Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science

2023 Deakin University Handbook

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Year

2023 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
Course Map

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023.

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2023.

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
OnlineNo
Duration3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code045332G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin course codeH343
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 applies for students who commenced in 2022 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2022 should refer to previous online Handbooks or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Join the #1 sport science school in the world* by studying Deakin's Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science. The course provides an accredited pathway for you to be eligible to join Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and practise as an Accredited Exercise Scientist. You'll learn how to apply knowledge and skills in exercise and sport science to improve the performance, health and participation of individuals, athletes and teams.

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. Learn in world-class facilities at our Elite Sports Precinct in Geelong and Specialised Indoor Exercise and Sport Science building in Burwood. The course includes 220 hours of practical experience – more than any comparable accredited program in Victoria – meaning you'll graduate job-ready with an advantage.

Why not fulfil your potential in the world of exercise and sports science and graduate with a practical degree that lets you hit the ground running in the industry?

Our world-class facilities allow you to learn in elite environments. The Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus’ Elite Sports Precinct supports the activities of a wide range of athletes, from the Geelong Cats AFL team, to the student-based Deakin Ducks Soccer Club. This opens the door to outstanding placement opportunities for students. Our new specialised indoor exercise and sport science building at the Melbourne Burwood Campus features four levels of state-of-the-art sport science learning facilities, providing you with a broad range of hands-on learning experiences. 

Deakin’s Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science is the first and longest-standing undergraduate course in Victoria. 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. 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
  • sports nutrition
  • strength and conditioning.

You will have the opportunity to participate in work experience placements in a variety of environments such as: 

  • AFL/VFL football clubs
  • Football Federation Victoria
  • Tennis Australia
  • WNBL clubs
  • Cricket Victoria
  • 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 final year provides a minimum 140 hours of practical experiences. These are a core feature of the course which, combined with career mentoring by staff in particular units, set you apart from other graduates. career mentoring by staff in particular units, set you apart from other graduates. 

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

Indicative student 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 classes, seminars, practicals and on-line 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.

Professional recognition

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)

H343 Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science graduates, please refer to the ESSA Accredited Course information application process.

ESSA has implemented a new English requirement for all individuals seeking initial accreditation or reinstating accreditation to show English language competence, please refer to this webpage for more information.

Career opportunities

As well as typical roles in the sport, exercise, coaching and fitness industry, you may pursue employment in sport science, sports administration, facility management, 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, you may consider applying for further study to advance your career in the sport science industry. We offer:

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 the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.

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. 

Pathways

This course can be a pathway to:


Work-Integrated Learning

^Indicates compulsory practicum core unit students need to complete in this course - refer course structure.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

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.

Communication

Demonstrate clear and accurate communication using a range of modes to select and deliver relevant information.

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.

Critical thinking

Use information from multiple sources of evidence to inform decision making applied to exercise and sport 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.

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.

Teamwork

Consistently demonstrate professional behaviours while making effective contributions across a range of roles when undertaking collaborative work within intra- and inter-disciplinary teams.

Global citizenship

Practise ethical and professional behaviours with an awareness of, and sensitivity to, diverse global and local perspectives in exercise and sport science.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. In order to gain 24 credit points you will need to study 24 units (AKA 'subjects'). Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester and usually undertaken in two trimesters each year.

The course comprises 24 credit points which includes 16 core units (these are compulsory) and 8 elective units (you can choose which ones to study). No more than 10 credit points may be taken at level 1 and at least 6 credit points must be taken at level 3.

Also, you can select elective units to form a major sequence. Majors can be selected from within the Faculty of Health or any other Faculty, subject to availability and pre-requisites. Majors may include applied sport science, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sport coaching, nutrition, physical activity and health, health promotion, management, sports nutrition, marketing, languages or media.

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity and HSE010 Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory units).

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Major sequences

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.

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

Bachelor of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Commerce

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

Course structure

Core units

Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2022 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2022 should refer to previous online Handbooks or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information.

Level 1 - Trimester 1

HAI010Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

HSE010Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety (0 credit points)

HBS109Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology *

HSE111Physical Activity and Exercise for Health

HSE113Human Growth, Development and Ageing for Exercise Scientists

plus one elective unit (recommended from level 1)

Level 1 - Trimester 2

HSE102Functional Human Anatomy

HSE103Essentials of Exercise Delivery

HSE104Research Methods and Data Analysis in Exercise and Sport

plus one elective unit (recommended from level 1)

Level 2 - Trimester 1

HSE201Exercise Physiology *

HSE212Physical Activity Promotion and Evaluation

HSE302Exercise Programming ^

plus one elective units (recommended from level 1 or level 2)

Level 2 - Trimester 2

HSE202Biomechanics

HSE204Motor Learning and Development

HSE208Integrated Human Physiology

plus one elective unit (recommended from level 2 or level 3)

Level 3 - Trimester 1

HSE312Exercise and Sports Science Practicum ^

HSE323Clinical and Sport Biomechanics

plus two elective unit (recommended from level 2 or level 3)

Level 3 - Trimester 2

HSE309Cognitive and Behavioural Aspects of Sport and Exercise

HSE330Nutrition for Exercise Scientists

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

Elective units

Exercise and Sport Science elective units

Electives are offered subject to availability of resources and quotas where applicable.

Level 1 - Trimester 1

HSE105Principles of Sport Coaching

Level 1 - Trimester 2

HSE110Muscle Biology for Exercise Science

HSE112Pathways in the Physical Activity, Exercise and Health Industry

Level 2 - Trimester 1

HSE205Advanced Sport Coaching Theory and Practice

Level 3 - Trimester 1

HSE303Exercise Metabolism

HSE305Issues in Sport Coaching

HSE311Applied Sports Science 1

HSE316Physical Activity and Population Health

HSE329Advanced Anatomy for Exercise Scientists

Level 3 - Trimester 2

HSE304Physiology of Sport Performance

HSE314Applied Sports Science 2

HSE320Exercise in Health and Disease

HSE321Sport Coaching and Development Practicum ~

HSE322Advanced Exercise Prescription

HSE331Advanced Strength and Conditioning

HSE332Global Perspectives in Physical Activity and Exercise for Health

Level 3 - Trimester 3

HSE360International Perspectives On Exercise and Sports Science

H718 Master of Dietetics Pre-Requisite units information

Students wishing to be eligible to enrol in postgraduate dietetics at Deakin should refer to the H718 Master of Dietetics Pre-requisite unit information

Work experience

Work Integrated Learning

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science 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).

Details of major sequences

Exercise Physiology

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-H000029

Overview

Graduates from the Exercise Physiology major will have an in-depth understanding of human physiology applied to exercise, the adaptations following exercise training and how they relate to enhanced sporting performance, improved health and prevention of chronic disease.

Students will develop the skills to monitor and interpret physiological responses during exercise, and develop job ready skills by gaining hands-on, practical experience utilising a range of laboratory techniques. Exercise Physiology is a fundamental discipline for sport and exercise science and complements interests in other Exercise and Sport Science major sequences. Common career pathways for graduates include exercise and sport science roles in sporting clubs and organisations, health and fitness clubs, and rehabilitation centres. The knowledge and skills gained in this major are also relevant for further postgraduate study such as honours and higher degree by research programs, Deakin’s Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and other clinical career pathways.

Students that commenced this major before 2018 should refer to previous handbook entries

Units

HSE110Muscle Biology for Exercise Science

HSE201Exercise Physiology

HSE208Integrated Human Physiology

HSE303Exercise Metabolism

HSE304Physiology of Sport Performance

HSE320Exercise in Health and Disease

 

Sports Nutrition

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-H000028

Units

HSN101Foundations of Food, Nutrition and Health

HSN211Nutritional Physiology

HSN202Lifespan Nutrition

HSE303Exercise Metabolism

HSN305Assessing Food Intake and Activity

HSN307Sports Nutrition: Theory and Practice

 

Sport Coaching

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-H000011 - Major

MN-H000011 - Minor

Overview

The coaching major develops leadership skills for sports coaching and instruction. It is underpinned by sports science, pedagogy, personal development, and practical real world coaching experience.

The emphasis is on development of essential skills employers value including planning, organisation, presentation, evaluation, and problem solving. The coaching major has been developed with national sporting organisations, elite coaches, and expert academics to provide the latest in innovative coaching theory and practice. This major provides a necessary skill set for those considering a career where skills in coaching, instruction, or teaching are an essential component.

Units

HSE103Essentials of Exercise Delivery

HSE105Principles of Sport Coaching *

HSE204Motor Learning and Development

HSE205Advanced Sport Coaching Theory and Practice *

HSE305Issues in Sport Coaching *

HSE321Sport Coaching and Development Practicum *

* Units required for Minor sequence

This minor sequence is available only to courses who offer a minor sequence in their course. H343 Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences and H315 Bachelor of Nutrition Science courses do not offer a minor sequence in the courses.

 

Physical Activity and Health

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Warrnambool, Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-H000023

Overview

Students undertaking this major will develop an in-depth understanding of current research evidence relating to physical activity and sedentary behaviour and how it relates to the health of the community, populations and individuals.

They will be equipped with the knowledge and critical awareness of how research informs current physical activity recommendations, policy and practice. Students will develop the skills required to monitor and assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour in relation to current policy. Students will gain practical experience developing programs to improve participation in physical activity and /or reduce sedentary behaviour and evaluation of program effectiveness. Students will also advance a wide range of transferrable graduate employment skills including: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities (used as a basis for many of the other major sequences students may select), Communication (used extensively for health promotion), Interpretive and analytical thinking, Project development and implementation, Team building, and Evaluation.

Units

HSE111Physical Activity and Exercise for Health

HSE112Pathways in the Physical Activity, Exercise and Health Industry

HSE212Physical Activity Promotion and Evaluation

HSE213Children's Physical Activity and Sport

HSE316Physical Activity and Population Health

HSE332Global Perspectives in Physical Activity and Exercise for Health

Psychology

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online

Unit set code

MJ-H000008

Overview

This sequence develops students’ understanding of a range of topics in psychology, which is the science concerned with unravelling questions about human behaviour and mental processes.

This six unit major is not intended for the purpose of registration as a psychologist

Units

To obtain the six unit major students must complete HPS111 and HPS121 plus:

  • any two level 2 units from the psychology units list below.
  • any two level 3 units from the psychology units list below.

Core units

HPS111Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour

HPS121Introduction to Psychology: Individual and Social Development

Plus two units from the list below:

HPS201Psychology Research Methods (Introductory)

HPS202Developmental Psychology (Child and Adolescent)

HPS203Cognitive Psychology

HPS204Social Psychology

HPS206Forensic Psychology

Plus two units from the list below:

HPS301Psychology Research Methods (Intermediate)

HPS302Developmental Psychology (Adult)

HPS304Social Psychology (Human Relationships)

HPS307Personality Psychology

HPS308Psychopathology

HPS310Biological Psychology (Brain and Behaviour)

HPS395Biological Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience)

Applied Sport Science

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-H000038

Overview

In the Applied Sport Science major, students will learn to apply scientific thinking and methods to solve problems and generate insights in sport. This major is suitable for those who aspire to work as sport scientists in real sporting settings (e.g., community sport, junior sport, and high performance sport).

Completing this sequence will help students prepare to apply for postgraduate sport science scholarships and internships, such as those offered by the AIS, VIS, and AFL clubs. The sequence also provides a platform for progression to postgraduate study options, such as Deakin’s Master of Applied Sport Science, Honours and other research opportunities.

Units

HSE105Principles of Sport Coaching

HSE302Exercise Programming

HSE304Physiology of Sport Performance

HSE311Applied Sports Science 1

HSE314Applied Sports Science 2

HSE323Clinical and Sport Biomechanics

 

Strength and Conditioning

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-H000039

Overview

The Strength and Conditioning major sequence will develop the theoretical knowledge and technical competencies required to develop and deliver evidence-based strength and conditioning programs for a range of individuals including the general population, those with specific needs, and athletic populations.

Disciplines of study include Sports Coaching, Exercise Prescription and Programming, Sports Physiology and Advanced Anatomy. Additional skills and competencies developed allow strong articulation into further study opportunities such as Master of Applied Sport Science, Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and other external post-graduate courses such as Medicine or Physiotherapy. Career pathways in Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning and Exercise Physiology are all enhanced through the completion of this major sequence.

Units

HSE103Essentials of Exercise Delivery

HSE105Principles of Sport Coaching

HSE302Exercise Programming

HSE304Physiology of Sport Performance

HSE329Advanced Anatomy for Exercise Scientists

HSE331Advanced Strength and Conditioning


Other course information

Course duration - additional information

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

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Third party arrangements

Nature of third party arrangements

Deakin College offers a subset of first year subjects of the degree as part of the Diploma of Health Sciences. Students who complete the Diploma with a WAM of at least 50, can gain entry into H343 Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science with credit for core and other units already completed, enabling them to enter at second year level of the degree.

Quality assurance arrangements

The units offered by Deakin College are those offered as part of H343. Quality assurance is as for the rest of H343.

Other learning experiences

Students have the opportunity to undertake elective units and major sequences that include units in Volunteering and a Study Tour unit, while opportunities for Study Abroad exist across the course.

Research and research-related study

Components of research and research-related study may be embedded across a number of units where student achievement is demonstrated in specific assessment tasks.