Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 22 June 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course 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’ll be able to tailor the course to your specific employment goals and the flexible delivery is designed for working professionals.
Explore a variety of units, which will prepare you to:
- understand and respond to contemporary 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 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
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Executive Graduate Certificate of Sport Business
- Year
2025 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
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.
3
Core units
1
Open Elective unit
4
Total units
Core units
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Open electives
- 1 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 list below)
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:
Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
Online
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - International students should note that, due to visa regulations, this course can only be undertaken while living outside Australia.
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.
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.
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:
- 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)
Non-academic 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
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.
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
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.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
Estimate your FEE-HELP
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Your estimated FEE-HELP repayments
- $* is the estimated full cost for a Executive Graduate Certificate of Sport Business (4 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
- is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
- of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP
*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
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
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
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.
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.
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
Career outcomes
This course is an ideal entry point for mid to senior-level executives and managers who want to build on their current sports management career.
As a graduate, roles you could secure include:
- development/engagement officer
- executive/senior manager of institutions/clubs and leagues
- sports business strategist/analyst
- sports marketing manager.
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.
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 | Enhance and refine an advanced understanding of leadership and management that are unique to the sport business through integrated and comprehensive analysis and application of theory from business and allied disciplines in order to provide expert management and leadership in sport organisations and the broader sport industry. |
| Communication | Enhance expert written, oral and visual communication skills to interpret and transmit knowledge and ideas regarding complex and specialist concepts for diverse stakeholders (expert and non-expert) 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. |
| Digital literacy | Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |
| Critical thinking | Refine and articulate a specialised set of high order cognitive and technical skills including critical analysis and problem-solving skills for leading in sport organisations and the broader sport industry. |
| Problem solving | Identify interdependencies and relationships between aspects of management and leadership in order to devise strategic solutions to advance commercial and social enhancements 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. |
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