Diploma in Exercise Science
Course information for - 2025 entry
Offered at 4 locations
- Duration
- 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 106763J
- IELTS
- Overall score: 6.0 with an Individual score of: 5.5 in all tests
- Fees (first year)*
- $26464
- Start dates
- February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027
Overview
The Diploma in Exercise Science is an important stepping-stone toward achieving your career and study goals, whether you have just finished Year 12 or finished years ago.
The diploma is a one year (full-time) course that mirrors the learning found in the first year of the Bachelor of Exercise Science with the addition of a transition unit to help build study skills and equip you with industry relevant knowledge.
Students who undertake a Diploma in Exercise Science will be able to gain credit for up to the first year of study and articulate into the second year of a range of exercise science degrees, or a number of other related bachelor degrees at ACU. The Diploma in Exercise Science is also a standalone qualification.
Our Diploma in Exercise Science provides domestic students with a Commonwealth supported place (CSP-funded), and will help you achieve your goals.
We are here to support you from start to finish. We ensure smaller class sizes, offer tailored support as you transition to university study, and provide a range of student services to help you succeed. This approach is aimed at allowing a wider range of students to have a positive and successful transition to university study as well as facilitating our students to create a more immediate and broad impact in the fields of exercise and sport.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Diploma in Exercise Science, a student must complete 80 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (for sub-bachelor entry programs, see Schedule 1: Eligibility ranks).
Domestic applicants are required to have completed the Australian Year 12 certificate or equivalent. In addition, to be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have also completed:
- Equivalent of year 12 level with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs; OR
- Entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in Schedule 4 (Associate Degree, Diploma and Certificate courses) of the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
International applicants
If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.
Find the equivalent qualification for your country
You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including the English Language Proficiency requirements.
If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):
- an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)
- an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.
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.
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
Pathways into course for international applicants
International students who are enrolled in an English language course may be eligible for a pathway into the Diploma in Exercise Science on successful completion of the course.
Further study
The Diploma in Exercise Science will provide a pathway into the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science. It may also provide a pathway into a range of double degrees.
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $3308
- Average first year fee: $26464
- Estimate total cost: $26464
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.
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.
How to apply
International applicants
Staff Profile
Shona Halson
Professor in the School of Behavioural and Health Science
Professor Halson has been a mainstay of Australia’s high-performance sport network. She was the Head Recovery Physiologist at the Australian Institute of Sport from 2002 to 2018 and has been a part of three Olympic campaigns with the national team. Professor Halson was named as one of Exercise and Sport Science Australia’s three Female Leaders in Exercise and Sports Science on International Women’s Day 2019. Her research focuses on recovery, fatigue and sleep and she has been a trusted advisor to countless elite coaches and athletes.