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Course Overview
Combine a drive for exercise and sport with a passion for food and nutrition with Deakin's Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science combined course. Offered by the #1 sport science school in the world*, exercise and sport science at Deakin gives you a field-leading education in improving the performance, health and participation of individuals and teams. The nutrition science component gives you an understanding of the nature of food and the importance of nutrition for individual and population health. Study two complementary fields and understand how athlete's bodies work, as well as the fuel required to unlock peak performance. You will have the opportunity to participate in 295 hours of invaluable practical experience across both study areas, and benefit from career mentoring; setting you apart from other graduates and opening the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Want to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become an expert in elite athlete preparation? Exercise and sport science at Deakin gives you the expertise to become a professional leader in the field. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and physiology, growth and development, health and behaviour, biomechanics, motor learning and control, as well as the technology and best practices that underpin exercise and sport science. The complementary nutrition science component of this course gives you an in-depth understanding of the nature of food and the importance of nutrition for wellbeing. Become career-ready with a comprehensive knowledge of human nutrition, as well as the complexity of current issues relating to food and health. *ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021 - 2025.
Eligibility
Career & Study Pathways
Quality & Recognition
Course Content
Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program
0 credit point compulsory unit, required prior to SLE-coded units
Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
0 credit point compulsory unit, required in first study period
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Year 1, Trimester 1; also available in Trimester 3
Human Growth, Development and Ageing for Exercise Scientists
Year 1, Trimester 1
Foundations of Food, Nutrition and Health
Year 1, Trimester 1; also available in Trimester 3
Chemistry in Our World
Year 1, Trimester 1; also available in Trimester 2
Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety
0 credit point unit, Year 1, Trimester 2
Functional Human Anatomy
Year 1, Trimester 2; also available in Trimester 3
Research Methods and Data Analysis in Exercise and Sport
Year 1, Trimester 2
Physiology of Human Growth and Development
Year 1, Trimester 2
Chemistry for the Professional Sciences
Year 1, Trimester 2
Physical Activity and Exercise for Health
Year 2, Trimester 1
Exercise Physiology
Year 2, Trimester 1; also available in Trimester 3
The Science of Food
Year 2, Trimester 1; Geelong students may attend Burwood intensives (#)
Biochemistry
Year 2, Trimester 1
Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety
0 credit point compulsory unit, Year 2, Trimester 2; required prior to first laboratory based unit
Exercise Prescription and Delivery
Year 2, Trimester 2
Motor Learning and Development
Year 2, Trimester 2
Food Fundamentals
Year 2, Trimester 2; Geelong students may attend Burwood intensives (#)
Biochemical Metabolism
Year 2, Trimester 2
Physical Activity Promotion and Evaluation
Year 3, Trimester 1
Exercise Programming
Year 3, Trimester 1; compulsory practicum unit (80 hours practical experience)
Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems
Year 3, Trimester 1
Nutritional Physiology
Year 3, Trimester 1; also available in Trimester 3
Biomechanics
Year 3, Trimester 2
Integrated Human Physiology
Year 3, Trimester 2; also available in Trimester 3
Lifespan Nutrition
Year 3, Trimester 2
Assessing Food Intake and Activity
Year 3, Trimester 2
Exercise and Sports Science Practicum
Year 4, Trimester 1; compulsory practicum unit (minimum 140 hours practical experience)
Clinical and Sport Biomechanics
Year 4, Trimester 1
Diet and Disease
Year 4, Trimester 1
Food Policy and Regulation
Year 4, Trimester 1; Geelong students attend Burwood (#)
Cognitive and Behavioural Aspects of Sport and Exercise
Year 4, Trimester 2
Nutrition for Exercise Scientists
Year 4, Trimester 2
Population Nutrition
Year 4, Trimester 2
Food, Nutrition and Society
Elective; Trimester 2
Food and Nutrition Practicum
Elective; Trimester 2; provides 75 hours of practical food or nutrition industry experience
International Perspectives in Food and Nutrition
Elective; Trimester 3; offered in even numbered years (e.g. 2024, 2026)
Common Questions
You will have the opportunity to participate in 295 hours of invaluable practical experience across both study areas. This includes 80 hours of practical experience at a pre-approved host organisation through the Exercise Programming unit in third year, a minimum of 140 hours of practical experience through the Exercise and Sports Science Practicum unit in your final year, and an optional further 75 hours through the Food and Nutrition Practicum unit.
The lowest selection rank ATAR for the Burwood (Melbourne) campus is 75.20, based on 2026 early and first round VTAC offers including relevant adjustment factors, with a Deakin Guaranteed ATAR of 66. For the Waurn Ponds (Geelong) campus, the lowest selection rank ATAR is 68.00, with a Deakin Guaranteed ATAR of 58. Students in regional or remote areas or within the City of Greater Geelong may also be eligible for the Regional and Remote Entry Scheme, potentially receiving up to a 10 aggregate point adjustment.
You can find work experience with a variety of organisations including AFL/AFLW football clubs, VFL/VFLW football clubs, Football Federation Victoria, Tennis Australia, WNBL clubs, Cricket Australia, private strength and conditioning and high-performance centres (including Institutes of Sport), recreational gyms, and rehabilitation clinics. Many graduates have even been offered employment based on their excellent practicum performance.
Yes, 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. Additionally, applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for placements. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement units.
Not all units are available exclusively at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus. For units marked with (#) — such as The Science of Food (HSN104), Food Fundamentals (HSN106), and Food Policy and Regulation (HSN309) — Geelong students must either attend two 2-day intensive practical classes at the Burwood (Melbourne) Campus (typically on a Saturday or Sunday), or enrol in the Burwood unit offering if capacity allows. Students should be prepared for some inter-campus travel.
Application
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Step 02
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Step 03
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India
Master of Nursing · Griffith University
