Online Diploma of Sport Development

What is a Diploma of Sport Development?

The Diploma of Sport Development provides a solid foundation in the theoretical and practical skills necessary to work in sport. It delivers key information on coaching, management, injuries, communications, marketing, health and wellness, and more. This course will give you the knowledge and skills to gain employment and secure career progression in the field of sports or move onto further qualifications and training required to achieve your goals in the industry.

Designed to fit in with you
With all your learning materials online, you can tailor a schedule to fit your personal needs. 

Learn from specialists in their field 
Our academics understand where the industry is heading and will guide you on your learning journey.

A dedicated Success Coach
An ally to encourage, inspire and guide, your Success Coach will help you achieve your goals and create the right trajectory for your career.

Course overview

The Diploma of Sport Development teaches you the skills and knowledge you need to forge a career in the sport and leisure sector. Taught by experienced industry professionals, who are leaders in the field, this course provides a foundation of human physiology, wellbeing and nutrition, complemented by marketing coaching and management skills. This sports development diploma provides credit and pathway opportunities into a range of bachelor's courses.

Career opportunities

The Diploma of Sport Development is designed to prepare you to confidently start a career in community sports. Upon graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to begin an entry level role in the field or continue studies at the bachelor level.

Studying sport development course in Australia

Career paths

Sports Development Officer
Competition Manager
Talent Development Officer

Future careers
Sports Development Officer

Competition Manager

Talent Development Officer

Learn more about careers in health

Subjects and units

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

8 Core subjects

Body Systems and Disease | HWEL2001

This subject introduces the basic concepts and terminologies required to understand the fundamental structure and function of the human body. The interaction between the structural anatomy of the human body and key body systems, including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive and endocrine systems that maintain homeostasis is explored. In addition, this subject covers the common disease process that commonly effect the major systems of the body.
Sports Marketing | SPO102

Marketing of sports and recreation is more than simply about the product; it is about broader health and wellness, entertainment, community and generating team or brand loyalty. This unit applies the marketing principles and mix to the field of sports and recreation, to take a broader view on how marketing can support health promotion and advocacy through sport.
Social and Emotional Wellbeing | HWEL2006

The subject covers the principles of social, emotional and psychological health as they relate to health behaviours. Students will analyse the role of capacity building and the promotion of wellbeing through mindfulness, positive behavioural change and resilience.
Coaching Practices | CPT103

This subject will assist students in developing the necessary skills to source and develop knowledge of general principles of coaching and group facilitation, including National Sporting Organisation (NSO) sport specific requirements. Building on these principles, students will explore the identification, design, implementation and evaluation of a coaching program suitable for a chosen sport.
Foundations of Human Nutrition | FHN201

This subject provides students with fundamental nutrition knowledge through examining the relationship between food, nutrition and human health. Students will learn about macro and micro-nutrition, dietary guidelines, role of nutrition in metabolism, health maintenance and disease, nutrient rich food sources, and the specific nutritional requirements throughout the lifespan. Students will also learn how to identify and construct a healthy diet according to specific dietary guidelines, and know the impact of nutritional deficiency and excess as they relate to health and disease.
High Performance Training and Injury Management | HPT106

This subject will engage students in identifying, designing and implementing training and recovery programs to meet the demands of athlete populations. Students will build upon their anatomy and physiology knowledge to explore training methods and periodisation in the design and implementing of training, injury and recovery programs. For the dedicated coach, this subject will further enable students to identify current injury and illness trends in sport, formulate action plans and injury prevention strategies to reduce incidence and learn how to monitor the success of these initiatives.
Introduction to Sports Management | SPO101

In this subject students will be introduced to the field of Sport Management. Students will investigate the historical foundations of sport, management principles, socio-cultural influences of sport and the role of governance in sport. Students will investigate the role sport plays in building communities and analyse the importance that professional sport plays in contemporary society.
Developing Sports Participation | DSE108

This subject covers the strategic planning necessary for improving the service provision and needs of target groups in sports and leisure activity. Developing and utilising excellent communication skills to improve key stakeholder relations, students will design and implement participation strategies and evaluate success of the program. This subject draws on many aspects of this course and will assist students to develop essential skills to enhance pathways for emerging talent, increase access and inclusion, and to promote diverse community participation in schools, clubs and community environments.

Industry partnerships

When you study with Torrens University Australia, you will benefit from our extensive network of industry partners. You’ll learn from industry professionals, gain invaluable insights and build key industry relationships.

Learning outcomes

Explore the principles of physical activity and its role in maintaining health and preventing disease
Understand a variety of health solutions in fitness and human nutrition
Develop coaching skills to foster a love of sport in others, for healthier outcomes
Analyse the role of psychological health within the broader sporting context

Hear from our Health lecturers about the flexible and career-focused approach we take to your education.

Domestic entry requirements, fees and scholarships

Admissions criteria and pathways: Domestic students

Before you begin your course application, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

OR work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

View full course admission information

Fees: Domestic students

Domestic fees

Check the Domestic Course Fee Schedule for the cost of your course.

Download domestic fees PDF
FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.
View more info on fees

Scholarships: Domestic students

If you are truly passionate about health, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of health scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the health industry:

Scholarship types
Health

Alumni

Industry

Indigenous

View all scholarships

How to apply: Domestic students

Apply online now Make an enquiry

Frequently asked questions

What does admissions criteria mean?

Admissions criteria is a set of criteria that must be met to be eligible to apply for a chosen course.

To gain entry to an accredited undergraduate course at Torrens University Australia, applicants must both satisfy general admissions criteria and meet any additional course requirements where specified.

All admissions criteria and course-specific requirements apply consistently across campus locations and study modes. To find out more, visit admissions criteria.
What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has recognised pathways to help you gain entry into our bachelor degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study pathways or contact one of our knowledgeable Course and Careers Advisors.
Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available upon application and academic approval.

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be able to receive credits towards your degree. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Our Program Directors will carefully review the learning gained from your previous qualification and/or experience to ensure we provide you with credit towards our degrees whenever appropriate. Review our course credits page or chat to one of Course and Careers Advisors.
What are course credits?

Course credits are credits that can be applied to your course based on your prior experience or qualifications. To find out more, visit course credits

.
What are Torrens University Australia’s courses’ ATAR requirements?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate.
Am I a domestic or an international student?

Domestic students are Australian and Permanent Residents. International students are those who hold citizenship or Permanent Resident status of all other countries.

International students from countries whose first official language is one other than English need to provide evidence of English Language Proficiency.
How do Torrens University Australia fees charge?

Torrens University Australia is a full-fee paying institution. To find out more, visit Tuition Fees.

Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP. For more information on FEE-HELP, please visit: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/.

Please note we do not currently offer any full fee waivers for international students. We do not offer stipends or living allowances.
How much are Torrens University Australia courses?

For a full list of tuition fees, visit Tuition Fees.

Remember, if you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, your fees can be covered by FEE-HELP. You can find out more information on FEE-HELP on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
To get a FEE-HELP loan, you must:

be an Australian citizen and study at least part of your course in Australia, or

be a New Zealand Special Category visa (SCV) holder or permanent humanitarian visa holder and meet the residency requirements.

be enrolled in a fee-paying place at a provider that offers FEE-HELP loans

be enrolled in an eligible course at your provider by the census date (your provider can tell you if your course is eligible)

submit the Request for FEE-HELP form to your provider by the census date

not have already borrowed up to your HELP loan limit.

Permanent residents can only get FEE-HELP for approved bridging studies.

If you are studying at a non-university, you will also need to meet the ‘pass rate’ requirements.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to a Course and Careers Advisor and we can guide you through the process.
Can I apply for FEE-HELP?

To be eligible for FEE-HELP you need to be an Australian citizen , and have a tax file number. You must also be studying at an approved higher education provider, such as Torrens University Australia.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
How do I apply for FEE-HELP?

If you receive an offer from Torrens University Australia, and you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for FEE-HELP. You will need to complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form if you want to defer payment of some, or all, of your tuition fees. You will need to quote your tax file number or provide a Certificate of Application for a Tax File Number. The form must be completed before the due date.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to our Course and Careers Advisors and we can guide you through the process.
Is there a FEE-HELP limit?

For 2020, the HELP loan limit is $106,319 for most students. The Australian Government publishes the HELP Loan limit on their website.

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible fee-paying students to pay their tuition costs. Eligible students can borrow up to the FEE-HELP limit to pay their tuition fees. Note: Any loan fees that were applied to study prior to January 1, 2019 will not count towards your FEE-HELP limit.

Students repay the loan to the Australian Government through the tax system once a student reaches the minimum income threshold level for repayment, which for 2019-20 is $45,881.

You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or Contact Us and we can guide you through the process.
What courses are available for FEE-HELP?

To find out more, visit How to Apply.
What is FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible full-fee-paying students pay their tuition costs.

You must be studying at an approved FEE-HELP provider in order to access a FEE-HELP loan, such as Torrens University Australia.

A FEE-HELP loan does not cover costs like accommodation, laptops or textbooks, and must be repaid once you start earning above a certain income threshold.

To find out more, visit the Study Assist website: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/fee-help.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for Torrens University Australia?

There are lots of resources to help you prepare for university life. Attend one of our workshops or events and get some tips firsthand from our industry-focused lecturers and current students.

The events programs range in topic and delivery mode, so there should always be one to suit your needs. At any time you can contact one of our Course and Careers Advisors to talk through your career goals. They can guide you on what to expect and how you can get prepared earlier. If you know exactly which course you want to enrol in, you could take advantage of the early entry program.
What is the Early Entry Program?

The Torrens University Australia Early Entry Program has been created to allow you to apply and secure your place for your chosen course before you finish your Year 12 exams.

To find out more, visit Early Entry Program or email enquiries@tua.edu.au or phone 1300 575 803.
How do I apply?

Applying is easy and can be done online by filling out the apply form. If you have any difficulty, please contact a Course and Careers Advisor, who can talk you through the process.

ALL SA/SACE and Victorian high school students must apply through SATAC and/or VTAC. Search for Torrens University Australia, Billy Blue College of Design or Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. International applicants may also need to demonstrate compliance with relevant legislative requirements, for example, requirements for student visas (this does not apply for online study outside of Australia).
How will I know if my application has been processed?

Our Course and Careers Advisors will help you through every step of the application process and provide you with updates. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter via email.
I am having trouble with my application. Who can help?

Our friendly Course and Careers Advisors are available to answer all your questions and guide you through the application process. Fill out the contact us form and one of them will reach out to you.
What are pathways?

All Torrens University Australia courses have specific entry requirements, but we also offer multiple pathways into courses when you don’t meet those entry requirements.

There are different pathways for different courses. For example, we offer a range of diploma courses which pathway into bachelor degrees in Business, Design and Creative Technology, Health and Hospitality. We also have graduate certificate and graduate diploma courses which pathway into masters courses in Business, Global Project Management, Sports Management, Health, Education, Design and Hospitality. 

For more information on different types of pathways available, visit study pathways.
How can I pay for my course?
Payment information will be outlined in your offer letter but there are a couple of different options:

Upfront payment via credit card, BPAY, cheque or overseas bank account transfer

Full or partial payment via FEE-HELP Government Assistance (domestic students only)
What are the key dates for 2021?

To find out more, visit Key Dates.
What are the semester and term dates?

Torrens University Australia has three main intakes each year, usually during February, June and September. There are also a range of accelerated intake dates available, meaning if you just miss the start date, you don’t have to wait until the next intake.

You can apply any time throughout the year for the next intake start date – or a future start date if you are planning ahead. Different semester dates apply for Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School as well as some of our other courses.

To find out more, visit key dates.

View all FAQs

Diploma of Sport Development