Key facts
English language requirements
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
Duration
The time and cost can be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years, or even 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Enter a leadership role in the sport industry by studying in Australia’s leading sport management postgraduate course.
Deakin is a leader in sport related education ranking 6th in the world according to the QS World University Rankings.***
Australia has one of the strongest sporting sectors in the world. Underpinning this multi-billion dollar industry are the business professionals who provide direction and leadership to sporting organisations across the country. You can study at Deakin’s Melbourne Burwood Campus, or online.
This course develops business and leadership skills to effectively manage sport organisations. Whether it’s at the elite, semi-elite or recreational levels, sport management at Deakin prepares you to deliver on all strategic dimensions of the industry – in areas such as marketing and promotions, governance and management, facilities and events, as well as participation development.
*** 2021 QS World University Rankings
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Business (Sport Management)
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- M748
- CRICOS code?
- 078035M Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
The Master of Business (Sport Management) is typically 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) – your professional experience and previous qualifications – which can save you time and money.
For students undertaking 16 credit points, you study 10 credit points of core units and 6 credit points of elective units, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, MAI010 Academic Integrity Module. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. Electives may be selected from any postgraduate units offered by the University, subject to eligibility.
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.
10
Core units
6
Elective units
16
Total units
Core units
^ MPT code denotes Study Tour version of the unit
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Electives
Plus 6 credit points of general postgraduate elective units
Recommended Sport Management elective units:
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:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Additional course information
Course duration - additional 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.
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. Click here for more information.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Depending on your previous qualifications and professional experience, your course will be 1, 1.5 or 2 years duration.
1 year full time (2 years part time) – 8 credit points
Admission is based on:
- Bachelor Honours (AQF8) degree in a related discipline, or
- Bachelor degree in a related discipline, plus two years relevant work experience*, or
- Graduate certificate or graduate diploma in a related discipline, or
- Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
1.5 years full time (3 years part time) – 12 credit points
Admission is based on:
- Bachelor degree in a related discipline, or
- Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus two years relevant work experience*, or
- Graduate certificate or graduate diploma in a related discipline*, or
- Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
2 year full time (4 years part time) – 16 credit points
Admission is based on:
- Bachelor degree or other qualification at a higher AQF level in any discipline, or
- Successful completion of a masters qualifying program (MQP)
- Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
IELTS / English language requirements
Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.
It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)
*Note: Relevant professional experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of sport management or related fields.
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.
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.
Online studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
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.
The Master of Business (Sport Management) degree consist of 16 credit points, however some students may be eligible to earn the degree with 12 credit points depending on previous studies and work experience by attaining 4 credit points of entry credit.
Entry Credit:
Four credit points will be granted and recognised as entry credit at the point of admission for students admitted on basis of:
- a cognate bachelors degree or cognate graduate certificate or AQF equivalent; or
- a bachelors degree or AQF equivalent + 3 years related work experience in a supervisory/managerial/senior voluntary role; or
- a graduate certificate in a non-cognate area + 5 years related work experience in a supervisory/managerial/senior voluntary role.
For entry credit to be applicable, cognate study has been determined to include prior qualifications in the Sport Management discipline.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
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.
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 tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
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
Professional recognition
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
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 | 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 |
Communication | 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 |
Digital literacy | Select and use appropriate digital technologies to manage and disseminate relevant information to stakeholders in the sport industry |
Critical thinking | Demonstrate a specialised set of high order cognitive and technical skills including critical analysis and problem solving skills for managing in the sport industry |
Problem solving | Identify and address issues, create high quality solutions towards commercial and social improvements and implement efficient strategic and operational outcomes in the sport industry |
Self management | Demonstrate advanced skills to work independently and take responsibility for continuing professional development |
Teamwork | Work with others to contribute to collaborative outcomes and be able to take on roles towards demonstration of leadership within the sport industry |
Global citizenship | 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 |