Study Sports Management

Your pathway to a career in sport

Lead the game, on and off the field.

Turn your passion for sport into a dynamic career with our suite of industry-connected sport management courses, from diplomas to bachelor's degrees.

Diplomas in sport management are one-year courses, combining the knowledge of Flinders University experts with real-world experience of elite sporting clubs like Port Adelaide Football Club and the South Australian Cricket Association.

Bachelor degrees in sport management are three-year courses, and offer majors and combined degree options including psychology, marketing, law and more, and are available at Bedford Park or Flinders' City Campus. If you are interested in building networks and practical experience, after completing first year of the diploma you can step straight into second year of one of the bachelor degrees.

Study a Diploma in Sports Management with Port Adelaide Football Club

Prepare for a career in one of the world’s most exciting industries! This diploma combines Flinders University’s academic expertise with the industry experience of Port Adelaide Football Club.

Based at Alberton Oval 3 days a week, students will combine lessons on topics such as leadership, event management and marketing with over 100 hours of practical, work-ready experience with Port Adelaide management and staff.

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Study a Diploma in Sports Management (Cricket) with the South Australian Cricket Association

Go behind the scenes and learn how a cricket association operates, gain vital marketing and event management skills, build your professional network and discover how you can make your mark in sports management.

On completion, you'll be fully prepared to pursue a career in sports management, or continue your studies with guaranteed entry into Flinders degrees.

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You might also be interested in the NEW Diploma in Sport Development and Coaching*

Commencing in 2027, the Diploma in Sport Development and Coaching is delivered in partnership with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) and based at the iconic Adelaide Oval.

Graduate ready to contribute to clubs, schools, sporting organisations and community programmes, building valuable professional connections, and guaranteed entry into a Flinders bachelor degree to further your career.

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*This diploma is subject to approvals.

Study a Bachelor of Business majoring in Sport Management

Gain the leadership, marketing, and strategic skills to thrive in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

Deepen your business knowledge by interacting with leading academics and sports management professionals, with hands-on placements thanks to Flinders' contacts in sporting clubs, community groups and sporting bodies across Australia.

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Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation

Shape your sport career, your way.
Real-world experience | Endless opportunities

Build your skills in community sport and recreation, with options to focus your study on sport coaching and development, sports business, outdoor education, and strength and conditioning.

You’ll graduate ready for a career in a diverse and opportunity-filled industry, with potential roles in coaching, performance analysis, outdoor education, sport management, and community health.

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Why study at Flinders?

Connect with industry partnerships

Flinders University is a proud partner of Port Adelaide Football Club and South Australian Cricket Association. Our network of industry leaders will provide you with real industry experience and connections while you study, helping you build your sports career and realise your ambitions.

Here are just some examples:

Adelaide 36ers

Adelaide United

Athletics SA

Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation Inc

Australian Football League

Department of Education (South Australia)

Inclusive Sport South Australia

Lumin Sports

Netball South Australia

Office for Recreation Sport and Racing (South Australia)

Port Adelaide Football Club

SACA

South Adelaide Football Club

South Australian National Football League

Sport Australia

Surf Lifesaving South Australia

Tennis Australia

Practical Experience: Over 90 hours of hands-on work-integrated learning

Our diplomas and bachelor degrees in sport management provide you with practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.
Participate in Work-Integrated Learning and industry placement programs.
Go behind the scenes and learn how a sport club operates, gain vital marketing and event management skills, build your professional network and discover how you can make your mark in sports management.
Flinders graduates have an excellent reputation within the industry.

Flexible Pathways: Step straight into a Flinders business or sport-related degree

On completion of the one-year diploma, students will be fully prepared to pursue a career in sports management or can step straight into the second year of the Bachelor of Business majoring in sport management or the Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation.

Immersive Learning: Study at real-world sporting venues like Alberton Oval, Coopers Stadium, and Adelaide Oval

Home to some of South Australia’s biggest sporting clubs. These real-world settings give you exclusive access to the inner workings of elite sport.
Through our industry partnerships, you’ll learn directly from professionals and gain hands-on experience in the spaces where sport is managed, marketed, and played. It’s practical, career-focused learning that sets you apart.

The Future of Fandom – Real Conversations with Real Leaders

Flinders University hosted The Future of Fandom, an engaging panel event featuring sport management expert Professor Adam Karg, Director of the Sport Innovation and Technology Lab at Deakin University. Professor Karg was joined by senior executives from Port Adelaide Football Club, Adelaide United Football Club, and the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), all education partners in Flinders' growing suite of sport management programs.

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"The flexible learning style of engaging online lectures allows me to work [while studying] and gain experience within the sports industry."

Heath Wingard, Bachelor of Business (Sports Management)

"I’m confident these skills will serve me tremendously as I now pursue a career I’m deeply passionate about. Sport plays a big role in my life, so why not make it a career.”"

Andrea van Metzinger, Bachelor of Business (Sports Management)

Enquire now.

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

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We’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisers about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.