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Bachelor of Health and Physical Education

Undergraduate degree

Prepare for a career in secondary health and physical education with practical teaching experience. Explore biomechanics, exercise physiology and more.

Key facts

English language requirements

IELTS band score of 7 with no band less than 6.5

Duration

4 years full-time

Delays in completing the placement could mean that the course will take longer to complete than the stated duration. International students are required to study full-time to complete their course within the duration registered on CRICOS.

Locations

  • Burwood (Melbourne)
  • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Develop the skills and knowledge and understanding to become a qualified secondary school health and physical education teacher with Deakin’s Bachelor of Health and Physical Education. Discover how to create safe, inclusive and engaging learning environments and provide experiences that support lifelong health and physical activity. Explore areas including applied sports science, biomechanics, and motor learning and development and discover the science and art of movement education and performance skills.

Gain access to industry-standard resources and state-of-the-art facilities, including our Elite Sports Precinct and specialised teaching labs. This, combined with highly engaging and practical placements through our Professional Experience Program, means you will graduate motivated, well prepared and ready to embrace a meaningful career in education.

Our growing population requires qualified professionals who can teach and advise on the benefits of health and physical education. Ready to make a difference?

Deakin works closely with school partners and relevant organisations to deliver you customised learning experiences tailored to this degree. You will be learning about the biggest health issues facing our population – and the most effective ways to educate and build the capacity of young people in relation to them.

As part of your core studies, you will experience and practice using a variety of engaging teaching approaches in health, physical education and your chosen third discipline. You will learn foundation knowledge about the human body, including anatomical and physiological terminology. Through mediums such as sport, gymnastics and dance, you will explore the science and art of movement and performance. 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 while gaining a competitive advantage for employment. You can choose disciplines including:

  • biology
  • chemistry
  • dance (Burwood only)
  • drama (Burwood only)
  • English
  • history
  • home economics (Burwood only)
  • mathematics.

The Professional Experience Program is a key part of every Deakin teaching student’s course experience. 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. You will 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 Vietnam and Switzerland and learn about intercultural education.

Before beginning your studies, 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.

* Overseas study programs to be confirmed in 2022 and beyond, subject to government travel restrictions.

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Health and Physical Education
Year

2023 course information

VTAC code
1400314283 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514283 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Deakin code
E377
CRICOS code?
089295M Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course 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)
  • A maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
  • A minimum of 10 credit points at level 3 or above

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 (DTPA)*. This must be complete in the final year of study. Successful completion of this course indicates that a student has met the expected standard of performance for each of the Graduate Teacher Standards.

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.

Students are required to meet academic progress and conduct requirements.

* Students who do not pass the DTPA must seek advice from the course director.

Core Units

Year 1 

  • Australian Literacy Test (zero (0) credit points)
  • Australian Numeracy Test (zero (0) credit points)
  • Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety (zero (0) credit points)
  • Health and Physical Education Studies
  • The Art and Science of Movement
  • Foundations of Sport and Exercise Pedagogy and Practice
  • Teacher-Learner Identity
  • Learning-Teaching Communities
  • Functional Human Anatomy
  • 2 credit points of discipline study units in third teaching method area

    Year 2

  • Youth Health and Student Wellbeing
  • Professional Experience in Health and Physical Education: Curriculum Study A
  • Understanding Learning, Learners and Classroom Relationships
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Motor Learning and Development
  • 2 credit points of discipline study units in third teaching method area

    Year 3 

  • Nutrition, Growth and Development for Health Educators
  • Senior Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education
  • Teaching Sexuality and Relationship Education
  • Health and Physical Education: Curriculum Study B
  • Understanding Health *
  • Applied Sports Science 1
  • 2 credit points of curriculum study units in third teaching method area

    * HBS107 replaces HSE111 from 2023

    Year 4 

  • Professional Issues in Health and Physical Education
  • Inclusivity and Diversity in HPE Movement Contexts
  • Health: a Family and Community Focus
  • Approaches to Teaching Health and Physical Education
  • Curriculum Assessment and Policy in Contemporary Schooling
  • Professional Identity and Curriculum Work
  • Exercise Prescription for Fitness and Health
  • Australian Indigenous Education: Recognition, Relationships and Reconciliation
  • 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)

    Complete four credit points from:

     ACD101ACD104, ACD207, ACD208

    Drama*
    (Burwood only)

    Complete four credit points from:

    ACP103, ACP109, ACP207, ACP208

    English

    English - Children’s Literature*

    Or

    English - Literature*

    Select four credit points from:

    ALL153, ALL154, ALL228, ALL230, ALL326, ALL255, ALL256, ALL375, ALW352, ALL376

    Or

    ALL101, ALL102, ALL202, ALL260, ALL255, ALL256, ALW242, ALL381, ALL375, ALL376

    History

    Select four credit points from:

    AIH107, AIH108, AIH238, AIH240, AST250AST256, AIH264, AIH276, AIH288, AIH305, AIH350AIH383

    Home Economics
    (Available to Burwood students only)

    Complete five units from:

    HSN010, (0 credit point unit)HSN105, HSN106, HSN210, HSH206

    Mathematics*

    Complete one credit point from:

    SIT192

    Plus three credit points from:

    SIT194, SIT291, SIT292

    Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Biology

    Animal Biology*

    Cell Biology*

    Human Biology*

    Plant Biology*

    Complete two units from:

    SLE010, (0 credit point unit) SLE111

    Plus three credit points from:

    SLE132, SLE203, SLE204, SLE205, SLE206, SLE211, SLE221, SLE254

    Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Chemistry

    Chemistry*

    Complete three units from:

    SLE010, (0 credit point unit) SLE133, SLE155

    Plus two credit points from:

    SLE210, SLE213, SLE214

    *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.

    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)

    ECA731, ECA732, ECA431*, ECA432*

    Drama (Burwood only)

    ECA731, ECA732, ECA431*, ECA432*

    English

    ECL761, ECL762, ECL461*, ECL462*

    History

    EHI701, EHI702, ECS471*, ECS472*

    Home Economics
    (Burwood only)

    EEH706, EEH707, EEH406*, EEH407*

    Mathematics

    ESM724, ESM725, ESM424*, ESM425*

    Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Biology

    ESS744, ESS767, ESS444*, ESS467*

    Science (Senior Secondary) in specialist science area Chemistry

    ESS744, ESS768, ESJ460*, ESS444*

    *Units no longer available for enrolment.

    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.

    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

    Any unit which contains work-integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. Refer to the relevant unit guide.

    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

    Delays in completing the placement could mean that the course will take longer to complete than the stated duration.

    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

    Applicants 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.

    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 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. More information available at Disability support services.

    Entry requirements

    Senior certificate of education

    If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.

    ATAR

    This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations, and has a minimum ATAR requirement of 70 including selection adjustments.

    VCE 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:any Mathematics AND a study score of at least 35 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 25 in English other than EAL.

    Casper

    All applicants must complete and additional selection tool (Casper test) for non-academic attributes. 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 from here and direct applications from here.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    Admissions information

    Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    Higher education study

    If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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: any Mathematics AND a study score of at least 35 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 25 in English other than EAL, or equivalent.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)  

    Applicants are required to complete the STAT Multiple Choice if you have:

    • not completed year 12 or studied in the last five years 
    • not meet the mathematics prerequisites

    Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisites. Learn more about the STAT.

    Personal statement

    All applicants who wish their motivation to teach; interpersonal and communication skills; any community experience or learning; personal strengths; and personal learning goals to be considered as part of the course application are required to complete the personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.

    Casper

    All applicants must complete and additional selection tool (Casper test) for non-academic attributes. 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 from here and direct applications from here.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    Admissions information

    Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    Polytechnic study

    If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    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.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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: any Mathematics AND a study score of at least 35 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 25 in English other than EAL, or equivalent.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)  

    Applicants are required to complete the STAT Multiple Choice if you have:

    • not completed year 12 or studied in the last five years 
    • not meet the mathematics prerequisites

    Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisites. Learn more about the STAT.

    Personal statement

    All applicants who wish their motivation to teach; interpersonal and communication skills; any community experience or learning; personal strengths; and personal learning goals to be considered as part of the course application are required to complete the personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.

    Casper

    All applicants must complete and additional selection tool (Casper test) for non-academic attributes. 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 from here and direct applications from here.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    Admissions information

    Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    Work and life experience

    If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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: 
    any Mathematics AND a study score of at least 35 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 25 in English other than EAL, or equivalent.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)  

    Applicants are required to complete the STAT Multiple Choice if you have:  - not completed year 12 or studied in the last five years - not meet the mathematics prerequisites  Please note that completion of Diploma level studies does not meet the mathematics prerequisites.  Learn more about the STAT.  

    Personal statement

    All applicants who wish their motivation to teach; interpersonal and communication skills; any community experience or learning; personal strengths; and personal learning goals to be considered as part of the course application are required to complete the personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.

    Casper

    All applicants must complete and additional selection tool (Casper test) for non-academic attributes. 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 from here and direct applications from here.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection.  Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    Admissions information

    Applicant indicator profile report of all applicants applying to Deakin University Undergraduate Teaching courses in Trimester 1, 2022.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    Online studies

    Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.

    However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.

    Recognition of prior learning

    Students may be eligible to apply for credit for this course.

    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 credit transfer. 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 credit transfer.
    Your credit transfer 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 System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

    The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of 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 eight 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 international student fees.

    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

    Apply through VTAC and Deakin

    International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

    Apply through Deakin

    All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

    Deakin International office or Deakin representative

    Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
    If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.

    Careers

    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

    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 and 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 and 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

    Understand multicultural and inclusive pedagogies to sustain ethical approaches to teaching and learning.

    Approved by Faculty Board April 2020