Gain a competitive edge with course fees covering key cricket coaching, umpiring and industry accreditations, allowing graduates to earn valuable, industry-recognised qualifications without any extra expense.
Continue to explore course options at Flinders University.
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. With smaller cohorts and exclusive access to industry experiences, you’ll learn in the heart of South Australia’s sporting community, surrounded by the people, environments and events that bring elite sport to life.
Put your learning into practice through hands-on practical experience, build valuable connections and gain a head start in the sports industry. This diploma is also a great stepping stone into further study, with pathways into Flinders bachelor degrees in sport and active recreation or business.
The Diploma in Sport Development and Coaching combines practical learning with industry experience at Adelaide Oval, giving you job-ready skills in coaching, sport development, officiating, program delivery and event operations. It can open doors to careers across community sport, sporting clubs, schools, governing bodies and recreation organisations.
Potential occupations
Potential employers
The iconic Adelaide Oval will be your classroom for study in the Diploma in Sport Development and Coaching, where you will learn the business of cricket from industry professionals, including over 100 hours of practical experience. Learn from SACA staff and get on-the-job training in membership & community cricket.
On completion of this diploma, you’ll be fully prepared to pursue a career in sport development and coaching with guaranteed entry into Flinders degrees, including the Bachelor of Sport and Active Recreation or the Bachelor of Business majoring in Sports Management.
Your diploma might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
Backed by 100 hours of practical, hands-on experience, you’ll put your learning into practice in real sporting environments, gaining experience working with athletes, teams and community programs alongside industry professionals.
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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.
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Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Dr Dylan Hicks
Dylan Hicks is a Lecturer in Sport and Active Recreation and a movement scientist at Flinders University. His expertise spans sport biomechanics, strength and conditioning, coaching and physical education, with a focus on applying skill acquisition, motor learning and movement analysis to enhance coaching and human performance.
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 physical activity researcher, she brings extensive research and industry knowledge to her teaching, connecting theory with real-world practice to prepare students for careers in sport and recreation.
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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.
Speak to us about alternative entry options available for this course. Applicants can apply for this course if they meet standard admission requirements including Year 12 qualifications, higher education transfers, TAFE/VET qualifications, foundation studies or STAT.
Entry is also available through a portfolio focusing on work experience, interest and experience in sport. You do not need an ATAR. Thinking about applying? Contact our Student Advisors for more information and guidance with your next steps.
Check the entry requirements.
Apply via Flinders Direct Application Portal - applications are open now. When applying, ensure you select 'Direct Applicant' as your category.
You can apply to study via the Flinders direct application portal.
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.
The Diploma in Sport Development and Coaching is designed for people who want to build a career in sports coaching, athlete development and community sport. It’s suited to aspiring coaches, current sports participants and anyone interested in developing practical skills for working in the sports industry.
As this is a full-time diploma, it is not designed to be studied concurrently with another full-time degree. However, we recognise that every student’s circumstances are different. Some students may choose to pause their current studies to complete the diploma, or undertake it after finishing their bachelor. The Flinders admissions and support teams are happy to discuss individual study plans with students who are interested in combining the diploma with their existing degree.
The diploma focuses on applied learning and practical assessments rather than traditional exams.
Yes, you will complete over 100 hours of practical learning in real sporting environments, including hands-on coaching, industry projects and opportunities to apply your skills with athletes, teams and community sport programs.
No, you don’t need prior professional experience in sports or cricket. A passion for the industry and willingness to learn are what matter most.
The diploma can prepare you for entry-level roles in sports coaching, sport development, athlete development, community sport, club development and sport program delivery. You’ll gain practical skills and industry experience to help you pursue a career across sporting clubs, community organisations, schools, governing bodies and recreation providers.
You apply through Flinders University’s admissions portal. Entry is typically based on Year 12 completion or equivalent for mature-age applicants. Specific requirements are outlined on the course page.
Yes. It’s developed in partnership with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) to ensure strong industry alignment, practical relevance, and employer value.
This course is only available for domestic students. If you would like to discuss your eligibility, please book a chat.
Yes. Eligible domestic students can access FEE-HELP to defer their tuition fees (Australian Citizens are eligible for Fee-Help assistance). This means you can study now and repay your fees later through the Australian taxation system once you meet the income threshold.
Yes. Many graduates use the diploma as a pathway into related bachelor’s degrees or further postgraduate study, receiving credit towards future study.
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