Join our Team
Diploma in Sports Management

Port Adelaide Academy of Sport powered by Flinders University

Prepare for a career in one of the world’s most exciting industries. The Diploma in Sports Management is a one-year course combining the knowledge of Flinders academics with the real-world skills and experience of Port Adelaide Football Club.

Based at Alberton, Adelaide Oval and Flinders' new city campus, the Diploma in Sports Management will teach you the core skills needed to begin a career in sports management, backed by over 100 hours of practical and hands-on training with Port Adelaide management and staff.

Learning and practicing hands-on skills with other aspects of your study online, you’ll go behind the scenes and learn how an AFL club operates, gain vital marketing and event management skills, build your professional network and discover how you can make your mark in sports management.

On completion, you’ll be fully prepared to pursue a career in sports management with guaranteed entry into Flinders degrees, including the Bachelor of Business (Sports Management), Bachelor of Business or the Bachelor of Sport, and Active Recreation.

Minimum of two employment opportunities guaranteed with Port Adelaide Football Club every year.

Study one year
full-time

Based at
Alberton, Adelaide Oval and Flinders' new city campus

Over 100 hours of practical, work-ready experience

Guaranteed entry into Flinders degrees

Want to find out more?

Register your interest now to speak with one of our friendly student advisers and learn more about studying the Diploma in 2025.

Are you eligible?

Whether you’re completing Year 12 or have been out of school for a while, there are a variety of pathways for the Diploma in Sports Management.

I have recently completed

How much does it cost?

The Diploma will cost $19,950.

This course is categorised as an Employer Reserved Place and is offered as a Domestic Fee-paying program. Eligible students can defer their fees with a FEE-HELP loan. Further details on FEE-HELP.

What will you study

Business of Sport

Gain an introduction to the knowledge, skills and teamwork required to operate sporting-oriented businesses, with a focus on AFL/club operations.

Sport and Community Engagement and Development

Study key aspects of community engagement and development in the sports context, including participation, diversity, inclusion and respect.

Exploring and Reporting Sport Business Data

Learn how to interpret, summarise and report data in the sports context. Design and present reports for the club.

Introduction to Sport Marketing

Discuss the key marketing concepts and how they are applied within club and community contexts. Explore marketing theory and discuss the factors that influence marketing decisions.

Sports Event Management

Analyse the value of event types and role in club and community contexts. Explore event design and management and study the varying roles and relationships of stakeholders in the organisation of events.

Sports Management and Leadership

Study management and leadership principles and related theory in the sports context, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait leadership. Relate management and leadership principles and theory to authentic business scenarios in the club context and explore the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving organisational goals.

Sport Management Practicum

100 hours of practical experience including project work.

"I am excited by the education and employment opportunities and pathways this partnership with Flinders University will provide for not only students who are currently completing their secondary education, but also for cohorts in years to come.

The Diploma provides a brand-new pathway for students who want to explore a career in sport, and also gives them the chance to unlock unparalleled, hands-on work experience across various departments at the club, and importantly opens doors for further undergraduate education at Flinders.

The AFL is a significant industry in its own right with genuine career pathways. Not all of us can be AFL players, but we can all build exciting career options across a wide range of professions in the AFL and this course provides a unique entry point to that.

Our staff, coaches and even some players will be involved in delivering specific aspects of the program, giving students a chance to learn first-hand from some highly experienced people in the AFL industry.”

Matthew Richardson, Port Adelaide Football Club CEO

"As a lifelong passionate Port Adelaide supporter, the chance to participate in the Diploma of Sports Management at the club, learn from their staff about the inner workings of a professional AFL team was a key reason in applying.

My experience at the Port Adelaide Academy of Sport has been a great influence on my academic and personal growth. Completing assessment pieces to a high standard has made me believe that if I was to further my studies in the future at Flinders University, I would be able to do so.

The professional growth I’ve gained from 100 hours of practical hands-on experience has been extremely beneficial as it has positively influenced my self-confidence and public speaking skills."

Dylan Errington, Diploma of Sports Management student

Potential careers

Your dream careers starts here. The Diploma in Sports Management opens doors to a range of exciting careers in organisations including community sports programs, governing bodies, clubs, venues and events.