Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)

Course summary for international students

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Online	No
Length	4 years full-time
Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026	$43,600 for 1 yr full-time AUD
CRICOS code	072594F Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level	Undergraduate
Deakin course code	D394
VTAC codes	1400314683 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place 1400514683 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Join the No. 1 sport science school in the world^* and learn from expert teachers in world-class facilities with Deakin's Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management). Offering an accredited pathway for you to be eligible to register and practise as an Accredited Exercise Scientist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia; you will become a professional leader in exercise and sport science, with business knowledge to manage sporting organisations and events.

Studying exercise and sport science enables you to develop the skills to apply exercise and sport science principles to improve the performance, health and participation of individuals, athletes and teams. Studying sport management teaches you about the business of sport, including sport systems, finance, marketing, management and law. Complete at least 320 hours of practical experience and broaden your career options and capitalise on Australia’s $17.8 billion sport industry.^{^}

Want to learn the science behind elite performance and influence the business of sport?

In this double degree, you will gain unique knowledge and skills in managing organisations that support sports and events within disciplines such as:

athlete management
equipment and merchandising
finance
marketing
promotion
sponsorship.

At the same time, you will focus your expertise on exercise and sport science and peak performance. The nationally recognised Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science is the field leader in Victoria and focuses on areas like:

behavioural aspects of sport and exercise
exercise physiology
human growth and ageing
improved performance
motor learning and development.

Learning from teachers who are active in the industry means your classroom becomes a hub of the latest ideas, approaches and techniques. As well as classroom-based learning, you will undertake at least 220 hours of fieldwork experience in real-world settings through the Exercise Programming and Exercise and Sports Practicum units, plus 100+ hours with a host sporting organisation as part of the Sport Industry Experience unit.

This extensive practical experience gives you the expertise to pursue opportunities varying from sport, exercise and coaching occupations, to sports administration, management, governance and development roles.

Discover our wide range of sport courses including our other double degrees: Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Nutrition and our new Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

^*ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021 - 2025
^{^}Sport in Australia - Market Research Report (2013-2028)

Professional recognition

This qualification allows you to receive recognition from both business and exercise and sport science professional bodies.

Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)

Be a sought-after accredited Exercise Scientist. When you graduate with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management), 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 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.

Fees and charges

The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. 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 length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for 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 international student fees.

Career opportunities

Unlock career opportunities beyond the field. With this double degree, you will be equipped to provide professional leadership across a range of areas, helping to shape the future of Australia’s $17.8 billion sporting industry.^{^}

With Deakin ranked the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, you will graduate with the confidence to step into your career and thrive.

Career opportunities may include:

business development manager
exercise scientist
player manager/agent
recreation officer
sports administrator
elite coach
strength and conditioning coach
sports development officer
sports event manager.

Students wanting to pursue further study in exercise and sport science may consider applying for Deakin’s:

^{^}Sport in Australia - Market Research Report (2013-2028)

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science	Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and well-developed theoretical and technical knowledge within the broad disciplines of exercise and sport science.	Demonstrate core knowledge of the elements of management that are unique to sport business through analysis and application of theory from business and allied disciplines in order to provide effective management in sport organisations
Communication	Demonstrate clear and accurate communication using a range of modes to select and deliver relevant information.	Develop written, oral and visual communication skills around complex concepts for diverse stakeholders involved in the sport industry including organisations in government and corporate sectors and those involved in delivery of sport at community through to elite settings
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.	Select and use a range of digital technologies in appropriate ways to manage and disseminate relevant information to stakeholders in the sport industry
Critical thinking	Use information from multiple sources of evidence to inform decision making applied to exercise and sport science.	Demonstrate the ability to exercise reasoned judgement and reflection in relation to managing in the sport industry
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 and address issues, formulate solutions related to commercial and social improvements in the sport industry and implement efficient strategic and operational outcomes for organisations in the sport industry
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.	Demonstrate skills to work independently and take responsibility for continuing professional development
Teamwork	Consistently demonstrate professional behaviours while making effective contributions across a range of roles when undertaking collaborative work within intra- and inter-disciplinary team	Constructively engage in teams to contribute to collaborative outcomes and be able to take on roles towards demonstration of sound management within the sport industry
Global citizenship	Practise ethical and professional behaviours with an awareness of, and sensitivity to, diverse global and local perspectives in exercise and sport science.	Engage as a professional in the sport industry with the skills that are applicable to a variety of contexts (professional, amateur) and issues (global, social, ethical, cultural)

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management), you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
16 credit points from the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
- 16 credit points of core units
16 credit points from the Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)
- 15 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of course electives from Business and Law elective unit (level 2 or level 3)
course requirements for both the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) must be satisfied.

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.

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

Note for Geelong students:

Exercise and Sport Science (H-coded) units are offered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Business (Sport Management) (M-coded) units are mostly offered online, and/or delivered at Waterfront (Geelong)

You may need to travel between Waterfront (Geelong) and Waurn Ponds (Geelong) to complete this course.

Course structure

Core units

Year 1 - Trimester 1

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

HSE113

Human Growth, Development and Ageing for Exercise Scientists

HBS109

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

MAA103

Accounting for Decision Making

MMS100

Sport Organisation

Year 1 - Trimester 2

HSE010

Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety (0 credit points)

HSE102

Functional Human Anatomy

HSE104

Research Methods and Data Analysis in Exercise and Sport

MAF101

Fundamentals of Finance

MMM132

Management

Year 2 - Trimester 1

HSE201

Exercise Physiology

HSE111

Physical Activity and Exercise for Health

MWL101

Professional Insight

MLC101

Law for Commerce

Year 2 - Trimester 2

HSE103

Exercise Prescription and Delivery

HSE204

Motor Learning and Development

MAE101

Economic Principles

MMS201

Sport in Society

Year 3 - Trimester 1

HSE212

Physical Activity Promotion and Evaluation

HSE302

Exercise Programming ^

MMK101

Marketing Fundamentals

MIS171

Business Analytics

Year 3 - Trimester 2

HSE202

Biomechanics

HSE208

Integrated Human Physiology

MMS308

Sport Marketing

One Business and Law elective unit (level 2 or level 3)

Year 4 - Trimester 1

HSE312

Exercise and Sports Science Practicum ^

HSE323

Clinical and Sport Biomechanics

MLC310

Sport and the Law

MMS307

Sport Facility and Event Management

Year 4 - Trimester 2

HSE309

Cognitive and Behavioural Aspects of Sport and Exercise

HSE330

Nutrition for Exercise Scientists

MMS306

Sport Industry Experience ^

MMS320

Sport Innovation and Entrepreneurship

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

Work-Integrated Learning

This combined course features extensive practical experience in exercise and sport science 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 rehabilitation providers. The roles can involve coaching, sport science, sports administration, sport management, rehabilitation and fitness. Many graduates have been offered work based on their excellent fieldwork performance.

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

Admission criteria

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.

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

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

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

Academic requirements - Higher education study

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)

Academic requirements - VET study

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

Academic requirements - 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) or equivalent
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

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 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – 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.

Pathways

This course can be a pathway to:

Credit for prior learning - general

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.

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. You can obtain further clarification from a student adviser by submitting an enquiry or call 9251 7777.

Articulated courses

Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours) (H442)

Course duration

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.

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, practicals 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.

Work experience

Exercise and Sport Science

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 can 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).

Sport Management

The Sport Management Practicum will be a placement organised by you with a host sporting organisation, association or facility for a period of 100 hours.

Participation requirements

The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science features a minimum 220 hours of practical experience (more than any comparable accredited program in Victoria) in national, state or local sport, exercise or health organisations during the third and fourth years, providing you with invaluable workplace experiences that mean you graduate career ready.
The Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) features a minimum 100 hours of practical experience in a sporting organisation, association or facility.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Upon achievement of the prerequisite requirements, placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks.

At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.

If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.

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.

Selection adjustment

Subject adjustment

A study score of 35 in any Business, any English, Health And Human Development, any Information Technology or Physical Education equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in any Business, English other than EAL, Health And Human Development, any Information Technology, Maths: General Mathematics, Physical Education or Physics 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.

Access and equity

Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.