#1 postgraduate sport business course in Australia and Asia-Pacific
#2 online postgraduate sport business course worldwide
#3 postgraduate sport business course worldwide for median graduate salary
Why choose business (sport management) at Deakin
As Australia prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there has rarely been a more exciting time to build a career in the sport industry. Deakin's Master of Business (Sport Management) develops the advanced business, leadership and strategic capabilities needed to progress into senior roles across sport organisations, events and related industries.
You will build expertise in sport management while exploring contemporary industry challenges, emerging opportunities and the forces shaping the future of sport. Informed by industry practice and supported by Deakin's strong sport sector connections, you will graduate ready to contribute to strategic decision-making, lead organisational growth and advance your career in a competitive global industry.
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Advanced sport business expertise
Develop the strategic, commercial and leadership capabilities needed to progress into senior roles across the sport industry.
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Industry-informed learning
Explore contemporary sport business challenges through learning shaped by current industry practice and insights.
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Globally accredited business school
Deakin Business School holds AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, reflecting internationally recognised business education standards.
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Flexible study for working professionals
Study online and apply your learning while balancing professional and personal commitments.
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
Develop advanced strategic, commercial and leadership capability for senior roles across sport organisations, events and related industries in Australia and internationally.
Operations manager
Lead the day-to-day delivery of services, people and resources. Develop operational strategies, manage budgets and risk, and improve processes across sport organisations, venues and events.
- $120k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 3.9/5
Job satisfaction
Marketing manager
Plan and oversee marketing strategies that build awareness and engagement. In sport, you may manage campaigns, communications, brand activity and audience relationships across events, clubs or leagues.
- $115k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 4.4%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.9/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Sport business consultant
- Athlete development manager
- Event and venue operations manager
- Player agent
- High performance program manager
- Policy and planning adviser
“I understood that Deakin had a lot more connections in the industry. What I love most about the degree is it combines work in sport and actual learning in class. Throughout my experience at Deakin, I have been working with Cricket Victoria, Tennis Victoria and Athletics Australia.”
DiptagniMaster of Business (Sport Management)
Stories that start here
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*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 Master of Business (Sport Management)?
The Master of Business (Sport Management) develops advanced sport business expertise, combining strategic management knowledge with specialist insight into the global sport industry.
Build sport and business foundations
Understand the sport industry
Explore how sport organisations operate across participation, events, governance and commercial environments.
Develop core business expertise
Build skills in areas such as marketing, management and strategy within sport settings.
Explore ethics and integrity
Examine the legal, ethical and governance frameworks that influence decision-making across the sport industry.
Advance and apply your expertise
Explore innovation and strategy
Examine the trends, technologies and strategic challenges shaping the future of sport.
Tailor your studies
Choose electives that align with your professional interests and career goals in sport or broader business fields.
Strengthen leadership capability
Apply your knowledge through projects and industry-focused learning that build strategic thinking and professional skills.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Business (Sport Management), you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
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
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Plus 6 credit points of postgraduate open elective.
Recommended Sport Management elective units:
Open electives can be chosen from a wide range of level 7 study areas across the University, subject to availability and meeting any pre-requisites. Choose open electives to suit your interests, career aspirations or to broaden your academic experience beyond your discipline study area.
Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) to earn up to 2 credit points towards your degree, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Stackable short course options.
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
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.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.
Note: Trimester 3 is compulsory study period if commencing in Trimester 3.
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 |
|---|
| Develop a comprehensive understanding of the elements of management that are unique to the sport business through analysis and application of theory from business and allied disciplines in order to provide effective management and leadership in sport organisation |
| Develop advanced written, oral and visual communication skills around complex concepts for diverse stakeholders 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 |
| Select and use appropriate digital technologies to manage and disseminate relevant information to stakeholders in the sport industry |
| Demonstrate a specialised set of high order cognitive and technical skills including critical analysis and problem solving skills for managing in the sport industry |
| Identify and address issues, create high quality solutions towards commercial and social improvements and implement efficient strategic and operational outcomes in the sport industry |
| Demonstrate advanced skills to work independently and take responsibility for continuing professional development |
| Work with others to contribute to collaborative outcomes and be able to take on roles towards demonstration of leadership within the sport industry |
| Engage as a professional in the sport industry with the skills that are applicable to a variety of contexts (professional, amateur) and issues (global, social, ethical, cultural) in the sport industry |
- Award granted
- Master of Business (Sport Management)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M748
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$34,200
for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
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. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
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.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
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.