Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This online master's combines advanced sport science, coaching practice and performance systems to prepare graduates for roles in elite sport. Core study areas typically include athlete monitoring and load management, strength and conditioning, biomechanics and performance analysis, sport nutrition, injury prevention and rehabilitation principles, leadership and talent development, and applied research methods.

Typical modules or topics you can expect:

• Foundations of High Performance Sport  principles of performance systems, talent pathways and athlete lifecycle management.
• Applied Exercise Physiology and Conditioning  assessment, programming and periodisation for elite athletes.
• Performance Analysis and Technology  video analysis, wearable technologies and data interpretation to inform coaching decisions.
• Athlete Monitoring and Load Management  integrating subjective and objective measures to optimise performance and minimise injury risk.
• Nutrition and Recovery for Performance  evidence-based strategies for fuelling, hydration and recovery interventions.
• Leadership, Coaching and Team Dynamics  communication, culture, ethics and high-performance environment management.
• Applied Research Project or Capstone  a substantial piece of applied research or industry-based project that translates evidence into practice.

Study is delivered fully online with a mixture of recorded lectures, interactive webinars, case studies and workplace-based assessment tasks. Many assessments emphasise applied practice, data interpretation and development of practical protocols that can be used in high-performance environments.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in sport science, exercise science, physiotherapy, education/coaching or a related discipline, or to have substantial, verifiable professional experience in high performance sport or coaching. Practical experience at a state, national or professional level is viewed favourably.

Typical application materials include a certified academic transcript, curriculum vitae outlining relevant work or coaching experience, and a personal statement or referee reports that demonstrate suitability for postgraduate study. International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements and provide equivalent documentation where necessary.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for specialist and leadership roles within elite sport settings. Common career pathways include:

• High performance coach or head coach at professional clubs, state institutes or national teams
• Strength and conditioning coach for elite athletes and teams
• Performance analyst or sport scientist in performance departments
• Talent identification and development coordinator
• Rehabilitation liaison or return-to-performance specialist working with multidisciplinary teams
• Roles in sports governance, high-performance program management, or further research and academic study

Graduates typically work within sporting organisations, professional clubs, national institutes of sport, private high-performance clinics and tertiary education.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers a practice-led, research-informed approach to high performance education, combining applied curriculum with academic rigour. The online delivery model provides flexibility for working professionals while maintaining strong engagement through interactive teaching, case-based learning and industry-relevant assessments.

Students benefit from teaching staff with professional experience in coaching and sport science, support for workplace-based learning, and access to ACU's broader networks in health, education and community sport. The programme emphasises translating evidence into practice so graduates can make an immediate impact in high-performance environments.