Why Diploma in Sport Management?
Swap the sidelines for centre field with a diploma that gets you closer to the action.
Learn the business side of sport with our Diploma in Sport Management at Adelaide Football Club (AFC) and Adelaide University. Delivered in partnership with the Adelaide Crows Institute of Sports Business, this one-year program blends classroom learning with real industry experience. You’ll explore the core principles of sport and recreation, gain insight into how sport organisations operate and build the skills to analyse business decisions in professional settings.
Complete 120 hours of work placement with AFC and their partners, and be one of two graduates each year offered a paid full-time role at the Adelaide Football Club. Gain guaranteed entry into the second year of our Bachelor of Business majoring in Sport Management once you graduate. With access to elite facilities and expert mentors at AFC, you’ll develop practical knowledge and build valuable connections in the field, setting you up for a strong start in the world of sport management.
Overview
The Diploma in Sport Management at Adelaide University is your first step into the business of sport. Over one year of study, you'll explore how sport organisations run, learn about marketing, sponsorship and leadership and gain insight into how sport shapes society.
You'll study topics like commercial operations, sport and recreation, management and communication, while also building confidence in using data to inform decisions.
Practical placements with the Adelaide Football Club (AFC) give you hands-on experience and real industry insight. Along the way, you'll strengthen your teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills.
After graduating you can pursue career opportunities in clubs, community programs, sporting events and business operations.
Key features
Gain knowledge and skills in sport business management. - Access one of two paid graduate internships with Adelaide Football Club (AFC).
- Use this diploma as a pathway into a business degree, including our Bachelor of Business majoring in Sport Management.
- Learn through a mix of theory and hands-on experience.
- Complete work-integrated learning facilitated by AFC.
- Study onsite at the AFC, alongside elite athletes and in the sporting club environment.
What you'll learn
The Diploma in Sport Management at Adelaide University offers a dynamic, hands-on introduction to the sport industry.
The Diploma has no ATAR requirements, so you can apply straight from high school or as a mature-age student, with no exam results needed. It’s a flexible entry point for anyone ready to start a career in sport management.
Delivered in partnership with the Adelaide Football Club (AFC), the program combines academic study with over 100 hours of real-world experience. You’ll also get a rare opportunity to work behind the scenes of a professional sporting organisation.
Study topics such as commercial operations, sport and recreation, leadership, marketing and the role of sport in society. Build confidence using data to support business decisions, giving you a competitive edge when seeking a career after graduation.
Courses are designed to give you both a broad overview and deeper insight into key areas of sport management, balancing classroom learning with applied knowledge. Assessments are practical and job-focused, helping you develop communication, problem-solving and analytical skills.
You’ll benefit from classes with strong support from teaching staff, and you'll study onsite at the Adelaide Football Club, surrounded by elite athletes and industry professionals. A dedicated placement gives you a head start in building industry connections while gaining practical know-how.
Each year, two graduates are offered full-time roles at the AFC, providing an exceptional opportunity to transition directly into the workforce.
Graduate with guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Business majoring in Sport Management at Adelaide University, with a year's credit (8 courses). You’ll also be eligible for guaranteed entry and credit for a range of Bachelor of Business programs.
Whether you continue your studies or only complete this diploma, you’ll be prepared to launch a career in sport, backed by industry knowledge and practical experience.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 48 units for Core courses
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 6 units from Common core, and
- 42 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Sport and Recreation
|
Course code
SPOR1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sport, Health and Wellbeing
|
Course code
SPOR2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Commercial Operations and Marketing in Sport
|
Course code
SPOR2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sport in Contemporary Society
|
Course code
SPOR2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sport Practicum 1
|
Course code
SPOR2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Management, Organisations and Leadership
|
Course code
BUSI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Marketing Principles
|
Course code
MARK1000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
