Course overview
Join the #1 sport science school in the world* by studying Deakin's Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science – Advanced (Honours). Develop the skills to become a professional leader in exercise and sport science and allied fields, with a focus on the biological, sociological and behavioural bases of exercise and sport science. An embedded honours year allows you to dive deeper into your particular area of interest ensuring you graduate with valuable research experience, specialised knowledge and improved career opportunities.
Learn in world-class facilities at our Geelong Elite Sports Precinct, which also supports the activities of a wide range of athletes and clubs, opening the door to outstanding placement opportunities for students. Graduating with an original piece of research and 220 hours of practical experience – more than any comparable course in Victoria – will ensure you are well placed to take advantage of Australia’s golden decade of sport.^
Do you want to set yourself apart from other graduates and develop the skills and expertise to become a professional leader in exercise and sports science?
Commencing from the first year, the course work throughout ensures you will develop the expertise to become a professional leader in exercise and sport science, studying the biology, technology, behaviour and best practices that underpin exercise and sport science.
You will be able to tailor the course to your interests and career goals, choosing from the following majors:
- applied sport science
- disability and inclusion
- exercise physiology
- family, society and health
- health promotion
- nutrition
- physical activity and health
- psychology
- sport coaching and coaching ecosystems
- sports nutrition
- strength and conditioning.
Our Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science - Advanced (Honours) is an embedded honours program, offering students the opportunity to progress directly through to their honours year after the first three years of their course.#
In your honours year you will develop the necessary methodological, technical and analytical skills and knowledge required for research practice and to apply research within professional practice in the exercise and sport science industry. Selecting a topic aligned to an area of interest, you will undertake original research under the guidance of a supervisor, providing you with real-world exposure to academic research, professional insight into the nature and functioning of research and an authentic experience being part of a research team.
The research experience, specialised knowledge and practical experience gained in your honours year will prepare you for progression to higher degrees by research, or for those not wishing to pursue a research-focused career-pathway, make you more appealing to prospective employers.
Leveraging Deakin's strong industry partnerships, you will have the opportunity to participate in work experience placements in a variety of environments such as:
- AFL/AFLW football clubs
- VFL/VFLW football clubs
- Football Federation Victoria
- Cricket Australia
- Tennis Australia
- WNBL clubs
- private strength and conditioning and high-performance centres (including Institutes of Sport)
- recreational gyms
- rehabilitation clinics.
All students participate in two industry-based practical experiences. In second year, students complete 80 hours of practical experience at a pre-approved host organisation through the Exercise Programming unit. The Exercise and Sports Science Practicum in your third year provides a minimum 140 hours of practical experiences. These are a core feature of the course which, combined with research skills and experience, set you apart from other graduates.
As a graduate of the #1 ranked sport science school in the world*, you will be prepared to be a leader in exercise and sport science, and allied fields, and can look forward to employment opportunities across multiple industries. Visit exercise and sport science to discover the wide range of careers that you could pursue.
Discover our sport courses.
*Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022 and 2023
^Australia is set to host over ten major global sporting events between 2022 - 2032
#Students must achieve a WAM of at least 65 in all level 3 units to progress through to the level 4 ‘honours’ year.
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science - Advanced (Honours)
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400311581 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
- Deakin code
- H353
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To complete the requirements for Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science – Advanced (Honours), students must attain 32 credit points including:
• 16 credit points of core units
• 8 credit points of elective units (University open electives or from one or two major sequence/s)
• 8 credit points of Exercise and Sport Science Honours units
Students must also ensure they have met the following course rules to be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science – Advanced (Honours):
• A maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
• A minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
• HSE010 Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety and DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit).
Honours year eligibility
To be eligible for a place in the Exercise and Sport Science Honours program, students will have:
• Completed the first three levels of the course (ie: they will have achieved 24 credit points)
• Achieve a WAM of a least 65 in all level 3 Deakin units
Students who met the honours eligibility and successfully complete the Honours year, will graduate with one-degree H353 Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science – Advanced (Honours). Failure to meet the above WAM requirement will result in an alternative exit from H353 Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science – Advanced (Honours) with a degree of H343 Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science provided the student meets the course requirements of H343. Students who do not wish to complete the honours year may also opt for the H343 Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science upon successful completion of the first three years.
24
Compulsory credit points
8
Elective units
32
Total
Core units
Year 1 - Trimester 1
plus one elective unit (recommended from level 1)
Year 1 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit (recommended from level 1)
Year 2 - Trimester 1
plus one elective units (recommended from level 1 or level 2)
Year 2 - Trimester 2
plus one elective unit (recommended from level 2 or level 3)
Year 3 - Trimester 1
plus two elective unit (recommended from level 2 or level 3)
Year 3 - Trimester 2
plus two elective units (recommended from level 2 or level 3)
*Unit also available in Trimester 3
^Indicates compulsory practicum core unit students need to complete in this course - refer course structure
Year 4 - Semester 1
Year 4 - Semester 2
*Note: for 4th year admission students must achieve a WAM of at least 65 in all level 3 Deakin units.
Major sequences
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
- Exercise Physiology - Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Applied Sport Science - Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Physical Activity and Health - Waurn Ponds (Geelong),
- Sports Nutrition - Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Sport Coaching and Coaching Ecosystems - Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Strength and Conditioning - Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Psychology - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online. Individual units may not be available on every campus
- Nutrition - Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Health Promotion - Waurn Ponds (Geelong),Online
- Family, Society and Health -Online
- Disability and Inclusion - Online
Note: Minor sequences are not available to H353 Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science - Advanced (Honours) students.
Students can choose to undertake majors from other courses as long as they can fit the major into their course structure and the majors are available to be undertaken.
Please ensure you discuss your request with your Student Adviser to ensure you are still meeting your course rules.
Elective units
Exercise and Sport Science elective units
Electives are offered subject to availability of resources and quotas where applicable.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 1
Level 3 - Trimester 2
Level 3 - Trimester 3
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:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- 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).
Work-Integrated Learning
^Indicates compulsory practicum core unit students need to complete in this course - refer course structure.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Other course information
There is a quota on places in the Exercise and Sport Science - Advanced (Honours) program and meeting the criteria does not guarantee acceptance into Honours.
Mandatory student checks
Working with Children Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the relevant state prior to undertaking placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement units.
Police record check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement units.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practical experience and online interaction. 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.
Participation requirements
The course contains compulsory practicum placements designed to meet the ESSA Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) professional standards.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability and/or athletes registered with the Deakin Elite Athlete program.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Work experience
Work Integrated Learning
The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science - Advanced (Honours) features compulsory practical experience through work-based practicum, so you can start your career before you graduate with hands-on work placement experience.
You have the opportunity to undertake hands-on experience in a variety of sporting, exercise or health environments. These may vary from local, state or national sporting organisations and professional sporting clubs; state and national institutes of sport; as well as health, fitness and exercise physiology rehabilitation providers. The roles can involve coaching, sport science, sports administration, sport management, exercise physiology and fitness, while many graduates have been offered subsequent employment based on their excellent practicum/fieldwork performance.
To meet the ESSA professional standards for accreditation, at least 80 hours of course practicum hours must demonstrate attainment of competency in exercise assessment, prescription and delivery.
The units comprising of the practical experience outlined above are HSE312 Exercise and Sports Science Practicum (140 hours) and HSE302 Exercise Programming (80 hours).
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.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
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)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
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.
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:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in Biology, any English, Health and Human Development, Outdoor and Environmental Studies or Physical Education equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Biology, any English, Health and Human Development, Outdoor and Environmental Studies, Maths: Further Mathematics or Physical Education equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Elite Athlete program
Student athletes may be eligible to receive 5 bonus aggregate points. Applicants wishing to be considered for an elite athlete bonus must complete a personal statement indicating how their studies have been impacted by participation in sport at an elite level. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of their participation in sport at an elite level to be considered for this. Learn more about the Elite Athlete Program eligibility and how to apply.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
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. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – 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.
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.
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.
Students who are seeking Recognition of prior learning based on non-formal studies (eg. work experience) and wish to apply for ESSA professional accreditation please refer to Professional Recognition section in this handbook.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
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.
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
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
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.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Master of Applied Sport Science (H707)
Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (H743)
Doctor of Philosophy (H940)
Alternative exits
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.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
Upon graduating from Deakin’s Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science – Advanced (Honours) you will possess the skills and capabilities required for progression to higher degrees by research and then ultimately into roles involving research in industry or academia. The original research you undertake in your honours year also offers you a unique opportunity to tailor your degree towards your desired industry specialisation.
Outside of research, as an Accredited Exercise Scientist, you will be able to take advantage of a wide range of opportunities and industry growth driven by Australia’s golden decade of sport. As well as the typical roles in the sport, exercise, coaching and fitness industry, you may also pursue employment in sport science, community health and wellness, or rehabilitation.
Upon graduating, you may find employment opportunities in:
- elite, professional sporting clubs
- local and state government agencies
- professional sporting bodies
- local and community sporting clubs
- hospital and rehabilitation clinics
- fitness and aquatic centres
- private health and recreation centres
- large organisations in corporate health.
After successfully completing the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science - Advanced (Honours), you may consider applying for further study to advance your career in the exercise and sport science industry. We offer:
As a graduate of the #1 ranked sport science school in the world*, you will be prepared to be a leader in exercise and sport science, and allied fields, and can look forward to employment opportunities across multiple industries. Be ready for Australia’s golden decade of sport, visit our exercise and sport science careers page to discover the exciting range of careers that you could pursue.
*Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022 and 2023
Professional recognition
Be a sought-after accredited Exercise Scientist. When you graduate with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science - Advanced (Honours), you will be eligible to apply for accreditation with the peak national accrediting body Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Deakin was first to achieve this nationally recognised accreditation in Victoria, a result of our long-standing commitment to high education standards and curriculum delivery in sport. For more information please refer to the ESSA-accredited course application process.
Recognition of Prior Learning will only be awarded based on formal learning, which includes at a minimum documented learning outcomes and assessments (e.g. course transcripts and course completion certificates). Students who received credits based on informal learning (e.g. work experience) will need to apply to become an accredited Exercise Scientist via the non-ESSA accredited course application pathway.
ESSA has implemented a new English language requirement if you’re seeking initial accreditation or reinstating accreditation to show English language competence. Find out if you need to take an English language test. If you have any questions about this new requirement, please contact ESSA on 07 3171 3335 or info@essa.org.au.
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 | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and well-developed theoretical and technical knowledge within the broad disciplines of exercise and sport science. Acquire and apply advanced knowledge of the philosophies, ethics, methods and principles of research in one or more discipline areas of practice in exercise and sports science to plan and execute a substantial research project. |
| Communication | Demonstrate clear and accurate communication using a range of modes to select and deliver relevant information, and advanced oral and written communication skills in the clear and coherent communication of research questions, design and outcomes to a diverse audience. |
| Digital literacy | Use a range of digital tools within exercise and sport science environments to accurately and efficiently locate, evaluate and disseminate information, including the collection and analysis of data, and acquire advanced skills in using appropriate technologies to research, analyse, manage, synthesise and disseminate evidence-based information to an academic audience and specialists in the field of exercise and sports science. |
| Critical thinking | Use information from multiple sources of evidence to inform decision making applied to exercise and sport science. Employ intellectual independence to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific literature and to apply appropriate methodologies and analytical techniques to answer the research question. Apply advanced theoretical knowledge to interpret outcomes and to identify how they contribute to advancing the field of exercise and sports science. |
| Problem solving | Independently deconstruct a range of real world and complex problems within exercise and sport science environments to formulate, execute and evaluate possible solutions. Identify an original research question and, under supervision, apply appropriate theories and methodologies to address this question in an ethical manner. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate the capacity to learn and work independently, taking personal responsibility for actions and outcomes commensurate with priorities and timeframes established both personally and by others. Take initiative to identify personal learning goals and needs, in order to undertake and manage an independent research project including the communication of research outcomes. |
| Teamwork | Consistently demonstrate professional behaviours while making effective contributions across a range of roles when undertaking collaborative work within intra- and inter-disciplinary teams, including contributing constructively and collaboratively as a member of research and professional team of specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Global citizenship | Practise ethical and professional behaviours with an awareness of, and sensitivity to, diverse global and local perspectives in exercise and sport science and apply ethical standards governing research and professional practice in the field of exercise and sports science whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting inclusive, cultural sensitivities. |
Footnotes
*ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022, 2023
^Australia is set to host over ten major global sporting events between 2022 – 2032
#Students must achieve a WAM of at least 65 in all level 3 units to progress through to the level 4 ‘honours’ year.