#1 postgraduate sport business course in Australia and Asia-Pacific
#2 online postgraduate sport business course worldwide
#3 postgraduate sport business course worldwide for median graduate salary
Why choose business (sport management) at Deakin
As Australia prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there has rarely been a more exciting time to build a career in the sport industry. Deakin's Master of Business (Sport Management) develops the advanced business, leadership and strategic capabilities needed to progress into senior roles across sport organisations, events and related industries.
You will build expertise in sport management while exploring contemporary industry challenges, emerging opportunities and the forces shaping the future of sport. Informed by industry practice and supported by Deakin's strong sport sector connections, you will graduate ready to contribute to strategic decision-making, lead organisational growth and advance your career in a competitive global industry.
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Advanced sport business expertise
Develop the strategic, commercial and leadership capabilities needed to pursue leadership opportunities in the global sport industry.
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Industry-informed learning
Explore contemporary sport business challenges and opportunities through learning aligned with international sport industry practice.
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Globally accredited business school
Deakin Business School holds AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, recognised internationally as benchmarks of business education quality.
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Flexible online learning
Study from anywhere in the world and build your sport business expertise while balancing work and other commitments.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Develop advanced strategic, commercial and leadership capability for senior roles across sport organisations, events and related industries in Australia and internationally.
Operations manager
Lead the day-to-day delivery of services, people and resources. Develop operational strategies, manage budgets and risk, and improve processes across sport organisations, venues and events.
- $120k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 3.9/5
Job satisfaction
Marketing manager
Plan and oversee marketing strategies that build awareness and engagement. In sport, you may manage campaigns, communications, brand activity and audience relationships across events, clubs or leagues.
- $115k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 4.4%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.9/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Sport business consultant
- Athlete development manager
- Event and venue operations manager
- Player agent
- High performance program manager
- Policy and planning adviser
“I understood that Deakin had a lot more connections in the industry. What I love most about the degree is it combines work in sport and actual learning in class. Throughout my experience at Deakin I have been working with Cricket Victoria, Tennis Victoria and Athletics Australia.”
DiptagniMaster of Business (Sport Management)
Stories that start here
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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 Master of Business (Sport Management)?
The Master of Business (Sport Management) develops advanced sport business expertise, combining strategic management knowledge with specialist insight into the global sport industry.
Build sport and business foundations
Understand the sport industry
Explore how sport organisations operate across participation, events, governance and commercial environments.
Develop core business expertise
Build skills in areas such as marketing, management and strategy within sport settings.
Explore ethics and integrity
Examine the legal, ethical and governance frameworks that influence decision-making across the sport industry.
Advance and apply your expertise
Explore innovation and strategy
Examine the trends, technologies and strategic challenges shaping the future of sport.
Tailor your studies
Choose electives that align with your professional interests and career goals in sport or broader business fields.
Strengthen leadership capability
Apply your knowledge through projects and industry-focused learning that build strategic thinking and professional skills.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Business (Sport Management), you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
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:-
Plus 6 credit points of postgraduate open elective.
Recommended Sport Management elective units:
Open electives can be chosen from a wide range of level 7 study areas across the University, subject to availability and meeting any pre-requisites. Choose open electives to suit your interests, career aspirations or to broaden your academic experience beyond your discipline study area.
Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) to earn up to 2 credit points towards your degree, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Stackable short course options.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
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.
Note: Trimester 3 is compulsory study period if commencing in Trimester 3.
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 organisation |
| 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 |
| Select and use appropriate digital technologies to manage and disseminate relevant information to stakeholders in the sport industry |
| Demonstrate a specialised set of high order cognitive and technical skills including critical analysis and problem solving skills for managing in the sport industry |
| Identify and address issues, create high quality solutions towards commercial and social improvements and implement efficient strategic and operational outcomes in the sport industry |
| Demonstrate advanced skills to work independently and take responsibility for continuing professional development |
| Work with others to contribute to collaborative outcomes and be able to take on roles towards demonstration of leadership within 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
- Master of Business (Sport Management)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M748
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 078035M Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$48,000
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points 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.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the 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.