Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science - Advanced (Honours)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2025 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science - Advanced (Honours)
Deakin course codeH353
Faculty

Faculty of Health

CampusOffered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
OnlineNo
Duration4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025.

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

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

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

Course sub-headings

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.

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 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.

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.

Career opportunities

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

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.

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:

Master of Applied Sport Science (H707)
Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (H743)
Doctor of Philosophy (H940)

Alternative exits

Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (H343)

Work-Integrated Learning

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

Course Learning Outcomes

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.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science – Advanced (Honours) students must pass 32 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate: 

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
  • HSE010 Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety
  • 16 credit points of core units
  • 8 credit points of open elective units (or units from 1 or 2 major sequence/s)
  • 8 credit points of Exercise and Sport Science Honours units
  • a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
  • a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for a place in the Exercise and Sport Science Honours program, students will have:

• Completed the first 3 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 3 years.

Majors

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.

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.

Course structure

Core units

Year 1 - Trimester 1

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (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)

Year 1 - Trimester 2

HSE102Functional Human Anatomy

HSE103Exercise Prescription and Delivery

HSE104Research Methods and Data Analysis in Exercise and Sport

plus one elective unit (recommended from level 1)

Year 2 - Trimester 1

HSE201Exercise Physiology *

HSE212Physical Activity Promotion and Evaluation

HSE302Exercise Programming ^

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

Year 2 - Trimester 2

HSE202Biomechanics

HSE204Motor Learning and Development

HSE208Integrated Human Physiology

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

Year 3 - Trimester 1

HSE312Exercise and Sports Science Practicum ^

HSE323Clinical and Sport Biomechanics

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

Year 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

Year 4 - Semester 1

HBS400Research Methods

HSE401Developing Research Skills

Year 4 - Semester 2

HSE403Honours Research Project - Part A

HSE404Honours Research Project - Part B

*Note: for 4th year admission students must achieve a WAM of at least 65 in all level 3 Deakin units.

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

HSE114Inclusive Coaching Practice

Level 2 - Trimester 1

HSE205Advanced Sport Coaching Theory and Practice

Level 2 - Trimester 2

HSE214Developmental Approaches to Coaching and Officiating in Sport

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

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).

Details of major sequences

Exercise Physiology

Campuses

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.


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

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

Physical Activity and Health

Campuses

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

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 (Advanced)

HPS307Personality Psychology

HPS308Psychopathology

HPS310Biological Psychology (Brain and Behaviour)

HPS395Biological Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience)

Applied Sport Science

Campus

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

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

HSE103Exercise Prescription and Delivery

HSE105Principles of Sport Coaching

HSE302Exercise Programming

HSE304Physiology of Sport Performance

HSE329Advanced Anatomy for Exercise Scientists

HSE331Advanced Strength and Conditioning

Sport Coaching and Coaching Ecosystems

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)


Unit set code

MJ-H000014 - Major

MN-H000014 - Minor


Overview

Sport Coaching and Coaching Ecosystems is a dynamic major that explores the multifaceted role of coaches within the sports industry. Students will learn not only the essential skills of effective coaching but also how coaches function as integral connectors within a complex network. This major delves into the interactions between coaches, athletes, sport scientists, and organizational staff, providing a comprehensive understanding of the sports coaching ecosystem. Graduates will be equipped to navigate the intricacies of modern sports coaching, fostering success for athletes and organisations alike.


Units

HSE105Principles of Sport Coaching *

HSE114Inclusive Coaching Practice

HSE205Advanced Sport Coaching Theory and Practice *

HSE214Developmental Approaches to Coaching and Officiating in Sport

HSE305Issues in Sport Coaching *

HSE321Sport Coaching and Development Practicum *

* Units required for Minor sequence



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.

Further information

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

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.

Fees and charges

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

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.