Course overview
Create safe, inclusive and engaging learning environments that make a difference to health and wellbeing when you study Deakin’s Bachelor of Health and Physical Education. As a qualified health and physical education secondary school teacher, you will specialise in a topic you’re passionate about and develop the critical skills, specialised knowledge and practical classroom experience to nurture your students. Explore the art of movement and delve into applied sports science, biomechanics, and motor learning and development at Australia’s #3 university for education and educational research.
Deakin is the only university to embed the Berry Street Education Model into all of our initial teaching degrees. You’ll graduate equipped with practical, trauma-informed strategies to support every learner. You’ll know how to manage safe, healthier and more engaging learning environments and build positive classroom relationships to promote academic success – giving you and your employer confidence.
Do you want to make a difference to the lives and health of young people by becoming a qualified health and physical education teacher?
Our industry-shaped courses and close relationships with the education sector mean you experience customised learning tailored to your discipline and one-on-one mentorship from industry leading educators. You will learn about the biggest health issues facing our population, enabling you to empower students to improve their health and wellbeing outcomes, now and into the future.
Our Professional Experience Program will give you real-life teaching experience with guaranteed placements throughout your degree. Working with more than 1400 schools across Australia, we will arrange at least 80-days of placements for you in schools where you will learn from experienced teachers. With access to our specialised teaching spaces on campus, you will feel prepared to thrive in your teaching career. You will even have the opportunity to broaden your scope as a teacher with an international placement experience available in Singapore for Bachelor of Health and Physical Education students.
You will have access to industry-standard equipment and state-of-the-art facilities, including our Elite Sports Precinct and specialised teaching labs.
As part of your core studies, you will gain practical experience using a variety of engaging teaching approaches in health, physical education and your chosen third discipline. You will build fundamental knowledge about the human body, including anatomical and physiological terminology, and understand how the science and art of movement and performance. Through mediums such as sport, gymnastics and dance, you will learn how the body reacts to movement and its impacts on various body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and nervous systems).
To complement your core studies, you will choose a third discipline that will advance your cross-disciplinary knowledge and give you a competitive-edge for employment. You can choose from a range of disciplines that interest you, including:
- biology
- chemistry
- dance (Burwood only)
- English
- history
- home economics (Burwood only)
- mathematics
- theatre (Burwood only).
Deakin’s Bachelor of Health and Physical Education is approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as a pre-service teaching qualification, meaning you will graduate with a well-recognised qualification and the sought-after skills to thrive as an educator.
To be considered for an offer, prospective teaching students need to successfully complete the Casper test – an online, video scenario-based test that lets you demonstrate your suitability for a teaching career.
This course sits as part of a larger group of courses. For more information refer to the Education - Secondary group.
* U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Subject Rankings 2025-2026
Key dates
VTAC entries are closed.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Health and Physical Education
- Year
2026 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400314281 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400514281 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- E377
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 089295M 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
Generous government scholarships
Apply now for up to $40,000 scholarship support toward your initial teaching degree. Applications are closing soon (eligibility and conditions apply).
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- ETI010 Trauma Informed Practice (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first year of study
- ELN010 Australian Literacy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first year of study
- ELN011 Australian Numeracy Test (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first year of study
- HSE010 Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety (0-credit-point compulsory unit which must be completed before classes commence)
- 26 credit points of core units
- 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
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 10 credit points at level 3 or above
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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: This course includes 80-days of supervised professional experience and requires students to successfully complete the Deakin Teaching Performance Assessment (DTPA) in their final year. If a student does not pass the DTPA, they must seek guidance from the Course Director. Graduation from the course confirms that students have met the Graduate Teacher Standards and achieved all Core Content learning outcomes outlined in Schedule 2.
To be eligible to graduate, students must complete three zero (0) credit point units:
- ELN010 and ELN011, which support the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE). Students are expected to attempt these tests in their first year; failure to do so may prevent course progression until an attempt is made.
- ETI010 (Trauma Informed Practice), which incorporates the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM). Students must also meet all academic progress and conduct requirements. For unit enrolment advice, contact Student Services.
- Students in this course must additionally complete an Emergency First Aid Certificate (Level 2) and AUSTSWIM qualifications prior to graduation.
Students must also meet all academic progress and conduct requirements. For unit enrolment advice, contact Student Services.
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed prior to study commencing:
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
To be completed in the first year of study:
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
Students must complete 4 credit points of discipline study units in a third teaching method area from the following:
Dance* (Burwood only)
Complete four credit points from:
Theatre* (Burwood only)
Complete four credit points from:
English - Children's Literature OR English - Literature
English - Children's Literature *
Select four credit points from:
OR
English - Literature*
History
Select four credit points from:
Food Studies (Available to Burwood students only)
Complete five units from:
Mathematics*
Complete one credit point from:
Plus three credit points from:
Assumed knowledge required: completion of VCE Mathematical Methods units 3 and 4 (or equivalent) is required for this method.
Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Biology
Animal Biology*
Human Biology*
Plant Biology*
Complete two units from:
Plus three credit points from:
Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Chemistry
Chemistry*
Complete three units from:
Plus two credit points from:
*Refer to E377 discipline studies units for available options.
A maximum of two credit points at level one may be taken under any listed method.
Students must complete 2 credit points of curriculum study units in a third teaching method area from the following:
Dance (Burwood only)
Theatre (Burwood only)
English
History
Food Studies (Burwood only)
Mathematics
Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Biology
Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Chemistry
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- 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).
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.
International student requirements
International students are required to study full-time to complete their course within the duration registered on CRICOS.
Mandatory student checks
Teacher Education Graduation requirements
Students undertaking an initial teacher education course must pass an approved literacy and numeracy test in order to be eligible to graduate and apply for teacher registration. Learn more about the literacy and numeracy test.
Working with Children Check
Students will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. Learn more about Working with Children Checks.
Interstate applicants must check the requirements and meet all conditions for undertaking professional experience in schools for their state or territory before undertaking professional experience placements as part of this course.
Inherent requirements
It is expected that all students will be able to abide by, and ensure their behaviour is in accordance with the Deakin University initial teacher education inherent requirements.
Immunisations
Immunisation and/or vaccination requirements will be communicated by the Professional Experience Office in line with the Department of Education and Training's directions at the time of placement.
For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience Office.
Police record check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for professional placements as part of this course. Learn more about the National Police Record Check.
Participation requirements
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
This course includes 80-days of supervised professional experience and requires students to successfully complete the Deakin Teaching Performance Assessment (DTPA) in their final year. If a student does not pass the DTPA, they must seek guidance from the Course Director.
Graduation from the course confirms that students have met the Graduate Teacher Standards and achieved all Core Content learning outcomes outlined in Schedule 2.
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
Students will satisfactorily complete 80-days of professional experience placement in secondary education settings, as outlined below:
Year 1: 5-days in secondary school settings
Year 2: 20-days in secondary school settings
Year 3: 15-days in secondary school settings
Year 4: 2 x 20-days (40-days in total) in secondary school settings
The School of Education Professional Experience Office makes all arrangements for preservice teacher placements. The number of professional experience days align with requirements of external regulatory authorities (Victorian Institute of Teaching VIT).
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 to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Units 3 and 4: Maths (any)
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 35 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
ATAR
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations, and has a minimum ATAR requirement of 70 including selection adjustments.
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
You are required to complete the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admission Test) Multiple Choice if you have not completed Year 12, studied in the last ten years, or met the mathematics prerequisites.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice results for entry into Deakin University.
Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisite.
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet all of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- partial or full completion of a VIT-approved Pathway Program with a minimum WAM (Weighted Average Mark) of 60% over a minimum of one year of study
You are required to complete the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admission Test) Multiple Choice if you have not completed Year 12, studied in the last ten years, or met the mathematics prerequisites.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice results for entry into Deakin University.
Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisite.
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
* You will need to meet all of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
You are required to complete the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admission Test) Multiple Choice if you have not completed Year 12, studied in the last ten years, or met the mathematics prerequisites.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice results for entry into Deakin University.
Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisite.
Casper
All applicants must sit the Casper test. Casper is a requirement for many of the initial teacher training courses in Victoria. It is a non-cognitive online test designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes.
Learn more about how to register for Casper and deadlines for sittings for VTAC applications and direct applications.
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 greater than 35 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or greater than 25 in any other English
- IELTS 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in English (EAL) equals 2 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, Chemistry, English other than EAL, Health And Human Development or Physical Education equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Admissions information
Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2026.
Recognition of prior learning
From 2026, all accredited Initial Teacher Education programs in Australia must deliver mandated Core Content requirements aligned with the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards, which must be demonstrated within an accredited program for teacher registration eligibility. As the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education has been redesigned to meet these national requirements, Recognition of Prior Learning is not available for the units within this course.
Students who have completed the Berry Street Education Model 4-day course in the 2024 or 2025 may apply for RPL. Students will need to submit an RPL application for assessment and provide certificates of completion as their supporting documentation.
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.
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'.
$6,971 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 this 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 on our Current students fees website or estimate your tuition fees.
Commonwealth Prac Payment
From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government is intending to introduce the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to assist eligible students with costs related to mandatory placements in higher education courses for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best.
Commonwealth Government scholarship
The Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships Program provides up to $40,000 to new undergraduate teacher education students. In return for a scholarship, recipients need to teach in government schools or government-run early learning settings after finishing their degree. Applications close 12 January 2026.
Victorian Government education scholarship
The Victorian Government is backing future secondary teachers with scholarships of up to $18,000. If you're studying an eligible teaching degree and live in Victoria or a designated border community, this support can help cover your course fees and living costs. You need to enrol in this Deakin course before applying for the scholarship.
Victorian Government paid teaching placement
Take your teaching placement to a regional or remote Victorian Government school and receive $100–200 per day through the Victorian Government Pre-service Teacher Placement Grant.
#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment
Choose a Deakin degree for vital industry experience on placements, hands-on learning in world-class facilities and guidance from industry-expert academics. We offer lifetime career support and are the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.
Apply now
Apply through VTAC
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 will open on 3 August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 open in July.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education with our pathways finder.
Career outcomes
Employment in education and training is projected to grow by 12.4% or 150,100 new jobs by 2034 according to Australia Government employment projections.^ 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 in advisory roles.
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.
^2024 Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections May 2024 to May 2034.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as a nationally accredited course and students are eligible to apply for registration with VIT upon graduation. If you intend to apply for registration in Victoria or interstate you may be required to provide further information.
Applicants are advised to check the registration requirements in their state or territory, carefully.
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 | Apply coherent discipline-specific theoretical knowledge and capabilities in health, physical education and one other teaching area to contemporary curriculum design, pedagogy and assessment for teaching and learning in ways that align with the Australian Professional Standards for Graduate Teachers. |
| Communication | Use a range of communication skills and technologies to plan an teach for learning (including knowledge and skills) 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. |
| Problem solving | Demonstrate the capacity to know students and how they learn (including identifying their prior knowledge, learning strengths and weaknesses) to develop a creative solution to teaching and learning using a range of effective strategies. |
| Self-management | Engage in reflective practice to plan an deliver coherent teaching and learning experiences for students in Health, Physical Education and one other teaching area. Make well-developed responsible judgements in 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 in ways that align with the codes of conduct and ethics of the profession. |
| Global citizenship | Apply culturally responsive, critically reflective and embodied self-knowledge of decolonial praxis in the design, delivery and evaluation of teaching and learning that honours and respects the educational expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and diverse learners, families and communities. |
Approved at Faculty Board 2025
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
