#11 in the world for sport-related subjects
Intern at leading sport organisations
#1 Melbourne university for business course satisfaction
Why choose sport development at Deakin
Turn your passion for sport into a rewarding career with Deakin's Bachelor of Sport Development. Learn how to grow participation, design programs and support safe, inclusive sport in schools, clubs and community organisations. Build expertise in sport systems and pathways, coaching, and contemporary health and community development. Develop the skills to create positive sporting experiences and strengthen communities through sport.
Tailor your degree with a range of electives and gain practical experience through placements and projects with organisations such as Netball Victoria, the Melbourne Vixens and the Geelong Football Club. With access to quality sport facilities and flexible study options, you will graduate ready to contribute to the sport industry in Australia and around the world.
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Study sport at a global leader
Deakin is the #1 sport provider in Melbourne and ranked #11 globally for sports-related subjects.
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Practical learning for every student
Gain more than 100 hours of practical industry experience through placements with sport organisations.
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Strong industry partnerships
Deakin works with more than 150 sport organisations including Netball Victoria, Cricket Australia and Geelong Football Club.
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Learn in specialist sport facilities
Study in purpose-built sport science and exercise facilities designed for high-performance sport education.
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
Build practical skills for careers that grow sport participation, strengthen communities and deliver inclusive programs across clubs, schools, recreation services and other sport organisations.
Community development officer
Work with communities and organisations to identify needs, coordinate programs and build partnerships. In sport, you could help increase participation, strengthen clubs and support inclusive community initiatives.
- $93k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 13.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.3/5
Job satisfaction
Recreation officer
Plan and coordinate sport and recreation programs, activities and events for communities. Engage participants, support program delivery and help create accessible opportunities for people to be active.
- $83k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 13.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.7/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Sports coach
- Community engagement officer
- Club development officer
- Sport development officer
- Sport policy officer
- Sport program development officer
FAQs
Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your 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.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.
Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.
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.
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 an undergraduate 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 is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.
There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.
*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 Bachelor of Sport Development?
The Bachelor of Sport Development builds your understanding of how sport supports participation, community wellbeing and organisational success. You progress from foundational sport and business knowledge to applied projects and industry-focused learning.
Foundations of sport and business
Explore sport industry fundamentals
Learn how sport organisations operate and how participation, policy and community programs shape the sport sector in Australia and globally.
Build core business capability
Develop practical skills in areas such as marketing, accounting and management that underpin effective sport organisations.
Strengthen professional foundations
Build communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills that support academic success and future employment.
Deepen discipline knowledge
Examine sport development systems
Analyse how sport programs are designed and delivered to increase participation and support community wellbeing.
Develop management insight
Strengthen your understanding of leadership, planning and decision-making within sport and recreation organisations.
Broaden your expertise through choice
Select electives that allow you to explore related interests and expand your professional skill set.
Apply knowledge in industry contexts
Translate theory into practice
Work on projects and assessments that reflect contemporary challenges faced by sport organisations and community programs.
Strengthen career readiness
Build industry awareness and professional capabilities that support employment across sport development and recreation settings.
Complete your learning journey
Consolidate advanced knowledge and graduate with the practical skills and confidence needed to contribute to the sport industry.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Sport Development, you must pass 24 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
Foundation Units:
Specialist 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Demonstrate the ability to exercise reasoned judgement and reflection in relation to managing sport development and coaching |
| 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 |
| Demonstrate skills to work independently and take responsibility for continuing professional development |
| 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 |
| 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 |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Sport Development
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400514423 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- M320
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$45,200
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.
Scholarships
Most international students at Deakin receive a scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of study. Apply to Deakin and you will automatically be considered for a range of scholarships, with tuition fee reductions of up to 100% available.
Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Exceptional students may receive a 100% or 50% tuition fee reduction for the normal duration of their degree.
Deakin International Scholarship for Excellence
Students from select countries may receive a 25% reduction in tuition fees for the normal duration of the degree.
Deakin International 20% Merit Scholarship
Receive a 20% reduction in tuition fees for the normal duration of your degree.
Southeast Asia Priority Bursary
Students from Southeast Asia may receive a one-off payment of up to $2,000.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Apply directly through StudyLink Connect. Depending on your location, you may need to apply through a Deakin Authorised Agent, who can support and submit your application.
See our guide to applying to Deakin for application steps and requirements.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
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.