Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
The next decade is set to be a transformational era in Australian sport and will require skilled professionals to oversee the vast behind-the-scenes logistics. With no comparable courses in Australia, Deakin's Executive Graduate Certificate of Sport Business offers an unrivalled level of knowledge for managers and executives looking to grow their skills and take their next step in the sport industry.
Are you looking to develop the expertise to help steer Australian sport through the next decade and beyond?
Over the coming years, Australia will host major international events in rugby, football, netball and cricket, culminating in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This highly anticipated era in sport will present exceptional career opportunities for suitably skilled professionals in the sport management and allied leisure industries.
The Executive Graduate Certificate of Sport Business will prepare you to step up and navigate this dynamic era in sport. You will have the flexibility to tailor the course to your specific employment goals, with delivery designed to fit the schedule of busy working professionals.
Explore a variety of units, which will prepare you to:
-
understand the application of contemporary sport workforce planning tools and respond to current issues in sport
- develop negotiation skills and an awareness of the theories behind behavioural decision-making, game theory, decision analysis and dispute resolution
-
consider, articulate, and work within the ethical and social responsibilities of sport organisations
-
understand the governance functions and the role of non-executive directors as key leaders of sport leagues, professional clubs and national and state governing bodies
- understand the regulation and commercialisation of sport and the interaction between sport regulation and the law.
Deakin is world-renowned for sport academic excellence and is ranked #11 in the world for sport subjects.* You’ll learn from experienced academics and will build specialised knowledge in sport management to take the next step in your career.
* QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Executive Graduate Certificate of Sport Business
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- M539
- 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
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Executive Graduate Certificate of Sport Business, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes;
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 3 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point open elective unit.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: This course is part-time only.
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
2 credit point of postgraduate open elective which can be chosen from:
- other postgraduate units offered by the University (subject to eligibility)
- two (2) 0.5 credit point microcredentials (total 1 credit point)
- recommended Sport Management units (see lists below)
Marketing/Commercial Sport Business Focus:
Or
Up to two (2) Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microunits) equal to 1 credit point
Sport Management and Sport Development:
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
Online
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online courses.
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
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.
Work experience
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
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 or higher 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.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline AND
- three years' relevant work experience
- OR evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: Managerial responsibilities and non-executive directors and Chairs of sport and allied leisure organisations (i.e., sport governing bodies at all levels, professional sport clubs, government agencies, major facilities and event providers), with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in those roles.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (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)
You must provide the following with your application:
- a current CV that clearly demonstrates professional / managerial experience
- current contact details of two referees who can be contacted concerning your work experience
- a one page brief outlining why you believe that your work experience would be valued by your peers in the course
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn't have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you're able to commit to your study.
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
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$19,400 - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
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.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan – including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP – depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
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.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Career outcomes
This course is an ideal entry point for mid to senior-level executives and managers who want to elevate their career in the rapidly evolving sport industry.
As the sport industry enters a period of significant growth and transformation, graduates will be well-positioned to lead in a range of strategic and operational roles across governance, commercial operations, and stakeholder engagement.
As a graduate, you may pursue roles such as:
- development or engagement manager
- executive or senior manager within sport institutions, professional clubs, or national and state leagues
- commercial operations or sponsorship manager sport business strategist or analyst sport marketing or communications manager
- governance or compliance adviser in sport organisations.
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.
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 advanced, discipline-specific knowledge of executive leadership, management and workforce planning within the sport business sector, through the integrated analysis, synthesis and application of theories and practices drawn from business and allied disciplines. |
| Communication | Employ advanced written, oral, and visual communication skills to critically interpret, articulate, and disseminate complex and specialist sport industry knowledge to diverse stakeholder groups—including expert and non-expert audiences across government, corporate, and community-to-elite sport settings. |
| Digital literacy | Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |
| Critical thinking | Critically employ advanced technical and cognitive skills—including high-level analysis, and evaluation to diagnose complex challenges and generate evidence informed solutions for leadership and decision making to lead sport organisations and the broader sport industry. |
| Problem solving | Analyse and interpret the complex interdependencies within management and leadership systems to formulate innovative, evidence-based strategic solutions that advance both commercial and social outcomes in sport organisations and the broader sport industry. |
| Self-management | Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award. |
| Teamwork | Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award. |
| Global citizenship | Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
