Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science

Turn your passion for sport, health and performance into a career with our Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science—a degree designed to give you the knowledge, skills and real-world experience to succeed in a rapidly growing industry.

Industry-recognised qualification

This accredited course* by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA), the peak professional body for exercise scientists, clinical exercise physiologists and sport scientists, enables graduates to acquire ESSA membership and practise as an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES).

Build strong scientific and practical skills

You’ll develop a solid foundation in biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, health and exercise science. Then build upon this throughout the degree to expand your expertise across diverse population settings in human movement, sport science & performance, health promotion and evidence-based practise.

You can tailor your studies to your career interests in:

• Applied exercise programming
• Applied sport science
• Health promotion
• Diverse populations and inclusion
• Nutrition
• Psychology
• Business and management
• Data analytics
• Strength and conditioning
• Teaching and education
• Exercise Physiology

Flexible study options

Study in the way that suits you:

• On-campus in Ballarat, or
• Flexible delivery at Gippsland and Berwick

All delivery modes include a blend of hands-on practical classes, tutorials and online learning, supported by access to high-quality facilities, including our Health and Sports Precinct in Ballarat. Our Flexible delivery option benefits students by providing the opportunity to study and obtain work/life balance, as well as an enhanced learning experience to attend inter-campus classes at the world-class Ballarat facilities (once per semester in years 2 and 3). Our Ballarat delivery option offers students the ability to engage with our world-class facilities on a weekly basis, and to utilise the full extent of on-campus life, whilst still providing schedule flexibility.

Learn beyond the classroom

Our Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science is Australia’s first Co-Operative course, designed directly with input from industry leaders to offer students genuine industry-based experiences to ensure they are career-ready. Industry placements are a key feature of this degree, where students will undertake 250 hours of practical experience. Through the co-operative features of the course, students will have the opportunity to undertake paid placements through elective units – the first exercise and sport science degree to offer paid placements – supporting students to become work-ready through their studies. Students will benefit from the strong partnerships with exercise and sport science organisations across local and state settings—building professional networks and confidence before you graduate. Students have the opportunity to participate in standard placements across a range of settings, including:

·      Melbourne City Football Club

·      AFL/AFLW football clubs

·      VFL/VFLW football clubs

·      Strength & Conditioning and High-Performance Centres

·      School Sport Academies

·      Recreational Gyms

·      State Sporting Organisations/Institutes

Career-ready graduates

Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for registration with ESSA and prepared for a wide range of careers in sport, fitness and health industries. Our graduates have gone on to work with leading organisations such as NBA, NBL, NFL, AFL, NRL & Life Saving Victoria.

Pathways to further study

This degree provides a strong pathway into postgraduate study, including:

• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Master of Strength and Conditioning
• Teaching (Primary & Secondary)

Supportive learning environment

You’ll learn from experienced, supportive staff who are committed to delivering a high-quality, industry-relevant education, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and practical learning experiences.

Start your journey towards a dynamic career in exercise and sport science today.

*Ballarat and Gippsland ESSA full accreditation; Berwick undergoing accreditation in Q1, 2027.

Professional Accreditation

Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Accredited Exercise Science professional standards.

IT requirements

To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.

Got questions?

Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.

Student support

The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.

The fine print

The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.

Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.

Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.

School department

Exercise & Sport Science

Course co-ordinator

Emma Siesmaa