Accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching
Top 5 for education in Australia*
80+ days of teaching placements before you graduate
Key facts
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to become a secondary school health and physical education teacher who makes a difference to every student. You’ll learn how to create safe, inclusive and engaging learning environments to provide learning experiences that support lifelong health and physical activity with a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education.
Our growing population requires qualified professionals who can teach and advise on the benefits of health and physical education. Do you want to make a difference?
From day one, you’ll be immersed in the world of secondary school health and physical education teaching, learning how you can instil change in younger generations.
Deakin works closely with school partners and relevant organisations to deliver you customised learning experiences tailored to this degree, meaning you’ll be learning about the most relevant and pressing health problems facing our population – and the most effective ways to reduce them.
As part of your core studies, learn foundation knowledge surrounding the human body including anatomical and physiological terminology. Through mediums such as gymnastics and dance, you’ll explore the science and art of movement and performance and gain an understanding of how the body reacts to movement and the repercussions this has on various body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and nervous systems).
Choose a third discipline to pair with your core studies and advance your cross-disciplinary knowledge. You’ll be able to choose disciplines including:
- biology
- chemistry
- dance (Burwood only)
- drama (Burwood only)
- English
- history
- home economics (Burwood only)
- mathematics.
Learn in our state-of-the-art facilities, including Deakin’s Elite Sports Precinct and specialised teaching labs. You’ll have access to industry-standard resources, preparing you for your career while you study.
The Professional Experience Program is a key part of every Deakin teaching student’s course experience. Working with more than 1,400 schools across Australia, we’ll arrange at least 80 days of placements for you in schools where you’ll learn from experienced teachers. Students also have access to specialised teaching spaces on campus to prepare for teaching.
Give your studies a different perspective and take part in our Global Education Program. You’ll get to experience remote communities in Australia and abroad, while gaining credit towards your degree. Learn about Aboriginal culture while teaching in remote communities in the Northern Territory, or head to countries including Chile, Nepal or Vanuatu and learn about intercultural education.
Before commencing your studies, prospective education students need to successfully complete the CASPer test – an online assessment that measures your academic and non-academic suitability for teaching.
Start your journey to becoming a health and physical educator with a Deakin degree and learn how you can change the lives of others.
Read MoreCourse structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, students must complete 32 credit points of units comprising:
- 26 core units
- HSE010 Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety (0 credit point compulsory unit; this safety training must be completed before classes commence)
- 4 credit points of discipline study units in a third teaching method area
- 2 credit points of curriculum study units in the third teaching method area
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Students must additionally complete an Emergency First Aid Certificate (Level 2) and AUSTSWIM qualifications prior to graduation.
This course includes 80 days of supervised professional experience, and students must successfully complete the Deakin Teaching Performance Assessment.
Students are also required to complete below two zero (0) credit point units ELN010 and ELN011 as part of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) in order to graduate from their course.
Core Units
Year 1
2 credit points of discipline study units in third teaching method area
Year 2
2 credit points of discipline study units in third teaching method area
Year 3
2 credit points of curriculum study units in third teaching method area
Year 4
Curriculum Study Units
Students must complete 2 credit points of curriculum study units in a third teaching method area from the following:
| Teaching method area | Curriculum studies units |
| Dance (Burwood only) | |
| Drama (Burwood only) | |
| English | |
| History | |
| Home Economics (Burwood only) | |
| Mathematics | |
| Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Biology | |
| Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Chemistry |
Discipline Study Units
Students must complete 4 credit points of discipline study units in a third teaching method area from the following:
| Teaching method area | Discipline studies units |
| Dance (Burwood only) | |
| Drama (Burwood only) | |
| English | |
| History | |
| Home Economics (Burwood only) | |
| Mathematics | Select a maximum of two credit points at level one, one of which Must be SIT192 |
| Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Biology | SLE010 (0 credit point unit) Plus 3 credit points of units from one of: |
| Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Chemistry | SLE010 (0 credit point unit) Plus 2 credit points of units from one of: Chemistry (Geelong only) Chemistry and Materials Science (Burwood only) |
Key information
2020 course information
1400514281 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Students are required to apply for a Working with Children Check. Apply online as a volunteer at https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/.
For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience office.
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Participation requirements
Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Need help?
Ask a question about studying at Deakin
Entry requirements
Entry information
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course. For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Entry for applicants with recent secondary education (previous three years) will be based on:
- Minimum ATAR of 70 in 2019
- VCE Units 1 and 2 of General Mathematics or Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematic, or Units 3 and 4 of Mathematics (any)
- a study score of at least 35 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 25 in English other than EAL
Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Entry for applicants with previous Tertiary, VET, life or work experience will be based on:
- evidence of academic capability equivalent to an ATAR of 70 OR
- successful completion of STAT
All Applicants must complete an additional selection tool for non-academic attributes. Deakin University is using the CASPer test. CASPer is an online, video-scenario based situational judgement test, designed to measure non-academic suitability for teaching.
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you're from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements.
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2020 students (PDF, 581.6KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
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.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of 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 that 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.
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
How to apply
If you studied Year 12 in 2018 or you're applying for more than one course offered through VTAC, your application must be made via VTAC.
Melbourne Burwood and Geelong Waurn Ponds campuses only.
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Course and Scholarship Applicant Portal.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, visit the how to apply page.
Please complete the Register your interest form to receive further information about our direct application opportunities.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education with our pathways finder.
Contact information
Prospective Student Enquiry Centre
1800 693 888
myfuture@deakin.edu.au
Why choose Deakin
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
Graduate ready to take your career into teaching within the private, independent or public education sectors or advisory roles. You can even work closely with sporting organisations.
As well as working as an educator, you may find yourself working in fields including:
- community programs
- government agencies
- human resource management
- private academies/agencies
- professional coaching
- sport management.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Professional recognition
Our education courses are accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), meaning you’ll graduate as a qualified educator. Students are eligible to apply for registration with VIT upon successful completion of this degree.
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 broad and coherent theoretical knowledge in the disciplines of Health, Physical Education and one other teaching area. Apply the principles of contemporary curriculum design, pedagogy and assessment for teaching and learning in Health and Physical Education. |
| Communication | Use a range of oral and written communication skills and technologies to transmit knowledge and skills to others in the classroom and the broader school community. |
| Digital literacy | Employ a range of technologies to collect, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information for the purposes of teaching and learning in a rapidly-changing global environment. |
| Critical thinking | Use critical and analytical skills to determine solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in teaching, learning and assessment practices and to adapt these solutions to diverse contexts and learners. |
| Problem solving | Use critical and analytical skills to determine solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in teaching, learning and assessment practices and to adapt these solutions to diverse contexts and learners. Demonstrate the capacity to identify a students’ prior knowledge, learning strengths and weaknesses and develop a range of strategies to effectively manage diverse classroom learning. |
| Self-management | Acquire understanding of the importance of reflective practice to plan and deliver coherent teaching and learning experiences for students in Health, Physical Education and one other teaching area. Act with autonomy and responsibility in making well-developed judgements in individual and collaborative professional practice in Health and Physical Education teaching contexts |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals and members of the wider community. |
| Global citizenship | Develop an understanding of multicultural and inclusive pedagogies to sustain ethical approaches to teaching and learning. |
| Approved by Faculty Board June 2014 | |
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*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019
^ARWU Rankings 2019
#Year on year, our undergraduate students are the most-satisfied students of all Victorian universities. Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2019 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).