#1 postgraduate sport business course in Australia and Asia-Pacific
#2 online postgraduate sport business course in the world
#3 for sport business graduate salary worldwide
Why choose business (sport management) at Deakin
Build your career in the business of sport with Deakin's Graduate Certificate of Business (Sport Management). Designed for professionals looking to enter or advance within the sport industry, this course develops the practical business and management skills needed to support sport organisations, events and programs in a competitive and evolving sector.
You will explore key areas of sport management, including marketing, operations and strategy, while building an understanding of how sport is structured, governed and delivered in Australia. Complete this focused postgraduate qualification in a short timeframe and gain industry-relevant skills that can enhance your career opportunities or provide a pathway into the Master of Business (Sport Management).
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Industry-ready skills
Develop practical business and management capabilities that can help you enter or advance within the sport industry.
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Industry-connected learning
Explore contemporary sport business challenges and gain insights into how organisations manage events, stakeholders and operations.
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Globally accredited business school
Deakin Business School holds AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, reflecting internationally recognised business education standards.
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Flexible postgraduate pathway
Continue into the Master of Business (Sport Management) and build deeper expertise to support your career goals.
Connected to industry
Our sport connections shape your learning and provide industry learning opportunities, with more than 150 industry ties, including Netball Victoria, Geelong Football Club, Cricket Australia, Swimming Australia, Tennis Australia, the Victorian Institute of Sport, Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Sportradar and TLA Worldwide.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build practical business and management skills for roles across sport organisations, events and programs, with opportunities in marketing, operations, engagement and commercial partnerships.
Events manager
Plan, coordinate and deliver sport events and venue activities, managing stakeholders, budgets, logistics, staff and on-the-day operations.
- $95k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 10.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.1/5
Job satisfaction
Engagement specialist
Build relationships with members, fans, partners and communities to grow participation and loyalty. Plan engagement programs, coordinate events, gather feedback and strengthen connections through sport.
- $105k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 4/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Sport business consultant
- Club or league operations manager
- Athlete development manager
- Sport partnerships manager
- Player agent
- Marketing manager
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications are closed.
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Business (Sport Management)?
The Graduate Certificate of Business (Sport Management) builds the foundational business and management skills needed to work in the sport industry, with a focus on how sport organisations operate, engage audiences and deliver successful programs.
Foundations of sport management
Understand sport organisations
Explore how sport organisations operate across community, professional and commercial settings.
Develop sport business skills
Build capability in areas such as marketing, operations and sport management to support effective decision-making.
Apply learning in sport contexts
Analyse sport industry challenges and opportunities while strengthening problem-solving and professional skills.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Business (Sport Management), you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
This course is offered part-time in Trimester 1 and full-time in Trimester 2 and Trimester 3. Note: Trimester 3 intake is available to domestic students only.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Develop a comprehensive understanding of the elements of management that are unique to the sport business through analysis and application of theory from business and allied disciplines in order to provide effective management and leadership in sport organisations. |
| Develop advanced written, oral and visual communication skills around complex concepts for diverse stakeholders involved in the sport industry including organisations in government and corporate sectors, and those involved in delivery of sport at community through to elite settings. |
| Demonstrate a specialised set of high order cognitive and technical skills including critical analysis and problem-solving skills for managing in the sport industry. |
| Engage as a professional in the sport industry with the skills that are applicable to a variety of contexts (professional, amateur) and issues (global, social, ethical, cultural) in the sport industry. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Business (Sport Management)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M518
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$17,100
- Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications are closed.
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to: