University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This undergraduate degree blends foundational business subjects — such as accounting, economics, marketing, finance and management — with sport‑specific units that apply those disciplines to the sports sector. Typical topics include sport marketing and sponsorship, sport event management, sport governance and policy, facility and venue management, sport law and ethics, athlete development and high‑performance systems.

Students usually complete a mix of compulsory core business units and elective sport management units, plus a research methods or capstone project that integrates learning in a real‑world context. Many cohorts undertake work‑integrated learning or industry placement units to gain hands‑on experience with clubs, governing bodies, event organisers or facilities.

• Core business foundations: accounting, economics, organisational behaviour, marketing, business law and finance
• Sport management specialisms: sport marketing and sponsorship, event and venue management, sport policy and governance, sport finance and commercialisation
• Practice and project work: industry placements, sport analytics, capstone projects and applied research methods
• Electives and study abroad options: choose from advanced marketing, digital media, leadership, or international business units

Entry requirements

Admission is typically based on secondary school completion (or equivalent) with an acceptable ATAR or recognised tertiary preparatory qualification. Applicants who have completed vocational education, bridging programs or prior university study may be eligible through alternative entry pathways. Mature‑age applicants with relevant work experience are also considered.

International applicants must meet the University of Adelaide's English language requirements; an English proficiency test with an overall score consistent with undergraduate study is usually required, with minimum band scores specified for individual tests. Specific prerequisites and pathway options vary by applicant background, so prospective students should check the University of Adelaide's official admissions pages for personalised entry advice.

Career prospects

Graduates go into a wide range of roles across community, elite and commercial sport environments as well as broader business settings. Career paths commonly include sport administrator, event manager, venue or facility manager, sponsorship and commercial partnerships manager, marketing and media roles within sport organisations, community sport coordinator, and roles in athlete services or high‑performance support.

The degree also provides transferable skills for careers in general business, such as project management, marketing, finance and strategic planning, which can be applied in sports consultancies, government departments, non‑profit organisations and corporate sponsorship teams.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a business curriculum with industry‑relevant sport management content and opportunities for practical experience. Students benefit from connections with South Australia’s vibrant sporting community and access to workplace learning, guest lecturers from industry practitioners and projects with local clubs and organisations.

The program emphasises applied learning, contemporary research in sport and business, and pathways into industry through placements and internships. The university’s central city location provides good access to sporting venues, major events and professional networks that help students build experience and employability while they study.