#6 in the world for sport-related subjects**
Innovative study modes available to fit around executive lifestyles
Designed in conjunction with the Sport Management Industry Advisory Board
Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent.
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2023 close 25 June 2023
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
The Executive Master of Sport Business gives experienced sport professionals the tools to make a profound impact in the sport and allied industries. Set yourself up for success with specific and tailored sport business knowledge to progress your professional career and personal education goals.
You've worked hard to get to this point. Are you ready to take the next step to reach the top of your game in the business of sport?
Leading with impact in sport, recreation and leisure organisations provides challenges that require a specialised set of skills. The Executive Master of Sport Business is designed to provide the relevant and context-specific information and tools you'll need to overcome these challenges and inspire your employees to strive for greatness in your chosen area of sport.
If you're passionate about sport and the wider impact it has on the world, get ready to hone your skills under the guidance of academics who, just like you, wish to pursue innovation both on and off the field. In order to effect positive change, you'll learn the intricacies of forming and maintaining strong and impactful relationships with clubs and member associations, sponsors, broadcasters, governments, athletes, coaches and members.
The Executive Master of Sport Business focuses on business knowledge specific to sport – including areas of strategy, governance, management and marketing. You will be equipped to advance your career in the exact direction you want to go. The units offered within the degree are crafted around the ever-expanding and specialist nature of the sport and allied industries. Specialist knowledge areas are all highly relevant to the types of national and state sport organisations, clubs, institutions and leagues where professionals like you may already work or wish to in the near future
Now is the perfect time to draw on your career experience and add layers of new knowledge to become a sought-after expert in your field. Some of the key areas you’ll study include:
- contemporary issues in sport
- sport workforce planning
- sport business analytics
- sport industry regulation and negotiation
- sport business strategy
- sport leadership and governance
- fan and participant engagement.
The Executive Master of Sport Business is delivered on Deakin's premium online learning platform. As such, it provides invaluable flexibility to ensure you can balance a busy schedule of study, life and work, regardless of whether you're based domestically or internationally. You'll be studying alongside fellow industry leaders, allowing you to build new networks while you learn.
Six units are available over a duration of five weeks which ultimately allows you to study full-time and complete this course in just one year full-time, or in two years part-time.
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Course information
- Award granted
- Executive Master of Sport Business
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- M709
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Course structure
To complete the Executive Master of Sport Business, students must attain a total of 10 credit points, consisting of 8 credit points of core units and 2 credit points of elective units, plus completion of MAI010 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory module).
Students are required to meet academic progress and conduct requirements.
Students are introduced to research tools and techniques in core units of the course where they learn analytic skills and the practical application of those skills in professional contexts. They must also complete advanced level units and a capstone unit that require them to integrate the skills learnt over their course of study and produce applied pieces of research with reference to prevailing literature.
8
Core units
2
Elective units
10
Total units
Core units
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Electives
Students may choose up to 2 credit points of electives from the following list of units*:
*Or an elective approved by the Course Director
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*
Please note: This course is only available for part-time study in Trimester 2
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - International students should note that, due to visa regulations, this course can only be undertaken while living outside Australia.
Additional course information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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
As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. 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.
For Trimester length units:
Typically 150 hours of learning and assessment activities per Deakin credit point.
For Intensive units:
Typically 100 hours of learning and assessment activities per Deakin credit point.
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 the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Minimum admission criteria:
- Bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and five years of relevant work experience* OR
- evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
*Managerial responsibilities and Directors and Chairs of sport related organisations, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in those roles.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library.
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.
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 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.
This course consists of 10 credit points which are required to be awarded the complete degree. The estimated total tuition fee cost of this course, if taken within the same academic year, is $46,250. 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 based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. 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.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course. This course consists of 10 units. If you plan to complete all 10 units in 1 year, please use the Current Students’ Fee estimator, in conjunction with your unit selection, to determine your estimated tuition fee. You can also use this Fee estimator to show your estimated tuition fee if you plan to study part time.
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 $48,361.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2023 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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- $* is the estimated full cost for a Executive Master of Sport Business (10 credit points), based on the 2023 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
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Deakin Application Portal. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the how to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
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.
Entry pathways
Alternative exits
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 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
Ideal for mid to senior-level sport executives and managers, the Executive Master of Sport Business will further develop your career in the corporate business of sport, recreation and leisure.
Addressing a gap in the employment market, our industry-leading academics have developed this course in conjunction with the Sport Management Industry Advisory Board to allow current sport management professionals to progress their careers. The course learning outcomes are shaped around specialised and advanced industry knowledge for those wanting to shape and lead the strategic direction of their respective organisations.
The roles you could be aiming to build on, or apply for, include:
- executive/senior manager of institutions, clubs and leagues
- development/engagement officer
- sports business strategist/analyst
Upon completion of this course, you’ll be ready to deliver on all strategic dimensions of the sport industries at an executive level, including:
- marketing and promotions
- governance and strategy
- facilities and events
- workforce planning.
Although entering an unprecedented job market, you’ll carry an advantage of being able to leverage your knowledge, skills and sharpened strategic focus when responding to the inevitable challenges presented by the pandemic to the broader sport, recreation and leisure industries and organisations.
Professional recognition
Sport management at Deakin has a proven reputation and history of market leadership in the development and delivery of a program suite of degree courses specific for, and relevant to the sport industry. Deakin is the #3 ranked university for sport-related subjects in Australia* and our Master of Sport Management is the #1 ranked course in Australia^
This is due to our world-class facilities, renowned teaching experts and industry partners--which include Netball Victoria, the Geelong Cats, Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and Deakin Melbourne Boomers. Deakin Business School is in the top 1% of business schools globally by holding 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.
We’ve been teaching sport management for over 30 years and our extensive alumni base works across the global sporting industry, giving you endless possibilities to build new networks and connections that will strengthen your standing in the sporting world.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
^Sport Business International 2020
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.
| Graduate Learning Outcome | Course Learning Outcome |
| 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 | Critically analyse and reflect upon the use and application of appropriate digital technologies to lead the dissemination and transmission of complex and specialist concepts and information to stakeholders (expert and non-expert) in sport organisations and the broader sport industry |
| 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 | To be able to critically reflect on leadership styles and actions as they relate to paid employees, volunteers, as well as directors of boards of governance of sport organisations and the broader sport industry |
| Teamwork | Refine and apply advanced teamwork and collaborative decision-making strategies to develop and justify solutions |
| Global citizenship | Critically reflect upon the role of sport in society, and implicit and explicit responsibilities of professionals in leadership positions within and across the broader sport industry in order to guide practice in the management and delivery of sport across a variety of contexts (professional, amateur) and issues (global, social, ethical, cultural) that are relevant to the sport and broader institutions in which it resides |
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Make a profound impact in sport with the Executive Master of Sport Business
In the decade ahead, up to 30 major sporting events will be held in Australia, with each event providing thousands of coveted jobs.
Footnotes
**QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021