Diploma of Sport (Sport Development)

Overview

Develop athletes. Build media relationships. Lead with confidence. Designed in collaboration with Richmond Football Club, our Diploma of Sport teaches you to become a major player in sports business. Learn the practical skills required to manage competitions, sports venues and facilities. Meet program ambassadors and trainers to gain real industry experience.

Get a copy of our course guide

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

Skills you’ll learn

Professional communication
Problem solving
Planning & organisation
Self-management

Your career opportunities

Competition manager
Program developer
Talent development manager
Sport development manager
Leisure and recreation administrator

Further education

Location options

Online

Collaboration partner

Richmond FC

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.

Admissions

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.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Assess your eligibility for entry to Swinburne

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Book your Pearson Test of English

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.

Learn more about credit

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Learn more about RPL

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Diploma of Sport / Diploma of Leadership and Management

Discover more (Diploma of Sport / Diploma of Leadership and Management)
Diploma of Screen and Media - Sports Media

Discover more (Diploma of Screen and Media - Sports Media)
Diploma of Leadership and Management - Fast track

Discover more (Diploma of Leadership and Management - Fast track)

Course structure

There will be no on-campus delivery for this course. The delivery of units will be staggered over 1 year of full-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.

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.

Core units

Elective units

Diploma

Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 760

Your units

Diploma of Sport

Units of study	Unit code
Core units
Lead and manage people Core unit	SITXHRM009
Maintain work health and safety Core unit	HLTWHS003
Manage business risk Core unit	BSBOPS504
Elective units
Develop and use emotional intelligence Elective unit	BSBPEF502
Develop and review budgets for activities or projects Elective unit	SISXFIN001
Select and use technology for sport, fitness and recreation work Elective unit	SISXICT001
Manage legal compliance in sport and recreation Elective unit	SISXIND008
Manage organisational customer service Elective unit	BSBOPS505
Lead diversity and inclusion Elective unit	BSBTWK501
Manage media relationships Elective unit	PSPGEN085
Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships Elective unit	SISXMGT001
Manage meetings Elective unit	BSBTWK503
Manage projects Elective unit	SITXMGT006
Manage personal and professional development Elective unit	BSBPEF501

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$13,460

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$12,290

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

Find out more about fees

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

log in to My Financials
check your Australian bank account details are correct
check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
pay using your preferred payment method.

Learn more about paying your fees

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

Learn more about VET student loans

Concessions rates for vocational students

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.

Learn more about concession rates

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

Learn more about SSAF

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

Learn more about scholarships

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Fields marked with a * are mandatory.

First name *

Surname*

Email *

Mobile number *

Suburb *

Postcode *

What best describes you? *

Secondary School

How did you hear about us?

Are you happy with a staff member from Swinburne or Richmond Institute of Sport Leadership contacting you regarding your application for this course? *

Start dates

Location

Last date to apply

Start dates

July intake

Hawthorn

16-July-2025

21-July-2025

Start dates

Location

Start dates

July intake

Hawthorn

21-July-2025

Upcoming events

Swinburne Study Expo (Wantirna)

28-May-2025

Swinburne Study Expo (Hawthorn)

05-June-2025

Swinburne Study Expo (Croydon)

11-June-2025

Overview

Entry requirements

Study structure

Fees & Scholarships

How to apply

Overview

Skills you’ll learn

Your career opportunities

Further education

Location options

Collaboration partner

Richmond FC

Richmond Institute of Sport Leadership

Admission requirements

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

Diploma of Sport

Fees are estimates only

Fees are estimates only

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

SSAF fee* ($AUD)