Diploma of Sport
Online Delivery
This course covers the skills and knowledge needed to pursue roles in the sports business sector, or for further study; Learn negotiation and risk management, legal and ethical responsibility, team leadership, managing media relationships, use of technology in sport and recreation, strategy and resource allocation, and how to communicate with stakeholders, volunteers and athletes.
Graduates of this course will be well-equipped for a variety of roles, from managing competitions, sports venues and facilities and identifying and developing athletes.
Duration
1 year
Intakes
Online (February) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Richmond Institute of Sport Leadership
The Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership, in partnership with Swinburne and Richmond Football Club, offers a unique pathway aimed at developing the next generation of leaders within the sports industry.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Developed in collaboration with Richmond Football Club and Swinburne University of Technology, students have the chance to learn the skills and concepts to progress their sports and management career development pathway. The course is designed to challenge the participants in their understanding of the business environment in the sport industry and their personal organisation and leadership development to be able to succeed in this sector. This course is designed to provide a solid base for future employment in the sports business sector. The program will include training in a blended mode of face-to-face sessions, workshops and guest forums online as well as project work and collaboration with other students. There will be no on campus delivery for this course. The delivery of units will be staggered over 1 year of full-time study or 2 years of part-time study with individual support sessions also scheduled. The learning will be grouped into four thematic areas: Leading the team; Business planning in the sport industry; Business relationships in the sport industry and Project planning.
Course structure
To be able to graduate from this course, students will be required to complete all core and elective units nominated. All 14 units must be completed.
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
This course provides graduates with the skills to work in the Sport Development sector and reflects the role of individuals who apply knowledge, practical skills and experience in management and leadership across a range of enterprise and industry contexts. Occupational outcomes for this qualification can vary from managing competitions, sports venues and facilities and identifying and developing athletes. Work at this level would be undertaken with a high degree of autonomy.
The following are indicative job roles for this qualification:
- Competition manager
- Program developer
- Talent development manager
- Sport development manager
- Leisure and recreational facility coordinator
- Leisure and recreational facility program development
- Sports Media Officer
- Sport and recreation community development officer
- Sport and recreation administration
- Sport and recreation event management
- Sport and recreation consumer business officer
- Outdoor Recreation Worker
- Project Manager
- Pathways with further study into Business (multiple streams), Exercise Science, Education
Aims and objectives
This course prepares graduates for a career in sports leadership. Graduates will develop skills and knowledge in sports management, leadership and the business landscape of the sporting industry to prepare them for employment or to continue study into an approved bachelor course. Students learn personal organisation skills, leadership skills and business skills including project management, use of technology in sport and recreation, managing media relationships, people management, safety and compliance.

Graduate skills
The course aims to provide the skills necessary for:
- Professional communication: stakeholders, volunteers, competition staff, athletes and businesses
- Team leadership, accountability, appropriate assistance, interpersonal relationships, monitoring and compliance
- Problem solving, managing risks, negotiation, strategy and resource allocation, unforeseen issues
- Taking initiative, change management, relationship building, responding to feedback, continuous improvement
- Planning and organisation, records, multiple task management, selection processes, OHS policy
- Self-management, legal and ethical responsibilities, critically reviewing own strengths and weaknesses, assessing feedback on own performance and determining strategies for improvement, networking
- Open sharing of knowledge and experience and suitable usage of information technology related to management and planning.
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.
The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $16,788. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Diploma of SportEstimated course fees for 2023* |
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For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | Is this a Free TAFE course? | |
You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan | $12,440 | $11,350 | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | Fully Covered | Fully Covered | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Find out if you’re eligible for a fee concession here.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 645.
Entry requirements
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Some additional criteria may also apply.
Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent. To ensure suitability for this program, all applicants are required to undergo an interview conducted by industry professionals. Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about credit.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about RPL.
Expressions of interest and Application process
- Step 1: Complete the below expression of interest form.
- Step 2: Attend an open day at Richmond Institute – either in person or online. Submit a Personal Profile for Assessment form if interested in the course.
- Step 3: We’ll call you to conduct a brief interview. This is just to make sure the course is right for you!
- Step 4: If successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer for a position from Richmond Institute.
- Step 5: If successful, you’ll receive your official Swinburne offer via email. This includes information on how to accept your offer, enrolment, and to confirm start date.