Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation Management)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 68.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 68.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Students may be eligible for a High Achiever Grant. For more information visit the UniSA Sport and Recreation Management High Achiever Grant page.
Degree overview
- Build an exciting career in managing sport organisations, coordinating major sport events and initiatives, and helping to deliver the benefits of sport and recreation to local communities.
- Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Sport and Recreation Management1. Our lecturers are some of the world’s leading sport management researchers.
- Hear from guest lecturers who work in the sport and recreation industry and be taught by lecturers with extensive real-world experience.
- Gain real-world experience as part of your studies through industry site visits, internships, study tours, student exchanges or mentorship opportunities.
- Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with key enterprise skills embedded within this program, these transferrable skills can take your career in many different directions across a range of industries.
- Learn to implement sporting programs and initiatives, manage financial and physical resources, and apply critical problem-solving skills.
- Build the confidence to lead, motivate and manage others, communicate effectively and think strategically.
- Add a second qualification to your studies with a business combined degree, and explore how you can expand your expertise in two fields.
- Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence2.
- Study at a university ranked Top 20 in Australia for Business and Management3.
- UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings. 32024 QS Subject Rankings.
Snapshot
Build an exciting career in managing and coordinating major sport events and initiatives, and helping to deliver the benefits of sport and recreation to local communities. 
In this nationally and internationally respected degree you will learn to implement programs and initiatives, manage financial and physical resources, and problem-solve. While learning about the latest research in the sport management field, your studies will also have a very practical focus. You will learn through industry site visits, hear from guest lecturers and learn from a highly experienced teaching team of globally recognised sport management researchers with extensive industry knowledge.
Within this degree, there are a range of opportunities available to enrich your study experiences . You can choose to incorporate real-world international experience into your studies with a student exchange or study tour. You can also gain practical experience through an internship or experiential elective; participate in a business simulation project and work with a business career mentor.
What you'll learn
This degree incorporates core courses in business which industry consider fundamental when embarking on a sport and recreation management career. These core courses will give you a solid grasp of business fundamentals such as economics and accounting, entrepreneurship and business intelligence.
You can gain valuable insight and career skills while you study specialist areas such as:
- Sports law and governance
- Business development in sport
- Sport practicum
- Leadership in recreation and sport
- Recreation planning
Tertiary Transfer
If you have a Pass average or above from another eligible degree, you may be eligible to use this as entry into this program. Learn more.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)
If you have undertaken related Higher Education, TAFE, VET, Professional body or work experience, you may be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) and reduce the duration of the degree. Learn more.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
- essays and assignments
- examinations
- industry-relevant, research-based projects
- practicals and team-based projects
- participation in the workplace and in class
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation Management)
UniSA is renowned nationally and internationally for excellence in business education. We develop our degrees in partnership with industry and connect with leading professional bodies. With a specialisation in sport and recreation management you will graduate with the confidence to lead, motivate and manage others, communicate effectively and think strategically.
You will study specialised sport and recreation courses, such as recreation planning for local communities and designing leisure programs. You’ll also gain practical skills through site visits and an industry placement.
UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.
Combined degrees
We offer a wide range of combined degrees so you can specialise in two fields and expand your career prospects. Discover how you can pair this degree with another business degree, or a degree from another discipline, and tailor your qualifications to your interests.
More ways to study
Our flexible delivery and extracurricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred learning style, and career interests. You can benefit from online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and accelerated learning pathways. Plus, you can make the most of professional development courses endorsed by industry, build leadership skills by participating in the UniSA+ Award, or seek support at our on-campus Business Student Hub.
UniSA ACCELERATE
Kickstart your business degree early through UniSA ACCELERATE. Study up to two university courses while you're in Year 12 and have the option to count this study towards your SACE Stage 2.
This could be you
You'll graduate from UniSA prepared for a range of careers. See where a sport and recreation management degree could take you.
Your career
Our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career ready, equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the sport management industry.
Careers to consider:
- Business development manager: working to improve an organisation’s market position and financial growth; defining strategic goals, building customer relationships, identifying business opportunities, implementing marketing initiatives
- Club development officer: growing club presence and profile; implementing new programs and activities; engaging with members of the local community
- Community development coordinator: maximising the use of local facilities through the development of programs, creating partnerships, and working with the community; developing initiatives for local residents to improve wellbeing and enhance quality of life
- Event manager or coordinator: using strong organisational and project management skills to deliver successful, cost-effective events; managing staff and suppliers; booking venues, facilities and equipment; marketing and promotion; analysis and reporting on event performance
- Membership services manager: managing existing member relationships; helping drive membership growth; coordinating sales promotions and other retention and sales initiatives
- Sponsorship coordinator: managing and procuring sponsors for events and brand awareness activity; developing strategies to leverage sponsorships; executing sponsorship marketing including communications, branding and event planning
- Sport development officer: promoting participation in sport; working with sporting clubs, local councils and the wider community; ensure people of all ages and ability can access sporting facilities; working with teams and individuals to improve their performance
- Sports marketing coordinator: developing strategies to promote the club/association; identifying market segments for participants, members and spectators
- Sports program officer: coordinating and assisting with the management of sports club activities and facilities; developing programs and activities to help grow athlete participation
- Sport/Recreation facility coordinator: manage sport or recreation facilities in the public or private sector including fitness clubs, aquatic facilities, court facilities and more
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Business
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Business)
- SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
- see the full list of entry pathways that may apply
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
- see the full list of entry pathways that may apply
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
The Business Student Hub is a dedicated and convenient support service for business students, from first year right through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties, and can help with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.
You can also access a range of other student services including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- UniSA’s Student Association USASA also offers a range of other services.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers which you can work with face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies.
When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your ID cards, fees and any other questions you might have.
24/7 digital environment
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in virtual classrooms
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Please note some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.
Your program director
I am the Program Director of Sport and Recreation Management and Tourism and Event Management degrees at UniSA Business. I also am a Senior Lecturer in Event and Tourism Management and a Research Ethics Advisor. I am currently serving on the Editorial Board of 'Event Management', the ‘International Journal of Event and Festival Management’ and ‘Frontiers in Sports and Active Living’. My PhD specialises in the fields of Tourism and Event Management. I am passionate about event management, visitor experiences and event impacts and have conducted research projects on local and international festivals and sports events. My research has informed both government and industry to better understand the wider impact to the community and guide policy making. With my industry informed experience, I believe graduates will be well equipped with the skills necessary for future success. This program offers both in-depth knowledge and practical, hands-on opportunities which graduates will need in order to succeed in the sport, tourism and events industries.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
My degree has given me an understanding of not only sport and recreation, but also accounting, event planning, outdoor education and marketing. The development opportunities and engagement with people from the business world was vital in gaining experience to succeed after university.
Lisa Bateman
Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation Management)
Emerging Leader Award recipient, 2016 AFL Football Woman of the Year Awards
I held a number of casual positions within the sport industry during my studies, one of which led to a position at Little Athletics SA after graduating. I was then promoted to a managerial role where I oversaw their programs and club and product development at a state and national level, along with the coordination of state competitions and championships. I am now about to move to an exciting new role running the SANFL Juniors competition and supporting their metropolitan Adelaide clubs.
Steven Marotti
Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation Management)
Football Operations Coordinator - SANFL Juniors | South Australian National Football League (SANFL)
During my studies I completed two work placements which gave me hands-on experience and access to industry knowledge. This was the most important aspect of the program as the work placements gave me practice-based experience and allowed me to learn from people in the profession.
Damien Jennings
Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation Management)
Senior Consultant | Sport Australia
As a lecturer and researcher at UniSA, I specialise in the areas of leadership, organisational culture, management, and sponsorship, particularly in the sport and recreation context. From my 14 years of experience in the industry, including senior roles at the Adelaide Crows, Adelaide Thunderbirds and South Australian Redbacks, I believe graduates really need strong management skills such as communication and problem-solving to succeed in the sports and recreation industry. These skills are necessary in order to best manage the high expectations of key stakeholders such as athletes, members and sponsors. Our Sport and Recreation Management program not only equips students with these skills, it also provides hands-on, practical opportunities for students to participate in industry placements by leveraging our strong industry connections within South Australia.
Nick Takos
Lecturer
I am extremely grateful for the support I received to enable me to complete my degree while working full time and raising a young family. I felt like my lecturers and course coordinators had genuine care for me as well as my studies and career ambitions. Studying at UniSA has given me great confidence in my time management skills, opened doors through networking (placements, lecturers, peers) and allowed me to develop my report writing and presentation skills.
Todd Boughen
Bachelor of Business (Sport & Recreation Management)
Sport & Recreation Officer | City of Marion
A highlight of my time at UniSA was travelling to Colorado, USA, on an International Study Tour through my Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation) degree. This experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone to develop key skills and make lifelong friends. I also completed a Human Resource Management Student Internship at the Adelaide Football Club. This internship provided me with the opportunity to gain exposure to real world HR and network with key contacts within the industry – which eventually led to obtaining my first graduate position at the Club.
Nicole Rundle
Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) & Bachelor of Business (Sport & Recreation Management)
Human Resources Business Partner | Adelaide Football Club
One of the best things while studying my Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management at UniSA was the industry placements. These internships set me up for success as I got to learn vital sport and recreation management skills on the job. The future of this industry is bright and has great scope for growth.
Parth Suri
Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation Management)
Community Engagement Manager | Adelaide Football Club
