Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport should be able to:

• LO1 - Use specialised technologies and techniques to collect, analyse, interpret and report meaningful data for monitoring the health, performance and training interventions of high performance athletes;
• LO2 - Design and deliver meaningful interventions to athletes that enhance performance and reduce the likelihood (and/or duration) of injury and illness;
• LO3 - Work in an ethical manner that promotes the dignity of the athlete and communicate effectively in high performance sport contexts.

The high performance sport industry is a global, multi-billion dollar entity that provides employment opportunities for a range of professions, including sport scientists, coaches and managers.

The Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport aims to help students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to enhance the conditioning of high performance athletes, with the aim of optimising individual and team performance, within the context of a multidisciplinary environment and its culture and leadership structures, and to do so in an ethical manner characterised by a concern for respect, equity and social justice.

Recommended study pattern

Students are required to follow the pattern of unit enrolment set out in the relevant Course Enrolment Guide, unless otherwise approved by the Course Coordinator. In all aspects of progress through the course, students will be advised by the Course Coordinator.

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport a student must complete 20 cp of Specified Units and 20 cp of Elective Units.

Specified Unit Offerings include:

• EXSC510 Strength and Conditioning for Performance and Rehabilitation (10cp)
• EXSC513 Data Analysis and Interpretation for High Performance Sport (10cp)

Elective units to be selected from:

• EXSC512 Leadership and Culture in High Performance Settings (10cp)
• EXSC650 Fatigue, Recovery, Adaptation and Performance (10cp)
• EXSC651 Sports Injury Prevention (10cp)
• EXSC652 Contemporary issues in Sports Science (10cp)*
• EXSC668 Performance Nutrition (10cp)

*Online Intensive over two weeks (recorded).

Award requirements

To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 20 cp of Specified Units and 20 cp of Elective Units.

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Indicative total fee $4,656

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about ACU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

26

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, an applicant must:

a. hold a Bachelor degree or higher in Exercise Science, Sports Science, Human Movement or a related discipline; OR

b. Hold a Bachelor degree or higher AND have evidence of relevant industry experience ; OR

c. Submit a resume alongside their formal application, demonstrating suitability for study and evidence of relevant industry experience and/or prior learning over a sustained period.

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

• Academic IELTS with an overall score of 6.5: with minimum scores of 6.0 in all tests.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) 58: with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills
• Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic TOEFL Internet based total of 79: with a minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening
• Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) Overall CAE of 176: with a minimum individual score of 169 in all tests.

ACU will consider requests for advanced standing based on prior studies to a maximum equivalence of 2 subjects (or 20cp).