Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) at Deakin equips you to thrive behind the scenes in the dynamic world of sport. It’s perfect for students passionate about sport and leadership, combining business skills with specialised sport management knowledge, from marketing and finance to event and facility management.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: You’ll build a strong business foundation with units like Accounting for Decision Making, Economic Principles, and Marketing Fundamentals, while exploring sport in society through Sport in Society. This year introduces the principles of managing sport organisations and the legal frameworks involved.
Year 2: Focus shifts to practical sport management skills, including Sport Organisation, High Performance Sport Environments, and Sport Facility and Event Management. You’ll develop the ability to plan, manage, and evaluate sport programs and competitions, preparing for real-world industry engagement.
Year 3: This year emphasizes professional experience and innovation, with units such as Sport Industry Experience, Sport Marketing, and the capstone Sport Innovation and Entrepreneurship. You’ll complete at least 100 hours of placement with leading organisations, applying your learning in a professional context and connecting with industry leaders.

Focus Areas:
Sport marketing, event management, facility management, sport law, high-performance sport, business analytics.

Learning Outcomes:
Leadership in sport organisations, strategic planning, financial and marketing management, event coordination, applied professional experience, industry networking.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The degree is formally recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7 and integrates Work Integrated Learning (WIL), ensuring graduates are industry-ready.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Deakin is ranked #1 in Victoria for graduate employment, giving you confidence that your degree opens doors to leading sport organisations and career opportunities nationwide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In Deakin’s Bachelor of Business (Sport Management), you’ll gain practical skills that prepare you to lead in the fast-paced world of sport. From your very first trimester, you’ll engage in hands-on learning, applying business and management principles directly to real-world sport contexts. The program offers access to world-class facilities, expert-led workshops, and immersive experiences with professional sporting organisations. You’ll use industry-standard tools and software in areas like sport marketing, event management, and analytics, while collaborative projects help you build teamwork and problem-solving skills. With guidance from lecturers who are leaders in the sport sector, you’ll also grow your professional network and gain insights into current industry practices.

Here are some of the ways you’ll gain hands-on experience:

Complete at least 100 hours of industry placements with organisations such as the Melbourne Cricket Club, AFL, Swimming Australia, Geelong Cats, and Netball Victoria
Participate in group projects and practical assignments that simulate real-world sport management challenges
Learn to use industry-relevant software and tools for sport marketing, event coordination, and facility management
Engage in field trips and site visits to sporting venues and events to observe professional operations firsthand
Benefit from Deakin’s specialized sport management labs and learning environments designed to replicate professional settings
Access mentorship and networking opportunities through faculty connections with leading sport organisations
Undertake capstone projects that focus on sport innovation and entrepreneurship, applying knowledge to tangible industry problems

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) leave Deakin ready to make an immediate impact in the sport and business sectors. The program equips students with both practical skills and industry knowledge, ensuring strong employability and the ability to navigate leadership, management, and operational roles within sports organizations, clubs, and businesses. Real-world experience integrated throughout the course helps graduates transition confidently into the workforce.

Typical job roles:
Graduates often move into roles such as: Sports Administrator, Event Manager, Club Operations Manager, or Sports Marketing Coordinator.

Detailed insights:

University support for employment: Deakin provides career-focused services including internships, industry placements, mentoring programs, and a dedicated career centre to help students build networks and secure jobs.
Employment outcomes: Deakin graduates are highly employable, with many stepping into professional roles directly after graduation. While specific salary figures vary, sport management professionals in Australia typically earn between $60,000–$100,000 annually depending on experience and role.
University–industry partnerships: Deakin maintains strong connections with sports organizations, professional clubs, and governing bodies, offering students practical exposure and networking opportunities.
Accreditation & recognition: The program is professionally relevant, aligning with industry standards, and recognized for preparing graduates for leadership roles in sport and business management.
Graduate outcomes: Students graduate ready to lead teams, manage operations, and contribute strategically to sports organizations. Opportunities exist in entrepreneurship, event management, and policy development within the sports sector.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can continue their studies with pathways into honours programs, postgraduate coursework, master’s degrees in sport management, business, or related professional fields. This progression enhances leadership potential and specialization in areas like sports marketing, event management, or high-performance sport administration.