Key facts
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
Course overview
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.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Business (Sport Management)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M748
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 078035M Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
Start studying in November
Start your studies in Deakin's Trimester 3 (November) intake and begin building your future sooner. Join Melbourne's #1 university for international student graduate employment and benefit from industry-led learning, advanced facilities and strong student support. You can also apply now for our 2027 Trimester 1 (March) and Trimester 2 (July) intakes.
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.
A 16-credit point Master of Business (Sport Management) includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 10 credit points of core units
- 6 credit points of open elective units.
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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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.
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
If commencing in Trimester 3, please note this is a compulsory study period.
Note: Trimester 3 is compulsory study period if commencing in Trimester 3.
Course duration
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.
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
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.
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
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 to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent).
1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 8 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree (honours) (AQF 8) or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma or higher in a related discipline.
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline.
Examples of related disciplines include, but not limited to a Bachelor degree in Business or Commerce.
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: relevant professional experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of sport management or related fields.
*Recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
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)
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 are able to commit to your study.
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
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can 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
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$48,000 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
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.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Postgraduate bursary
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.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Pathways
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
The Master of Business (Sport Management) prepares graduates for leadership roles across the sport, recreation and leisure industries. You will gain expertise in sport governance, strategic planning, marketing, analytics and business development, helping you navigate the commercial and community-focused aspects of sport both in Australia and internationally. Career opportunities include:- sport marketing and sponsorship manager
- sport business consultant or analyst
- club or league operations manager
- athlete development manager
- event and venue operations manager
- sport partnerships and commercial manager
- player agent
- policy and planning adviser (sport and recreation)
- high performance program manager
- community engagement or development officer
- sport public relations or social media 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
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.
| 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 |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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.
