Diploma of Business and Sports Management (Higher Education)
Developed in partnership with Melbourne City Institute of Sport & Business, this 12-month diploma combines theory and hands-on industry training in the elite environment of Melbourne City Football Club’s state-of-the-art facility, the City Football Academy Melbourne - ctrl:cyber Campus.
Limited availability
Places in this course are limited and entry is competitive. Apply early for the best chance of securing your place.
Course essentials
ATAR
If you receive an ATAR equal to or above the guaranteed ATAR, and meet the course prerequisites and any extra requirements, you're guaranteed a place.
A lowest adjusted ATAR shows the lowest selection rank (ATAR plus adjustments) offered a place last year. It's not a guaranteed entry score and changes annually.
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Entry requirements
Credit
A full-time study load is 120 credits a year (usually four 15-credit units each semester). 120 credits equal one equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL). Each credit point equals about 10 hours of learning, so a 15-credit unit means roughly 150 hours.
Study mode
Study modes tell you how teaching and learning will be delivered for your course and include where and when classes can be scheduled, what you'll do and the tech you'll use.
Duration
Start dates
01 March 2027
26 July 2027
Locations
Course overview
Kick-off your career in sport, and gain the skills and knowledge to manage people, build networks, and lead teams. This program equips you with the business acumen and industry insights needed to thrive in a dynamic sports career.
Our program offers a unique blend of eight carefully crafted subjects that bridge the worlds of business and sport. Designed to develop core business skills and specialised sports knowledge, you’ll gain the tools to thrive in the sports industry.
You’ll benefit from smaller class sizes which allow for more one-on-one time with lecturers and more opportunity for individual study. And best of all, our partnership with Melbourne City Football Club means you will have an extensive range of opportunities to build your professional network and gain work experience in both business and sport.
From management principles and marketing, to sports event planning and athlete development, each subject is tailored to prepare you for a dynamic career in sport and business. The course also includes a focus on international sports management, digital marketing and human resources – all critical skills for today’s global sports industry.
Through Melbourne City Football Club, you will have a wide range of opportunities to apply your theory into practice, with a minimum of 100 hours of work placement.
Upon successful completion, graduates have the option to enter the Bachelor of Business program at the second-year level with Federation University, or complete the course with a Diploma level qualification.
Visit the Melbourne City Institute of Sport & Business website to learn more.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Business
Course co-ordinator
Samuel Zhang
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
20 July 2026
Locations
Melbourne City Football Club
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Melbourne City Football Club
Semester 2, 2027
26 July 2027
Locations
Melbourne City Football Club
Contact hours
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Creativity and Innovation15 credit pointsGPENT1501
- Leading Organisations15 credit pointsBUMGT2623
- Introduction to International Sport Management15 credit pointsISMAN1001
- Sport Event Management15 credit pointsISMAN1002
- Professional Identity (Business)15 credit pointsCOOPB1001
- Management Principles15 credit pointsGPMGT1501
- Human Resource Management for Sport15 credit pointsISMAN1007
- Digital Media Marketing15 credit pointsISMAN2005
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (year 12)
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English
Please note: all applicants who have not met the English pre-requisites through their Year 12 results will be required to complete a literacy test to determine their eligibility for admission.
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Admission criteria for applicants with a Higher Education Study
Compulsory: Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course such as the Federation Access Studies Program (FAST).
Admission criteria for applications with a Vocational Education and Training study
Compulsory: Successful completion of a relevant VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience
Applicants who have not completed secondary education, or undertaken any TAFE or university studies will not be eligible for entry into this course. Applicants in this category should consider a pathway course such as Federation Access Studies (FAST) Program
English language requirements
Overall Academic IELTS band score of 5.5, with no band less than 5.0, or equivalent.
Extra requirements
All applicants must successfully pass an interview comprised of a panel of university and industry representatives prior to selection for this course.
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- PM1