Bachelor of Sport Management

Overview

Gain the skills for a career in the sports, physical recreation and outdoor adventure sector with a Bachelor of Sport Management at Victoria University.

You will learn the techniques of management and their application to the sport and physical recreation industries including:

planning
human resource management
finance
leadership
marketing
performance evaluation.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be confident and ready to manage professional sport organisations, major sporting events, and sporting facilities. You’ll also be prepared to manage community sport programs, social development projects, outdoor adventure activities, and active recreation experiences.

VU is a leading sport university, and you’ll benefit from our extensive sports and physical recreation industry partnerships. Our classroom activities are blended with online and practical learning. By undertaking work placements, you’ll develop professional connections before you even graduate.

Sport Management majors

After the first year of the course, you can choose between two specialist majors.

Sport & Active Communities major

You’ll explore community sport and its relationship with elite and professional sport. You will learn how it can be managed to optimise participant satisfaction, build sustainable communities, and deliver an overall improvement in economic and social value.

This major also covers team-sport management, gym and exercise program administration, and community-based physical activity programming.

Outdoor Recreation Leadership major

You’ll experience a diverse range of adventure programs. These will provide unique learning situations that help you to build a wide range of skills. For example, over 90 Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Education students took part in a rogaining event that tested their navigation and endurance skills.

You’ll learn to plan, organise, and program complex outdoor adventure activities at the highest professional level. You’ll also develop highly valued character traits including integrity, cultural sensitivity, and psychological resilience.

Study at a leading sports university

Victoria University is one of Australia's most recognisable sport universities. We have an outstanding reputation in sport, exercise science, health and fitness.

We have gained this name through our extensive offering of sport-related courses and our world-class facilities. Also unique to VU is our significant research and partnerships, as well as our leading academic staff.

We have the largest number of students enrolled in sport courses, and more sports industry partners than any other university. We also have the most graduates working in the sport industry.

Sports industry connections

VU has strong, unique partnerships with more than 350 local, national and global organisations across the sport, exercise and recreation industries. These partnerships inform the content of our courses and provide joint research opportunities.

Our partnerships provide great opportunities for your career development including:

lectures by industry experts
exciting work placement opportunities
environments for collaborative learning.

Our partners include:

Western Bulldogs Football Club
Australian Institute of Sport
Victorian Racing Club
Australian Sports Commission
Real Madrid Football Club Foundation
Beijing and German Sports Universities
Sport Australia Hall of Fame
National Heart Foundation
VicHealth
National Ageing Research Institute
Football Federation Victoria
Tennis Australia
Western Health
Australian Football League (AFL).

Career development and industry placement program

Everything you learn with VU has direct links to the real world. A key part of your studies will be experiencing the true nature of working in a professional sports environment in your industry placements.

You can choose your 70 hour and 140 hour placements based on your personal career aspirations.

We have qualified career specialists with a background in the sports industry who will support you. You’ll gain direct practical experience by taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it in the real world.

These placements will provide you with confidence and a competitive advantage in the workforce.

Placements and cadetships take place with VU partner organisations such as:

Western Bulldogs Football Club
Melbourne Storm
Victorian Institute of Sport.

Unique learning experience

The Bachelor of Sport Management is the only course in Australia that studies sport management in the context of other disciplines.

This course draws on economics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, finance, geography, philosophy, law, architecture, and history. Taught by highly qualified professionals, these disciplines inform the study of management within the context of sport and recreation.

This course also uniquely blends the study of commercial, community and outdoor sport. Classroom activities are integrated with online learning. Through case studies, practical learning and industry networking, you’ll become confident with both theory and practice.

State-of-the-art facilities

You'll have access to the most comprehensive range of sport and exercise science facilities in the southern hemisphere, including a $68 million sport and learning precinct with specialised labs that support our world-class Institute for Health and Sport (IHES).

The facility is used by students, researchers, professional sports teams and community organisations.

At the Victoria University Community Sports Stadium you will learn alongside sport and recreation professionals. This stadium is a joint initiative with the Western Bulldogs.

Our facilities include:

exercise physiology labs
altitude hotel
biomechanics labs
motor learning and skilled performance labs
heat chambers
motor control and biofeedback labs
integrated teaching and learning facilities.

VU received the highest possible ranking for human movement and sports science in the 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment. This ranking places us ‘well above world standard’.

Study overseas while earning course credits

At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.

Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.

Need some advice?

Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.

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Career Development and Employability - Transcript

Careers in sport and recreation

The sport, fitness and physical recreation industries play a crucial and significant role in the health and wellbeing of Australians. There are diverse and expanding career opportunities in this sector.

Graduates of our Bachelor of Sport Management will be ready to work in a variety of roles in the sport and physical recreation industry. You may work in commercial or community sport, or outdoor adventure. You’ll be qualified to manage sport organisations, facilities, and events.

The career opportunities are broad, and each of the majors provides many exciting options.

Sport & Communities major

You will be ideally placed to work as an administrator, officer or manager in:

sport governing bodies
sports clubs
stadia and arenas
local and state government agencies that focus on physical activity policies and issues
gyms and leisure centres
leisure planning and sport development units within local government spaces
community welfare agencies
youth work programs
sports and leisure consultancies
the motor or horse racing industry.

Outdoor Recreation Leadership major

You will be prepared to work as a sport management educator, leader or trainer for outdoor adventure programs in:

schools
outdoor adventure camps
state government agencies
adventure sport businesses
corporate training consultancies
local government community leisure units
health education agencies
youth work programs.

Salaries & job growth

Use Labour Market Insights to find job growth information and average salaries for various professions in Australia, including:

Further study

You could also go on to study a Master of Sport Business, which will enable you to enhance your professional capabilities, and show how they can be used to maintain sports’ reputation for fair play, inclusiveness, transparency and integrity. You could also move into an Honours program, which gives you the opportunity to build your research skills, and complete a major research project.

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Sport Management students will be required to complete 288 credit points (equivalent to 24 units) consisting of:

96 credit points of First Year Core units
96 credit points of Major studies from the approved list
48 credit points of Professional Development in Sport & Outdoor Recreation Minor studies
48 credit points of Minor studies from the approved list.

Minors not available for students completing the Outdoor Recreation Leadership Major are:-

SMIOUT Outdoor Recreation Leadership

Minors not available for students completing the Sport and Active Communities Major are:-

SMISAC Sport and Active Communities

Course structure and units

First Year Core Units

Marketing Theory and Practice

Unit code

BHO1000

Credits
12
People and Organisations

Unit code

BMO1000

Credits
12
Introduction to Adventure Environments

Unit code

SOL1000

Credits
12
Introduction to Sport and Active Recreation

Unit code

SSM1101

Credits
12
Foundations of Sport and Active Recreation

Unit code

SSM1102

Credits
12
Community Building for Sport and Active Recreation

Unit code

SSM1104

Credits
12
Financial Management for Sport and Active Recreation

Unit code

SSM1202

Credits
12
Human Resources for Sport and Active Recreation

Unit code

SSM1203

Credits
12

Achieve more with the VU Block Model

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

	1.	Integrate conceptual understandings of strategic planning, operational management, staff development, program design, service delivery, performance evaluation, and relevant business principles, with advanced specialist knowledge and managerial know-how within the discipline of sport and active recreation;
	2.	Critically analyse theoretical and technical knowledge in diverse contexts, and adapt and apply related skills to the effective management of sport and active recreation services;
	3.	Critically review and apply information with initiative and judgement in order to both anticipate and creatively solve problems related to the management of sport and active recreation services in contemporary settings;
	4.	Exhibit professional judgement, ethical standards, and social sensitivity by adapting knowledge and managerial skills to make decisions - be it individually or collaboratively - that provide inclusive, sustainable, and culturally relevant sport and active recreation experiences;
	5.	Communicate a coherent and independent exposition of industry knowledge and operational skills in both oral and written form to a range of audiences;
	6.	Reflect on personal learning and skills in relation to career goals with a view to implementing creative strategies to promote lifelong learning, and establishing pathways for the attainment of further professional development and vocational training;
	7.	Apply personal and interpersonal competencies, work-group skills, and leadership abilities to the effective management of sport, exercise, and active recreation enterprises, while also accommodating the divergent and complex cultures of Australia and other regions around the world; and
	8.	Contribute to the organisation and delivery of sport and active recreation programs with personal accountability, integrity, and social responsibility for outcomes, and do it through dynamic 21st Century work-teams that use resources efficiently, provide high levels of participant satisfaction, and deliver widespread social utility.

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Fees & scholarships

Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Fee type definitions

The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.

Students who enrol in a:

Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.

In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Scholarships & assistance

Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.

We can help with fee assistance and advice.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
an Australian or overseas equivalent or
an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of a single unit of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Health or Human Sciences, Training & Development, Community Sports or similar.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

Additional information

Students will require a Working with Children Check and National Police Check to be eligible to undertake and participate in workplace visits, placements or projects. Use the following site links to obtain additional information:
http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274.

Selection criteria assistance

Let us know which qualifications you have studied and we will help you find the admission information that most applies to you.

Which of the following qualifications have you studied, or are currently studying?

Still not sure? Make an enquiry and one of our advisors can assist.

Student profile

Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this course.

Student profile

Applicant background	Number of students	Percentage of all students
(A) Past Higher Education Study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	<5	<5
(B) Past vocational education and training (VET) study	<5	<5
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the impact of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	NA	NA
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	NA	NA
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration alone, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)	7	41.2%
(D) Work and Life experience	<5	<5
International students	<5	<5
All students	17	100%

"<5" – the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Pathways & credits

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Pathways from VU courses

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

Certificate IV in Fitness SIS40221