#1 sport science school in the world
Exercise and Sports Science Australia accreditation pathway
150+ industry partners
Why choose applied sport science at Deakin
Study with the #1 sport science school in the world and build your advanced capabilities in performance analysis, strength and conditioning, and high-performance management. Deakin’s Master of Applied Sport Science prepares you to meet the evolving demands of high-performance sport, from local to elite level.
You will complete 360 hours of professional practice or undertake a research pathway, gaining the skills and experience to progress into senior roles or further study. Learn in world-class facilities and benefit from strong industry partnerships that connect your learning to real sport environments. Grounded in science and research, the course develops your ability to apply evidence-based decision making, preparing you to optimise performance and lead in high-performance settings.
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#1 sport science school
Study at the world’s top-ranked sport science school and learn from leading experts in high-performance sport.
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Practical learning experience
Complete 360 hours of professional practice in real sport environments and apply your knowledge with industry organisations.
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Industry-connected degree
Benefit from 150+ industry partners, including professional sporting organisations and national bodies.
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Choice of study pathways
Choose between an ESSA-accredited stream with a placement or a non-accredited stream with the option of practical experience or research.
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
Develop advanced applied sport science expertise for high-performance, professional practice and research-informed sport settings.
Areas of specialisation
- High performance manager
- Performance analyst
- Rehabilitation coach
- Exercise scientist
- Sport development officer
- Research officer
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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 Master of Applied Sport Science?
This masters degree builds advanced applied sport science capability, progressing from theory to integrated professional practice. Your learning develops across two years, moving from advanced foundations into high-level planning, monitoring and pathway specialisation.
Advanced sport science theory
Advanced exercise physiology
Analyse complex physiological adaptations to training and competition to inform athlete performance and recovery strategies.
Performance biomechanics
Evaluate movement mechanics and force production to optimise performance and reduce injury risk in sport settings.
Research-informed decision-making
Critically appraise contemporary sport science research to support evidence-based practice in high-performance environments.
Integrated professional practice
Pathway specialisation
Choose an ESSA-accredited stream with a professional placement included, or a non-accredited pathway with the option to undertake a placement or research.
Comprehensive program design
Develop integrated training programs that align to athlete needs, performance goals and the demands of competition.
Advanced athlete monitoring
Analyse multidimensional performance data to inform workload, recovery and optimisation strategies in applied settings.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Applied Sport Science, you must pass 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
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
Core Units
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Year 1 - Trimester 3
Plus
Or
* * Unit is offered through start anytime periods - prerequisites must be met.
^These units have practical Intensive components. Please refer to ‘Participation requirements’ section for further information.
Students will be able to undertake the research pathway with HSE737, HSE738 and HSE739 OR the professional pathway with HSE737, HSE738 and HSE740
Core Units
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Year 1 - Trimester 3
*The Master of Applied Sport Science (accreditation stream) is currently undergoing accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
* * Unit is offered through start anytime periods - prerequisites must be met. Students who are admitted into the ESSA accreditation stream must complete HSE741 Professional Practice for Accreditation in Sports Science.
^These units have practical Intensive components. Please refer to ‘Participation requirements’ section for further information.
Professional recognition
We are recognised as an industry provider for the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA).
Upon completion of the Master of Applied Sport Science, you may be eligible to apply for Associate level 2 ASCA accreditation.
In addition to the theoretical and practical skills gained through units HSE724 Strength and Conditioning for High Performing Athletes and HSE725 Advanced Training Design for Sport, you will need to demonstrate to ASCA that you meet the journal article and practical coaching experience that can be gained through HSE737 Sport Science Literature Review and HSE738 Professional Issues in Sport Science and HSE740 Professional Practice in Sport Science or HSE741 Professional Practice for Accreditation in Sport Science respectively.
To be eligible to use this accreditation pathway, you must have completed two or more years of an Exercise & Sport Science degree or hold ASCA level 1 accreditation, before you attend your first practical intensive with us.
The Master of Applied Sport Science (accreditation stream) is currently undergoing accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). While the course is not yet formally accredited, students who complete the accreditation stream will still be eligible to apply for recognition as an Accredited Sports Scientist through ESSA’s non-ESSA-Accredited Course application pathway. This pathway enables you to pursue professional accreditation and strengthen your standing in the sport science industry.
For more details, visit ASCA and ESSA.
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
What to expect while studying
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.
IMPORTANT: Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin’s online courses. To participate in the mandatory campus based scheduled sessions, it is suggested that you apply for a Visitor Visa to study for a short period in Australia. Please be advised that Deakin University cannot guarantee that you will be granted a Visitor Visa by the Australian Government.
Read more about Visitor Visas on the Department of Home Affairs website and other options to study in Australia on the government website at Explore visa options (homeaffairs.gov.au)
All places offered to international students in this course are only offered via online study mode. Deakin University is not obligated to provide any students with a COE (confirmation of enrolment) to facilitate a student visa application.
Not mandatory for all students. Applicable only to students undertaking practicum units HSE740 Professional Practice in Sport Science or HSE741 Professional Practice for Accreditation in Sport Science.
Working with Children Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the relevant state prior to undertaking a optional placement as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students if they enrol into an optional placement unit. Learn more about the Working with Children Check.
Police record check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for any optional placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students if they enrol into an optional placement unit.
As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health you will be expected to spend at least 11-13 hours per unit every week participating in a range of teaching activities each week. This will include online learning activities and may be inclusive of online discussion boards and seminars. 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. Teaching, placements and assessment tasks may take place outside of Deakin University teaching periods.
HSE721, HSE724, HSE725 and HSE726 have on campus intensives. Intensives are typically delivered for 2 to 5 days.
Domestic students must attend HSE721, HSE724 and HSE725 intensives on-campus at Deakin University. HSE726 can be completed on campus at Deakin University or online.
International students must attend HSE724 and HSE725 intensives on campus at Deakin University, Australia. HSE721 and HSE726 intensives must be completed either on-campus at Deakin University, Australia or online (video conferencing). International students who wish to complete intensives in person please refer to the visa information under 'Additional course information' section.
Work integrated learning
Students enrolled in HSE740 Professional Practice in Sport Science or HSE741 Professional Practice for Accreditation in Sport Science will undertake 360 hours of practical experience in an exercise and sport science work practicum in the final trimester.
You have the opportunity to undertake hands-on experience in a variety of sporting environments. These may vary from local, state or national sporting organisations, elite and semi-elite sporting clubs and state and national institutes of sport.
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.
Intensives Information
International students are strongly encouraged to carefully consider their obligations to attend on-campus practical intensives at Deakin University campuses in Melbourne - Burwood and Geelong - Waurn Ponds. These obligations relate to three units;
- HSE721 High Performance Management in Sport
- HSE724 Strength and Conditioning Methods for Athletes
- HSE725 Factors Influencing Training Design for Sport
Students should use the handbook to determine in which trimester/s these units are offered. In some circumstances it may be possible enrol in all three units in one trimester so that you can complete all practical intensive obligations in one visit to Australia. Detailed information about each practical intensive is announced on course and unit CloudDeakin sites.
International students who wish to attend the intensives at Deakin University, Australia, please refer to the visa information below.
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 |
|---|
| Apply expert and integrated knowledge of sport science to sport performance related problems and contribute to the development of new knowledge through use of appropriate research principles and methods of sport sciences. |
| Use appropriate modes of communication to interpret, contextualize and transmit evidence based sport science knowledge to specialist and non- specialist audiences. Create, disseminate, and exchange sport science knowledge with a view to inform and effect change at the individual and organisational level. |
| Use digital technologies to effectively locate, use, curate and disseminate information and resources relevant to sport science and to connect, engage and share with professional networks and communities. |
| Critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in sport science. |
| Investigate complex sports science problems and respond effectively using an evidence-based framework and a range of sources to identify and define problems, locate, analyse and organise information, and generate and evaluate practical solutions, contributing new insights or understanding. |
| Employ high level personal responsibility, accountability and autonomy to demonstrate expert judgement, adaptability to new situations and responsibility as a sport scientist. Plan, implement, evaluate and continually adapt strategies to learn and work effectively, autonomously and responsibly. |
| Establish, contribute to and maintain a key role in collaborative and interdisciplinary relationships, with a range of stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes to advance sport sciences across the broad spectrum of contexts. |
| Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates a high level of personal autonomy, awareness of, and adaptability to, diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts in sport sciences. |
- Award granted
- Master of Applied Sport Science
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H707
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
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.
Enrolment stream nomination form
Applicants must complete the Enrolment stream nomination form as part of their application. To submit the Enrolment stream nomination form, please download the PDF form, complete and sign it. Then submit the filled-out form along with your application.
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.
Pathways
Students completing the appropriate elective (HSE739 Research Project in Sport Science) with the appropriate grade (>70%) will be eligible for entry into higher degree by research (i.e., PhD) studies.
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Applied Sport Science (H507)
- Graduate Certificate of Sport Performance Analysis (H514)
- Graduate Certificate of Strength and Conditioning (H513)
- Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science (H607)