VIEWING DOMESTIC
VIEWING INTERNATIONAL
Start dates
March
July
*Students studying the Outdoor Education major or Strength and Conditioning minor will need to attend some classes at Bedford Park
*Students studying the Outdoor Education major or Strength and Conditioning minor will need to attend some classes at Bedford Park
The Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation at Flinders University gives you the skills and experience to thrive in a fast-growing industry focussing on sport and active recreation's impact on health, wellbeing and community connection. Tailor your studies with majors in Sport Coaching and Development, Outdoor Education or Sports Business, with options to minor in these areas or Strength and Conditioning.
Build real-world expertise through hands-on placements across sport coaching, management, outdoor adventure and community programs. Whether you want to lead teams, run events, or inspire healthier lifestyles, this degree sets you on the path to a meaningful and active career.
Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024 Employment projections for the ten years to 2034
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
This versatile degree prepares you for roles in sport development, coaching, outdoor education, strength & conditioning, event management and sports business. You could coach athletes, run adventure experiences or deliver inclusive sport programs. With real-world experience and flexible study options, you’ll graduate ready to lead and make a difference in Australia’s sport and recreation sector.
Salary
$73K
typical salary in Australia
Job growth
19.5%
Five-year projection
A recreation officer plans and delivers community programs and activities that promote health, wellbeing, and social connection. They often work for local councils or community organisations, coordinating sport, fitness, and leisure initiatives for people of all ages and abilities.
They may manage events or facilities, support inclusive participation, and work with local groups to meet community needs. Recreation officers also help with planning and funding to support long-term recreational goals.
As a sport development officer, you’ll help grow participation, performance, and pathways in sport by working directly with clubs, schools, and community groups. Whether you're developing junior programs, supporting coach and volunteer training, or organising competitions and clinics, your role is all about building strong, inclusive sporting environments.
Often employed by sporting organisations or local councils, this career suits those who are passionate about growing the game from the grassroots up, and making sport more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Salary
$90K
typical salary in Australia
As a Strength and Conditioning Coach, you’ll help athletes improve performance and reduce injury through tailored training programs. Working across schools, clubs, or high-performance settings, you’ll apply principles of exercise science to build strength, agility and endurance. This career aligns with the Strength and Conditioning minor.
Study: Minor in Strength and Conditioning
As an outdoor educator, you’ll lead groups in nature-based learning experiences like bushwalking, kayaking, camping and rock climbing. You’ll help participants build confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills while fostering an appreciation for the natural environment. This role is ideal for those who enjoy being outdoors, working with people and promoting health and wellbeing through adventure and experiential learning.
Study: Major in Outdoor Education
As a sports coach, you’ll guide athletes and teams to reach their full potential through skill development, game strategy and motivation. Whether working at the community, school or elite level, you’ll use your knowledge of movement, training techniques and psychology to inspire performance and build confidence. This career suits someone who enjoys mentoring others and has a strong understanding of how to get the best out of individuals and teams.
Study: Major in Sport Coaching and Development
With further study (via the Master of Teaching), you can become a health and physical education teacher, and inspire young people to lead active, healthy lives. In this role, you’ll teach students about physical fitness, teamwork, and the benefits of sport and movement in schools. It’s a rewarding career for those who want to combine their love of sport with teaching and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Study a variety of core topics and electives and get hands-on experience with professional placements.
GENERAL
In your first year, you’ll study core topics and your choice of two option topics. You’ll build a strong foundation through core topics in sport, health, coaching and community wellbeing, with opportunities to explore outdoor adventures and creative thinking.
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
GENERAL
After your first year, you can choose a specialisation, major and minors, such as Outdoor Education, Sports Business, Sports Coaching and Strength and Conditioning. This will help you work towards the career of your dreams.
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
GENERAL
In your third year, you'll deepen your expertise in your chosen area of interest, gaining advanced knowledge and skills through hands-on projects, work experience, and industry collaborations.
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
After your first year, you can focus on an area that interests you by choosing majors and minors. This will help you work toward the career of your dreams.
MAJOR
This major will build your knowledge of coaching, athlete development, and participation in sport. You’ll explore topics such as sport psychology, coaching science, and performance analysis, while gaining real-world experience through placements and industry projects.
*Available as a major and minor
Year 2 and Year 3 - Core topics
*Topics may be subject to change.
MAJOR
This major will prepare you to lead meaningful outdoor learning experiences. You’ll study topics like outdoor leadership, education in outdoor environments, and cultural responsiveness, with opportunities for practical learning in nature-based settings.
*Available as a major and minor
Year 2 and Year 3 - Core topics
*Topics may be subject to change.
Option topics
MAJOR
This major will develop your understanding of the business side of sport. You'll explore areas such as sports marketing, leadership, management and sports law, equipping you with the skills to thrive in both sport and broader business sectors.
*Available as a major and minor
Year 2 and Year 3 - Core topics
*Topics may be subject to change.
MINOR
This minor will give you specialised knowledge in athletic performance and physical training. You’ll study exercise science, biomechanics and conditioning strategies, preparing you to support athlete development in various sporting environments.
MINOR
This minor will build your knowledge of coaching, athlete development, and participation in sport. You’ll explore topics such as sport psychology, coaching science, and performance analysis, while gaining real-world experience through placements and industry projects.
*Available as a major and minor
MINOR
This minor will prepare you to lead meaningful outdoor learning experiences. You’ll study topics like outdoor leadership, education in outdoor environments, and cultural responsiveness, with opportunities for practical learning in nature-based settings.
*Available as a major and minor
MINOR
This minor will develop your understanding of the business side of sport. You'll explore areas such as sports marketing, leadership, management and sports law, equipping you with the skills to thrive in both sport and broader business sectors.
*Available as a major and minor
If you're passionate about building active communities or innovating in sport and education, an honours year in the Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation is a valuable next step. You’ll deepen your expertise in areas like sports performance, outdoor education, or sports business through an independent research project, guided by experienced academics.
Honours also connects you with industry partners like the Port Adelaide Football Club, SACA and Tennis Australia, offering real-world insights and networks. It’s ideal for those aiming for leadership in sport, health or education, or further postgraduate study.
Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024 Employment projections for the ten years to 2034
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
Where world-class education meets laid-back coastal living. With pristine beaches, acclaimed wineries, and vibrant festivals at your doorstep, South Australia offers an unmatched student experience.
Photo credit: SATC
Discover more about Flinders University’s Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation
Meet Mitchell Noye
Mitchell Noye has been working in the sport industry since leaving university and credits much of his early success to studying at Flinders.
Major in Outdoor Education
Meet Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation (Outdoor Education) graduate Tim Hennekam and hear about his experience at Flinders.
Major in Sports Business
Meet Sport Business graduate Luke Meyer who is now the Managing Director for Stay Active Children's Sports Programs.
“There are a lot of passionate students in my degree which makes coming in to class feel easy”
Caitlin Seccafien
Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation
“This degree helped get me in the door with my first employed roles in the sport and recreation industry.”
Travis Beard
Sport graduate
“Flinders is a diverse, friendly community that prepares you for entry into your chosen industry.”
Isaac Smith
Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation
International Student Services (ISS) is the first point of contact for international student support. The university also offers everything from cultural, health, and wellbeing services, to academic support.
Take a virtual tour of our campuses, guided by your fellow international students.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you'll find out about events, club memberships, and extracurricular activities.
Adelaide has many accommodation options for international students. You can choose to live on campus, at our city accommodation provider The Switch, or in rental accommodation.
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Dr Kate Ridley
Dr Kate Ridley is Course Coordinator of the Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation and a Senior Lecturer at Flinders University. A recognised expert in physical activity research, she co-authored the Compendium of Physical Activities for Youth and co-developed the MARCA tool, both widely used in the field.
She’s committed to student success, creating an inclusive learning environment that connects theory with real-world practice. Dr Ridley brings her research into the classroom to highlight the impact of physical activity on health and is passionate about mentoring future sport and recreation professionals.
Associate Professor Sam Elliott
Associate Professor Sam Elliott is a nationally recognised expert in youth sport and coaching. His research explores sport parenting, participation, psychosocial impacts, and evidence-based coaching. With a background in sociology, psychology and coaching, he brings a multidisciplinary lens to teaching and research. He has secured over $2.65 million in funding and won the 2022 SA Young Tall Poppy Science Award.
Sam helps students explore the social and developmental aspects of sport, linking research with real-world practice. He also co-hosts the Beyond the Club podcast, sharing research-informed insights for community sport.
Dr Kym Williams
Dr Kym Williams is a Senior Lecturer in the Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation, with expertise in sport development and applied sport science. His research focuses on using technology to assess performance and injury risk, with a focus on biomechanics and conditioning. With over 14 years’ experience, he has worked with athletes from grassroots to Olympic level.
He brings this high-performance insight into the classroom, helping students apply scientific principles to real-world sport and recreation. His teaching builds skills to support athlete development and improve performance across diverse sporting contexts.
At Flinders, strong industry partnerships are central to the Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation. You’ll gain hands-on experience through placements and projects with local clubs, government, community groups or national sporting bodies - applying your knowledge in real settings and building in-demand skills.
These opportunities give you a career head start and help you build valuable industry connections. Whether you're into coaching, sports development, outdoor education or business, you'll graduate with the practical expertise and confidence to succeed in a competitive job market.
Build your skills and confidence through hands-on placements in coaching, management, and sport business—starting from your first year.
The degree provides you with practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.
Students must obtain a National DCSI Screening and Play by the Rules Certificate (free online course) in order to participate in placements.
We know not everyone begins uni the same way, so we offer a variety of pathways into Flinders.
Use the dropdown to tell us a bit about you.
If you’re in Year 12, taking the free uniTEST can help boost your chances of getting into Flinders.
Strong results in your Research Project B subject along with your Year 12 results can be considered for entry.
By using three of your best Year 12 grades, you can also gain a place in your course of choice.
Your school’s recommendation about your academic performance may be considered as part of your admission.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
If you’re studying at another university, you may be able to transfer to Flinders based on your Yr 12 results, current GPA or other factors.
Even if you didn’t finish high school (Year 12), you may be able to study at Flinders through your TAFE/VET qualification.
You may be able to complete a TAFE SA course and have guaranteed entry into Flinders.
The TAFE/VET stud you’ve already done may be able to be used as credit towards a Flinders’ course.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
The STAT is a 2-hour multiple choice test that assesses your abilities.
If you completed Year 12 more than two years ago you can still use your results to apply.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Gain two qualifications in just 1 year of extra study with a combined degree.
Flinders combined degree options can help you pursue multiple passions and graduate with two degrees to broaden your career opportunities.
Combined SATAC code: 224651
Duration: 4 years
Delivery Mode: In person
Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour, learning, and mental health. Studying Psychological Science alongside Sport and Active Recreation opens pathways to roles in community support, youth work or further psychology study, enhancing your impact across health and social services.
Combined SATAC code: 224361 (Bedford Park)
Combined SATAC code: 284811 (City Campus)
Duration: 4 years
Delivery Mode: In person
Expand your career potential with in-demand business skills. This combined degree develops your expertise in leadership, operations, and strategic management, giving you a strong foundation to pursue diverse roles in the business world, well beyond the sport and recreation sector.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
Graduates work in roles like sport development officer, sports coach, events manager, outdoor educator, participation manager, or sports marketer. You could find employment with local councils, schools, not-for-profits, national sporting bodies, or adventure tourism and recreation services.
You can major in Sport Coaching and Development, Outdoor Education, or Sports Business. Minors are available in Strength and Conditioning, Sport Coaching and Development, Sports Business and Outdoor Education, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career goals.
Yes. You’ll complete an industry placement in your third year, working with organisations such as community sport programs, schools, health agencies and recreation providers. This practical experience helps build your skills, confidence and professional networks.
This degree doesn't qualify you as a teacher, but it provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in teaching. You can go on to study Flinders’ Master of Teaching (Secondary, or Secondary Health and Physical Education) to become a registered health and physical education teacher.
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
---|---|---|
Highest rank to receive an offer | 88.65 | 95.90 |
Median rank to receive an offer | 70.17 | 77.15 |
Lowest rank to receive an offer | 55.65 | 65.00 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
---|---|---|
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 10 | 31% |
Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 8 | 25% |
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | 0 | 0 |
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 8 | 25% |
International Students | <5 | <5 |
All students | 32 | 100% |
Get in touch with us to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
The type of documents you will need for your international application depends on what course you are applying for and which country you are a citizen of. Course requirements are stated on each course webpage. Examples of documentation you might expect to provide for your international application include a copy of personal identification, academic transcripts or a resume.
Once you have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter from Flinders University, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible as visa processing times can vary. You will receive your CoE letter after you have applied to study at Flinders, accepted your offer and paid the semester tuition fee.
No. Part-time study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
No. Online study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
If you don’t meet our English language or academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through our on-campus pathway provider Flinders University Academy. Alternatively, you can improve your English language proficiency through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
You can apply to study as an international student directly through Flinders University or an authorised agent in your country.
If you are from one of the countries listed here, you are required to apply via an education agent. If you reside onshore in Australia, you will not require an agent even if you are from the countries listed above.
Yes. As a student visa (subclass 500) holder, you and your dependents (family members) can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study is in session. If you have started a master degree by research or doctoral degree, this rule does not apply to you and working hours are not restricted.
Our dedicated International Student Services (ISS) team provide a range of programs supporting your enrolment, study and social life, as well as a referral service to facilities on campus and within the local community.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University
Flinders University uses cookies to ensure website functionality, personalisation and a variety of purposes as set out in its website privacy statement. This statement explains cookies and their use by Flinders.
If you consent to the use of our cookies then please click the button below:
If you do not consent to the use of all our cookies then please click the button below. Clicking this button will result in all cookies being rejected except for those that are required for essential functionality on our website.