Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This honours-level bachelor combines foundational sport science and coaching with advanced, practice-focused units in high performance. Early study covers anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, sport and exercise nutrition, and sport psychology, while specialist subjects address strength and conditioning, performance analysis, monitoring and load management, talent identification and athlete development.

The degree includes substantial practical components: supervised placements with sporting clubs or high performance programs, laboratory-based testing and data analysis, and applied coaching practicums. The honours component requires an independent research project or applied research placement in which you design, implement and report on a performance-related investigation under academic supervision.

• Human anatomy and exercise physiology
• Biomechanics and movement analysis
• Strength and conditioning principles and methods
• Performance monitoring and load management
• Sport and exercise nutrition
• Applied sport psychology for performance
• Performance analysis and technology in sport
• Talent identification and athlete development
• Research methods and honours project
• Professional practice and placements in high performance settings

Entry requirements

Entry is typically from secondary school via a successful senior secondary qualification (ATAR or equivalent) or recognised alternative entry pathways such as vocational qualifications and prior study. International applicants are required to meet English language and qualification equivalence requirements.

Selection may take into account relevant experience in sport, demonstrated commitment to high performance pathways and fitness screening or an interview for some campuses. Applicants who already hold a related diploma or degree may be eligible for credit or articulation depending on previous study. Specific campus entry criteria and required prerequisite subjects (for example, senior science or mathematics) vary, so prospective students should check the campus information for details.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles within high performance and elite sport settings as well as community and development programs. Typical career paths include:

• Strength and conditioning coach
• Performance analyst
• High performance support staff (physiology, testing and monitoring)
• Talent identification and development coordinator
• Elite sport coach or assistant coach
• Performance program manager or coordinator
• Pathway to postgraduate research or clinical allied health conversion programs

Some professional roles, such as accredited exercise physiologist or certain allied health positions, require further postgraduate study or professional accreditation. The degree provides practical experience and academic preparation that support pathways to accreditation with relevant professional bodies and employers in sport institutes, professional clubs, national sporting organisations and private high performance consultancies.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU provides a practice-focused learning environment with access to sport science laboratories, performance testing facilities and links to local and national sporting organisations. Teaching staff combine academic and applied high performance experience, and the program emphasises real-world placements to build professional networks and practical competence.

The honours project and research supervision offer a direct pathway into postgraduate research or specialised industry roles. ACU’s campus locations and partnerships support students seeking hands-on experience in elite and community sport contexts, while student support services and small cohort teaching help foster professional development and employability in high performance sport careers.