Diploma in Sport Management
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
This degree is only available to Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
DDSP
Study as
Full-time
Fees
$AU 22,000 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
View full entry requirements
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Entry requirements
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. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry 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:
Higher education study
Successfully completed equivalent to a minimum of half a year of full-time study over a higher education program at a recognised higher education providerOR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate 3 or aboveOR
Work and life experience (for domestic students only) or Completed a 12-month UniSA Foundations Studies program or equivalent , or Qualify for Special Entry
OR
Recent secondary education
Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 or international
qualification.
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
- Learn from UniSA academics and industry professionals at Adelaide Football Club (AFC) and UniSA’s state-of-the-art facilities.
- Complete more than 100 hours of work placement with AFC and gain invaluable industry exposure.
- Get the chance to secure a paid full-time role at AFC upon graduation (offered to two graduates each year).
- Gain guaranteed entry into a Bachelor of Business majoring in Sport Management (offered through Adelaide University) with one year of credit so you can graduate sooner.
- Enter without an ATAR using your secondary SACE or VET qualification, higher education study or other pathways like UniSA Foundation Studies. See our entry requirements to find out more.
- Study at a university ranked globally in business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence1.
- Study at a university ranked Top 20 in Australia for Business and Mangement2, and above world-class for research in sport and recreation management3.
- UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
1UniSA 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. 22024 QS Subject Rankings. 3Results in Business and Management – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Snapshot
Offered in partnership with the Adelaide Crows Institute of Sports Business, this 1-year diploma combines hands-on learning with the latest industry insights to prepare you for a dynamic career in sport management.
You’ll study on campus and at AFC’s state-of-the-art facilities so you can truly immerse yourself in the world of elite sport and connect with industry professionals. You’ll undertake a work placement at the Club so you can put your learnings into practice and gain invaluable practical experience.
You’ll also have the chance to secure a paid full-time role at AFC upon graduation (opportunity offered to two graduates each year).
What you'll learn
The Diploma in Sport Management balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. As a graduate, you’ll understand the fundamentals of sport and recreation management, be equipped to apply sport management knowledge in real-world situations, and learn how to evaluate business strategies in the context of sport management.
You’ll study key courses in business along with specialist courses in areas such as:
- managing athlete journeys
- leisure concepts
- commercial operations in sport, and
- sport health and wellbeing.
You’ll also undertake more than 100 hours of work placement at AFC, giving you access to invaluable hands-on experience and industry exposure.
Study hours
Each week, you will engage in two days of face-to-face learning at AFC with an additional day of classes at UniSA City West Campus.
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 on campus or at AFC, and 14-28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate both practical, professional and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- research papers
- presentations
- tests (in person and online)
- assignments
- take-home or on-site examinations
- group assignments
- participation and attendance
Further study
Upon successfully completing your Diploma, you’ll earn a standalone qualification and gain guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Business majoring in Sport Management (offered through Adelaide University) with one year of study credit so you can graduate sooner.
Why Diploma in Sport Management
Learn from the best on and off the field with our Diploma in Sport Management. Offered in partnership with the Adelaide Crows Institute of Sports Business, this 1-year diploma combines hands-on learning with the latest industry insights to prepare you for a dynamic career in sport management.
As a graduate, you’ll understand the fundamentals of sport and recreation, be equipped to apply sport management knowledge in real-world situations, and learn how to evaluate business strategies in the context of sport management.
You’ll study on campus and at AFC’s state-of-the-art facilities so you can truly immerse yourself in the world of elite sport and connect with industry professionals.
You’ll also have the chance to secure a paid full-time role at AFC upon graduation (opportunity offered to two graduates each year).
Your career
As a graduate, you’ll be equipped for roles such as:
- Sport development officer: promoting participation in sport; working with sporting clubs, local councils and the wider community; ensuring people of all ages and ability can access sporting facilities; working with teams and individuals to improve their performance
- 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 their quality of life
- Recreation planner: designing, planning and developing recreational areas or facilities that align with community interests
- Sponsorship and events coordinator: managing and procuring sponsors for events and brand awareness activity; developing leveraging strategies and executing marketing activity; planning and delivering successful events
- Community project officer: planning, developing and implementing community-based projects and programs that meet community needs and increase participation and social cohesion
- Sporting facility coordinator: manage sport facilities in the public or private sector including fitness clubs, aquatic facilities, court facilities and more
- State/national sporting organisation coordinator: planning and managing an engaging program of activities and events specific to the organisation; working with staff to roll out the delivery of a sporting program that is safe and inclusive for all
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- Applications for this diploma are via the Adelaide Crows Institute of Sports Business online application portal
- You will need to provide a 250-word ‘Statement of Intent’ as part of your application
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.
You’ll also study in state-of-the-art facilities at the Adelaide Football Club where you’ll get to learn from industry experts and immerse yourself in an elite sporting environment.
Adelaide 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 in addition to your face-to-face study days, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- study some course material 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, attendance at AFC and on campus will apply (these requirements are detailed on individual course pages).
Your program director
I am excited to offer a dynamic and hands-on learning experience that prepares students for a successful career in one of the world’s most fast-paced and rewarding industries. This program is designed not only to equip students with the essential skills in management, marketing, and commercial operations, but also to provide invaluable practical experiences through the exclusive Adelaide Football Club.
With the Adelaide Football Club as a key partner, you will gain unparalleled insights and connections within the professional sports industry, taking your learning beyond the classroom. We’re dedicated to ensuring you are not just academically prepared but also equipped with the practical, industry-focused skills that will set you up for long-term success.
If you're passionate about sport, then this diploma will help kickstart your journey and help you score big in the world of sport management.
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.
