Australian residents
International students
ATAR:
Not required*
*Offers made in 2022. More about ATAR
Duration: 
3 years full time or longer for part time
Location: 
City Campus
Delivery mode: 
In person
Start dates:
24 February 2025
28 July 2025
Application due dates:
View How to apply
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Overview

Gain the skills for a management career in sports, physical recreation or outdoor adventure, 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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’.

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.

Request a call back
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.

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.

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.

A career break at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame

VU had a reputation as a go-to sports university, and the work placement program was another thing that made it an absolute no brainer for me.

Chris Little — Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management
Chris's sport success

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
- 192 credit points of core units

First Year Core Units

Core Units

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.

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

  1. Contextualise business knowledge and relevant business principles, in sport, and active recreation organisational settings;  
  2. Critically analyse organisational challenges, and adapt and apply related skills to the effective management of business, sport, and active recreation enterprises;  
  3. Investigate and creatively solve problems related to the management of enterprises in both the profit-based commercial business sector and the largely not-for profit sport, exercise, and active recreation sectors;  
  4. Exhibit professional judgement, ethical standards, and social sensitivity to provide inclusive, sustainable, and culturally relevant business, sport, and active recreation experiences;  
  5. Advocate a coherent and evidence-based reflection of industry knowledge and operational skills in both oral and written form to a range of audiences in both business and sport;  
  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. Exhibit personal and interpersonal competencies, work-group skills and leadership abilities to the effective management of both business and sport related enterprises, while also accommodating the divergent and complex cultures of Australia and globally; and  
  8. Demonstrate personal accountability, integrity, and social responsibility for outcomes, and do it through dynamic 21st Century work-teams that use resources efficiently.  

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:

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

NA

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:

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

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:

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

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:

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

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:

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.

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.

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.

Foundations at VU JYAC

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU JQAG

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

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.

Diploma of Golf Management

PGA International Golf Institute, Australia

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

Diploma of Sport

SEDA Group, Australia

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

Available start dates:
  • 24 February 2025
  • 28 July 2025

Before you apply

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

  • Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
  • Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.

Apply through VTAC

Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:

  • you are applying for more than one course
  • you are completing Year 12 in 2023
  • you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024

VTAC course code: 4300210111

VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.

Apply via VTAC

Special Entry Access Scheme

You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.

Apply direct to VU

Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:

  • you are a current VU student
  • you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023

Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.

Apply direct to VU

Already a VU student?

If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.

After you apply

  • It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
  • Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered

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Get help

At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.