outcomes and assessment, such as course transcripts and completion certificates. Students seeking RPL based on informal or non-formal learning, such as work experience, and who wish to obtain ESSA professional accreditation, will need to apply through the non-ESSA accredited course application pathway and should refer to the Professional Recognition section for further information.