New college structure

The College of Sport and Exercise Science is now incorporated into the newly formed College of Sport, Health and Engineering. Please refer to the new college for the latest information.

We offer one of Australia's largest ranges of programs in sport and exercise science, exercise rehabilitation, physical education, sport management, outdoor recreation and fitness. We are ranked 7 in the world for sport science.* 

Our curriculum is developed with industry input and informed by world-class research from VU's Institute for Health and Sport. Our courses will equip you with the practical skills and confidence to achieve your career goals in any sport, exercise and recreation industry sector. 

You will have access to:

  • cutting-edge sport and exercise science programs and facilities
  • experienced, internationally recognised teaching staff
  • practical learning placements with some of the world's best sporting organisations.

*ShanghaiRankings 2022

Employability

Studying at Victoria University means graduating ready to work. We provide a safe, nurturing and empowering environment where you can build your knowledge and capability.

Our courses connect theory with practice. Through embedded work placements and internships, you can engage with industry and practise your skills in real work environments - which means you'll graduate with the skills, knowledge and real-world experience employers want.

During your studies, you'll have opportunities to showcase your talents to industry and community partners, as well as the wider sport, exercise and recreation industry.

We regularly undertake a range of governance and compliance activities to make sure our courses align with Fair Work Australia policy and industry standards.

 

From VU to Victory: CEO’s advice for the next generation

VU’s focus on industry experience through work placements is a vital feature of their approach to education.

Trent Jacobs — Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne Victory Football Club
Trent's advice

Industry engagement

One of our greatest strengths as a university is our connection to industry. We have built relationships with an extensive network of 200+ professional sporting bodies and employers.

We work closely with them to help you develop into an industry-ready graduate equipped with the skills and experience to meet our partners' workforce needs.

Our industry partners work with us to:

  • deliver industry-relevant courses 
  • secure access to paid and unpaid work experience, placements and internships for you while you study
  • provide opportunities to build your professional network
  • provide employment opportunities in the sport, exercise and recreation industry.

Related

Living, breathing & working in sport

VU had the degree I wanted, with a great reputation in sport science and for supporting elite athletes.

Gulcan Koca — Bachelor of Exercise Science and Human Movement/Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management
Gulcan's story
So you want to work in the sport industry?

The workplace experience VU students are offered is a major factor in their ability to successfully transition into the industry as graduate employees. They already have the skill set to assimilate quickly and adapt to team structures.

Rob Sherman — General Manager Technical and Coaching, Melbourne Victory FC
Work placement benefits
VU's Industry Connections - Sport & Exercise Science - Transcript

Women in sport

We are committed to ensuring there are no boundaries for women and girls in sport. We're advancing girls and women in sport and physical activity by:

  • strengthening industry alignment and collaboration
  • creating research insights and translation
  • providing innovative curriculum to strengthen career pathways
  • advancing workforce development.

In 2019, Professor Clare Hanlon was appointed as the inaugural Susan Alberti Women in Sport Chair. The Chair's role is to advance women in sport by strengthening sector alignment and collaboration, facilitating research insights to enhance decision making and advocating for career pathways for women in sport through our innovative curriculum design.

Related

Helping female footballers achieve their AFL dreams

I chose VU for its focus on the sporting industry. The University provided me with not only a quality education but some incredible networks and mentors.

Claudia Davey — Bachelor of Sport Science and Master of Business Administration
Read Claudia's story

"This is an exciting time for women in sport. There is an increased understanding in the industry about why it is good for business to have more women and girls involved in sport, and the momentum is growing."

Professor Clare Hanlon, Susan Alberti Women in Sport Chair.

Watch Susan Alberti interviewed about women in sport (YouTube)

How Maeve balances study & athletic success

VU was a natural choice because of its reputation as one of the best sport universities, with great facilities and support networks for elite athletes.

Maeve Coughlan — Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice)
Maeve's story

Courses we offer

We offer one of Australia's widest wide ranges of sport courses.

Our undergraduate courses range from sport and exercise science, fitness and outdoor recreation to physical education, sport management and coaching. Our postgraduate degrees could lead to a career in research, registration as an Accredited Clinical Exercise Physiologist (registered with ESSA), or roles in high performance sport.

Successful completion of the following courses will make you eligible to apply for membership with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) as an accredited Exercise Scientist:

  • Bachelor of Exercise Science (Sport Practice)
  • Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice)
  • Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation.

Whatever discipline and study level you choose, you can be sure that you will develop the practical and professional skills you need for a successful career in sport.

VU Breakthrough Wes Clarke (Sport Science) - Transcript

Browse sport & exercise science courses by study area

Further information

Our facilities

You'll have access to our leading facilities, including:

  • our $68 million high-tech teaching and research facility at Footscray Park Campus
  • exercise rehabilitation practice clinic
  • exercise physiology labs
  • biomechanics labs
  • motor learning and skilled performance labs
  • recreational sport and fitness facilities.

Related

Our people

Our staff are experts in their fields, bringing together international teaching and research expertise at the forefront of the sport industry. Many are involved in innovative research projects, teaching programs and industry and community collaborations at the forefront of industry trends. 

You can get in touch with our staff staff to talk about the courses they teach, their research activities and other partnerships and projects. In addition, our staff may provide their expertise as board members, coaches, advisers, editors, program and conference organisers and invited guest speakers.

NAME AND ROLE TITLE CONTACT DETAILS
Dr Sharna Spittle
Director of Teaching and Learning (Strategy and Operations)		 [email protected]
+61 3 9919 5266
Dr Fabio Serpiello
Postgraduate Convenor		 [email protected]
+61 3 9919 4736
Ann-Margaret Carroll
Senior Manager Operations – Health, Sport & Active Living (HSAL) Cluster		 [email protected]
+61 3 9919 5389
Michael Clayton
Manager, Industry Community and Sport Engagement		 [email protected]
+61 3 9919 6318
Vishnu Viswambharan
Business Partner		 [email protected]
+61 3 9919 5345
Associate Professor Jacqueline Williams
Diversity and Inclusion Representative		 [email protected]
+61 3 9919 4025
Professor Michael Spittle
Professor, Motor Learning and Physical Education		 [email protected]
+61 3 9919 9512

 

NAME AND ROLE TITLE CONTACT DETAILS
Ly Truong
Health, Sport & Active Living (HSAL) Cluster Manager

[email protected]
+61 3 9919 4845
Steve Gauci
Administrative Team Leader - Program Delivery, Events & Marketing		 [email protected]
+61 3 9919 5006
Cam Luong
Administrative Team Leader - Student Resource Management		 [email protected]
+61 3 9919 1089
Lili Hodnik
Clinic Administration Coordinator		 [email protected]
+61 3 9919 4054

 

Book a one-to-one appointment with a Sport & Exercise Science CUA (login required).

Associates and postdoctoral research fellows at the Institute for Health & Sport undertake research and engagement activities in a wide range of health and sport-related fields. Associates are staff who support the Institute's direction and goals either through research or community, government and industry engagement.

Contact us

General enquiries

College of Sport and Exercise Science

Phone: +61 3 9919 6100 or 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)

Enquire online with ASKVU