Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent.
Locations
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. Study at a top 5 business school in Australia* with a proven reputation and a history of market leadership in sport business education.
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 will need to overcome these challenges and inspire your employees to strive for greatness in your chosen area of sport.
Ranked 7th in the world^ for sport-related education, Deakin offers an unparalleled learning experience. 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 will 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 will 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 will 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.
*AFR BOSS Best Business Schools 2022
^QS World University Subject Rankings 2023
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Executive Master of Sport Business
- Year
2024 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 DAI001 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
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
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 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.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least five years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)*
*Managerial responsibilities and Directors and Chairs of sport related organisations, with a minimum of five 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
- 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)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin 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
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
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.
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 StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
Alternative exits
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. Upon completion of this course, you will 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
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.
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.
| 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 |