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
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Study at a top 3 business school in Victoria* and be ready for a leadership role in the sport industry. Deakin’s Master of Business (Sport Management) is Australia’s leading postgraduate sport management course that will give you the practical skills and knowledge to lead at elite, semi-elite or recreational levels.
Learn from industry experts and benefit from our connection with organisations such as the Geelong Football Club, Melbourne Vixens and Netball Victoria. These strong industry relationships feed directly into the course design and teaching. As a result, you will gain the expertise to deliver on all strategic dimensions of the industry, including marketing and promotions, governance and management, facilities and events, as well as participation development.
Are you ready to develop the business skills needed to lead in this multi-billion dollar industry?
With one of strongest sporting sectors in the world, Australians take the business of sport seriously. Underpinning this multi-billion dollar industry are the business professionals who provide direction and leadership to sporting organisations across the country. Deakin will prepare you to turn your passion into a rewarding career and graduate ready for Australia's golden decade of sport.
The Master of Business (Sport Management) has a real-world, hands-on learning focus to enable you to build workplace resilience and career success. Our sport management work-integrated learning opportunities help you combine the concepts you learn with workplace practice, integrating your knowledge as you connect and network with industry professionals.
You’ll have the opportunity to gain a global perspective on sport management through international consultancy experiences, internships, volunteering placements and study abroad programs – both face-to-face and virtual.
With options to study at our Melbourne Burwood Campus or online, you can tailor your study experience to fit your commitments. If you choose to study on campus, you will have a home advantage of being in Melbourne – one of the sport capitals of the world and home to many major sporting events like the Grand Prix, Melbourne Cup and Australian Open. Our location opens the door to potential industry experience at Melbourne’s sports precinct – with opportunities to visit, work or volunteer at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne Park, AAMI Park or the National Sports Museum.
*AFR BOSS Best Business Schools 2023
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Business (Sport Management)
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- M748
- CRICOS code?
- 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
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 open elective units, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin. 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 including stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials), 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:-
Open electives
Plus 6 credit points of postgraduate open elective units including up to 2 credit points of Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials).
Recommended Sport Management elective units:
Stackable short courses
Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 credit point microcredentials) to earn up to 1 credit point of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. For more information, visit the Deakin 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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing 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
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).
Academic requirements
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
^Related discipline degree: A ‘related discipline’ award for this course is a Bachelor degree in Business or Commerce.
^Relevant work experience: Relevant professional experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of sport management or related fields.
*Credit for recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
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 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)
Admissions information
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.
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
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
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 and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 you have.
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 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 $54,435.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 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 Master of Business (Sport Management) (16 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
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*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 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
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
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.
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 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
Ideal for early to mid-career sport managers, the Master of Business (Sport Management) will help you develop your career in the business of sport, recreation and leisure.
The roles you could be aiming to build on, or apply for, include:
- competitions and event operations coordinator
- commercial partnership and sponsorship manager
- professional players’ agent
- public relations and social media manager
- sport and recreation officer within local, state or federal government
- sport business analyst or consultant
- sport club/league operations manager
- sport development/engagement officer
- sport facilities and events manager
- sport marketing and promotions 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
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Footnotes
**SportBusiness International Postgraduate Course Rankings 2020
***QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020