Course overview
Think beyond the field with Deakin's Bachelor of Sport Development. Learn how to drive positive change through sport with our world-class facilities, academics and industry connections. With eight electives of your choice, design a degree that matches your focus and reflects the ever-expanding responsibilities of a profession which now sees graduates building the capacity of sport organisations in exciting new ways, including strategy, governance, policy and risk management.
Experience Australia's most innovative sport facilities including an AFL oval reminiscent of the MCG and a FIFA-grade soccer pitch. Study alongside established professionals while building hands-on experience and life-long contacts with over 150 industry connections, including Netball Victoria, the Melbourne Vixens and Geelong Football Club.
With the flexibility of both in-person and online study options, you can turn your love of sport into a rewarding career and graduate ready for Australia's golden decade of sport.
Want to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities through sport?
Become a leader in community sport by learning how to enhance a sport organisation's capacity to design and deliver sport. Develop the skills to facilitate the development and management of support personnel such as coaches, officials and volunteers. We will also teach you how to design funding applications and implement the programming that underpins community sport development covering topics such as inclusion, culture and diversity, integrity and safeguarding in sport.
Sport can have a positive impact on people and communities. If you want to work in a career that focuses on ensuring current and future generations experience these benefits, the Bachelor of Sport Development is for you. You will develop sport programs that improve health and social outcomes, and harness sport's capacity to bring people together in times of need. In particular, you will learn how sport can be used as a powerful tool to enhance and re-energise communities.
The study areas you will cover are relevant to the needs of the industry and give you a deep understanding of:
- sport systems and their management
- programs and pathways for participation and development
- contemporary health and community development approaches
- the organisation, management and governance of sport organisations.
Get practical experience developing all aspects of community sport management and leadership. Your studies will be enriched with real-world experience, and you will have plenty of opportunities to apply your skills inside and outside of the classroom.
* QS World University Rankings
Read MoreCurrent Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Sport Development
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400514421 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400614421 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- M320
- CRICOS code?
- 058665B Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Sport Development, you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- HSE010 Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 16 credit points of core units
- 8 credit points of open elective units
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3.
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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
16
Core units
8
elective units
24
Total units
Core units
Foundation Units:
Specialist Units:
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Open elective units
Completion of 8 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University.
Recommended minors:
Subject to eligibility, the 8 credit points of electives may include one of the following minor sequences:
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Course duration
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.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Workload
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.
Participation requirements
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.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
International Students:
This course includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) formally registered as part of the course on the CRICOS register. The total work integrated learning hours will differ depending on the WIL unit you choose. For more information about WIL hours, please check the unit information in the handbook or the unit guide.
For information about how WIL units may impact student visa holder work rights, please visit Home Affairs. See 8105 Work limitation.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two credit points in an equivalent (AQF Level 7) bachelor degree
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a cover letter outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in any Business, any English, Health And Human Development, any Information Technology or Physical Education equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in any Business, English other than EAL, Health And Human Development, any Information Technology, Maths: Further Mathematics, Physical Education or Physics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2026 open in July. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
Applications for Trimester 1, 2026 open in July.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
You can apply for this course through the Indigenous Access Scheme, which recognises the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and considers the skills, experience and community work that prepares you for study. We look beyond your ATAR and academic results so we can reward your hard work with a place at university.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Sport Development with our pathways finder.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
This course will prepare you for roles in coaching, the leisure industry, and sports science and in the field of community sports development.
Career opportunities include:
- Community sports development officer
- community engagement officer
- club development officer
- participation coordinator/manager
- sport and recreation officer/manager
- sports coach
- sport development officer
- sport governance official
- sport policy officer
- sport program development officer.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate core knowledge of the distinction between the development of and through sport by analysis and application of theory in sport development, coaching, and allied disciplines in order to provide effective management in the development and delivery of sport |
| Communication | Develop written, oral and visual communication skills around complex concepts for diverse stakeholders with interests in sport development and coaching including organisations in government and corporate sectors, and those involved in delivery of sport at community through to elite settings |
| Digital literacy | Select and use a range of digital technologies in appropriate ways to manage and disseminate relevant information to stakeholders engaged in sport development and coaching |
| Critical thinking | Demonstrate the ability to exercise reasoned judgement and reflection in relation to managing sport development and coaching |
| Problem solving | Identify and address issues, formulate solutions related to the development and design of sport policy, systems, pathways and practices to implement efficient strategic and operational outcomes for enhancing the development of and through sport |
| Self-management | Demonstrate skills to work independently and take responsibility for continuing professional development |
| Teamwork | Constructively engage in teams to contribute to collaborative outcomes and be able to take on roles towards demonstration of sound management of sport development and coaching |
| Global citizenship | Engage as a professional in the sport industry with the skills that are applicable to a variety of contexts (sport science, coaching, sport management) and issues (global, social, ethical, cultural) in the development of and through sport |
Events Explore more events
Footnotes
*ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022, 2023
++Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.