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Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science

Postgraduate coursework

Be prepared to lead and manage high performance teams. Combine training in advanced sport science, performance analysis and strength and conditioning.

#1 sport science school in the world*

Accredited by industry leading bodies

Entry pathway into the Master of Applied Sport Science

Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

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

Course overview

The Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science prepares you to lead and manage high performance teams. Combine training in advanced sport science, performance analysis and strength and conditioning, and benefit from professional development opportunities that take your career forward. 

Want the career benefits of postgraduate study without having to commit to a longer degree?

The Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science is designed for busy professionals looking to progress their career in the sport science industry. You can study while you work and complete your degree online in just one year (full-time).

The course prepares you for both the technical and managerial aspects of high performance sport. Build specialised skills in sport science, performance analysis and strength and conditioning; and complement these skills by boosting your management capabilities through studies in leadership, culture development and continuous improvement. These management skills don’t just make you more employable, they give you a recipe for team success and allow you to develop your support staff, as well as your athletes.

The curriculum is underpinned by science and research – just one of the reasons why Deakin is the #1 sport science school in the world.* You’ll graduate with the ability to critically evaluate and apply research to make confident, evidence-based decisions in your role. Better still, you will have direct access to academics with expertise in a broad range of sport science fields. This includes specialist researchers within Deakin’s multidisciplinary Centre for Sport Research (CSR) and Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN). Draw on their professional experiences when solving complex sport science problems and leverage their industry connections to start forming your own.

The course is made up of eight of the 10 units from Deakin's Master of Applied Sport Science. After completing the course, you may choose to further enhance your qualifications by continuing on to the Master of Applied Sport Science, with only two further units to complete.

*Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022 and 2023

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Course information

Award granted
Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
H607
Level
Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Core units

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety (0 credit points)
  • Athlete Development and Performance Management
  • Management and Leadership in High Performance Sport ^
  • Strength and Conditioning for High Performing Athletes ^
  • Advanced Training Design for Sport ^
  • Notational Analysis of Sport Performance ^
  • Time and Motion Analysis of Sport Performance
  • Evidence-Based Practice and Program Evaluation in Sport Science
  • Professional Issues in Sport Science
  • ^These units have practical Intensive components. Please refer to ‘Participation requirements’ section for further information.

    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:
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Online

    Trimester 3 - November

    • Start date: November
    • Available at:
      • Online

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

    Workload

    As a student in an online course with on campus intensives in some units 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 could include lectures, seminars, practicals, placements and online interaction online. 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.

    Participation requirements

    HSE721, HSE724, HSE725 and HSE726 have on campus intensives. Intensives are typically delivered up 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.

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    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 or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher
    • two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

    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 (RPL) 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

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
    The estimated fee for this course is not currently available, please contact Student Central for further information.
    Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. 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. One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. 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 your course.

    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.

    FEE-HELP calculator

    What is FEE-HELP?

    FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.

    Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

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    • $* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science (8 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
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    • of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP

    *Disclaimer

    Deakin University (Deakin):

    • gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
    • advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
    • instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

    Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

    • does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
    • does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
    • assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
    • assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
    • assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
    • where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Need more information on how to apply?

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

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    The course prepares you for career growth in the industry. Graduate with a sought-after combination of sport science and managerial skills that set you up for success in roles such as:

    • high performance manager
    • sports scientist
    • strength and conditioning coach
    • rehabilitation coach
    • sport performance analyst

    Depending on other professional accreditation, graduates could work as a strength and conditioning coach, sport performance analyst, a sport scientist or sport performance manager.

    If you are looking to pursue further study, you may wish to articulate into the Master of Applied Sport Science after completing this course.

    Professional recognition

    We are recognised as an industry provider for the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA).

    Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science or Graduate Certificate of Strength and Conditioning, you will meet the theoretical and practical skills gained through HSE724 Strength and Conditioning for High Performing Athletes and HSE725 Advanced Training Design for Sport for Level 2 ASCA accreditation. You would be required to provide ASCA with evidence of an article of publication standard for the Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (JASC), and practical coaching experience, to meet the eligibility requirements for Level 2 accreditation.

    For more details and to view the application form, visit ASCA.

    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 advanced knowledge of sport science to sport performance related problems including key principles, concepts and research strategies.

    Communication

    Select and use appropriate modes of communication to transmit evidence based sport science knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences with a view to inform, motivate and effect change at the individual and organisational level.

    Digital literacy

    Use digital technologies to locate and disseminate information, ideas and resources related to sport science to specialist and non- specialist audiences.

    Critical thinking

    Critically analyse complex theoretical and technical information related to a range of specialised sport science contexts.

    Problem solving

    Apply advanced cognitive and technical skills to autonomously analyse, generate and transmit solutions to complex sport science problems.

    Self-management

    Employ high-level personal responsibility, accountability and autonomy to demonstrate expert judgement and adaptability to familiar and emerging challenges confronting sport scientists.

    Teamwork

    Contribute to an interdisciplinary team and establish constructive relationships, with a range of stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes and to advance sport science across the broad spectrum of contexts.

    Global citizenship

    Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates personal autonomy, awareness of, and adaptability to, diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts in sport sciences.

    Why Sport | The power of performance with Alessia Del Tito

    Alessia Del Tito has always loved sport. As a participant, fan and spectator. During Alessia’s degree in sport science and sport management, she learnt about the power of performance analysis. 6 months later, Alessia was working at the Australian Football League.

    *ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022, 2023