Bachelor of High Performance Sport (Honours)

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 4 locations

Duration
1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
0101323
IELTS
6.5 minimum overall score (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands)
Fees (first year)*
$26992
Start dates
February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027

Overview

This is a one-year degree or equivalent part time study, taught in English, for high-achieving students who have already completed a relevant Bachelor degree. Students initially develop an understanding of ethical research design, practice and analysis within a high performance research setting. This knowledge is then incorporated into an original and independent research project conducted under the supervision of academic staff and/or industry professionals with expertise in the field.

In an increasingly competitive job market, an honours degree will give you an edge over candidates who just have an undergraduate degree. Honours scholarships are available to suitably qualified candidates for 2023 commencement. Please see the below Scholarships section, under Fees.

Careers

Examples of the work and settings the course prepares graduates for:

  • government and non-government health, sport and recreation departments
  • high performance sport organisations
  • sports institutes and academies
  • corporate fitness
  • strength and conditioning coach
  • sports scientist
  • exercise scientist
  • performance analyst
  • data analyst
  • rehabilitation coach
  • fitness advisor
  • sports coach
  • sports science manager
  • health and fitness consultant
  • physical activity officer

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1 - Full-time (1 year)

  • Coursework UnitsHLSC406Research Methods in Biomedical and Health Sciences Research

    ONLINE SCHEDULED

    10 cp
  • Coursework UnitsHLSC407Communicating Research in Biomedical and Health Sciences

    ONLINE SCHEDULED

    10 cp
  • HLSC408 Qualitative Research Methods in Health Science ORHLSC409 Statistics for Biomedical and Health Sciences Research

    HLSC408 & HLSC409 are ONLINE SCHEDULED.

    10 cp
  • Thesis Units - Thesis UnitsEXSC407Honours Thesis (Part A)

    MULTI-MODE

    10 cp
  • Thesis Units - Thesis UnitsEXSC408Honours Thesis (Part B)

    MULTI-MODE. (Pre: EXSC407)

    40 cp

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit. 

Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time (2 years)

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit. 

Commencing Semester 2 - Full-time (1 year)

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit. 

Commencing Semester 2 - Part-time (2 years)

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit. 

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor Honours - AQF Level 8

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, a student must have completed a relevant bachelor degree and attained a grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.50

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

View transparency admission information

International applicants

Applicants must have completed a relevant bachelor degree and attained a GPA equivalent of at least 5.5 on the ACU seven-point scale in that degree. Applicants must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy and require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Further study

Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to:

  • postgraduate studies in high performance sport
  • postgraduate studies in clinical exercise physiology courses, if seeking exercise physiology accreditation
  • further study in other allied health professions

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3374
  • Average first year fee: $26992
  • Estimate total cost: $26992

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.  

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.

For further details and instructions on how to apply, visit: ACU Sport and Exercise Science Honours Scholarships.

How to apply

International applicants

Deferment

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

Staff Profile

Dr Alyse Wilcox

Lecturer in Sport, Exercise, and Health Psychology, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences

Dr Wilcox is the course advisor for the Bachelor of High-Performance Sport in Melbourne and the national course coordinator of the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science & Bachelor of High Performance Sport honours programs. Dr Wilcox lectures in the sport, health, and exercise psychology units in both the undergraduate postgraduate programs. Her interests are in research in career transitions of athletes, including the experiences of dual career athletes as well as research in athlete wellbeing and performance.

Dr Wilcox is a registered psychologist and has extensive experience working in high performance sport settings. Her most recent roles were as the club psychologist for the Melbourne and Hawthorn Football clubs' AFLW programs. She has a passion for both teaching and working as a psychologist in high performance sport.

 

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