Sports Management Degree in Australia

Ever wondered where a Sports Management Degree can take you?

If you’re into sports and want to make a career in the industry, a sports management degree is your ticket to the game of your life.

A sports management degree can take you to the side of a football match with a staff/VIP lanyard swinging around your neck, the roar of the fans matching your steps alongside today’s hottest team.

A sports management degree can take you to your place at the table in the boardrooms of Australia’s biggest sports clubs.

A sports management degree can take you behind-the-scenes of sports festivals; it can take you to the pitch that will lure Australia’s promising sports talents to your agency.

A sports management degree can take you to the heart of club and local sports clubs, nurturing young talent and working with tomorrow’s sports stars. It can help you combine your love of the game with your business skills to achieve your professional goals.

A sports management degree in Australia allows you to dream big or stay grassroots, it’s all up to you

You can level the playing field and jump in to a career in the fast-paced world of sports with a sports management degree.

“Having commenced my studies in 2016 with a Bachelor in Sports Business, followed by completing a Master of Sports Management in 2020, it is fair to say that studying sports management has opened many doors,” ICMS Sports Management lecturer Jeremy Sleiman said.

The International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) offers a Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) degree from its Northern Beaches, Sydney, NSW campus.

“There are many career opportunities in the sporting domain in Australia, ranging from grassroot sport clubs to professional sporting organisations. While there are many different career pathways for those studying sports management in Australia, graduates may pursue roles with player agency organisations, consultancy, marketing, sports technology, media, communications, membership, coaching, HR, sales, disability sports and the list goes on.

“Importantly, a sports management degree will take you beyond just the sporting playing field. During my time studying sports management, and now lecturing in sport, it was what happened off the playing field that caught my attention,” Sleiman said.

“As the research and sporting practitioners tell us, sport can unite people together, achieve great outcomes for the community, promote health lifestyles and tackle societal issues. Additionally, inclusion, teamwork, camaraderie and belonging, to name a few, are key themes highlighting the importance of the sports management landscape in Australia.”

A Focus on the Future of Sport

Among classic business subjects, the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) offers sport specific units, such as one that focuses on the future of sport and emerging technology.

“This is a unit of great interest for students, encapsulating what the sport industry might look like in years to come. If you are looking to move into an industry that creates social change, improves lives, creates many opportunities, source of entertainment and is very rewarding, then study sports management at ICMS.”

Sleiman is also Program Coordinator at NSW Goalball. Goalball is a team sport for visually impaired athletes and has been included in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. In Australia, over 4500 students from 150 schools currently play goalball.

“Having studied sports management over five years and now lecturing Sports Management at ICMS, it allows me to provide and guide my students with the best possible advice in terms of industry networks, sport organisations and potential career opportunities,” Sleiman said.

“Whilst Covid 19 halted the sporting industry, sporting organisations have successfully navigated through the various challenges and sport has become ever important to build healthy lifestyles for many individuals.  Sports management has given me so much throughout my time as a student, and now as a lecturer I want to give back as much as I can.”

Sports-specific Internships as part of ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management)

ICMS industry partners provide placements for ICMS students during the course of their degrees as part of the ICMS Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program. This valuable work experience enable students to network and make connections in the industry of their choice before graduating and is part of the higher education institution’s career-focused approach.

ICMS sports management students could secure placements with ICMS industry partners such as GWS Giants, Rabbitohs, Peak Football Academy, Volleyball NSW, Manly United, the Sydney Blue Sox, Rowing NSW, Sydney Roosters, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, the Central Coast Mariners and more.

ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) graduate Ewan Metcalf (2021) converted his ICMS Work Integrated Learning (WIL) internship at International Premier Events (IPE) into a fulltime role.

IPE, an ICMS industry partner, are a Sydney-based, privately owned company Australian sports marketing and event management company specialises in talent representation, sponsorships and providing corporate hospitality for all major sporting events throughout Australasia.

“Developing an idea about business models….and being able to balance those business subjects with subjects like Innovation in Sports Management makes you keen to go to class and be involved in discussions,” Metcalf said.

Guest lecturers at the top of their (sports) game – like a Wallaby or two

Guest speakers within the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) coursework have included Fox Sports chief football commentator Simon Hill, as well as separate guest lecturers Wallabies Nick Phipps and Dean Mumm.

Hill spoke to students about the sports industry in general, and answered curious questions relating to his particular niche in the Australian sports commentary.

“Having Simon Hill and other guest speakers come into ICMS brings the real world into the classroom,” ICMS Event and Sport Management Program Manager Dr Alexander Roper said at the time.

“It helps students see how what they are studying is relevant in the contemporary sports business industry and also allows them to ask what they see to be relevant questions, as well as to learn the importance of networking.”

Wallabies Nick Phipps and Dean Mumm shared lessons they had learned as professional athletes within the national and international sports industry.

Dean Mumm, one of Australia’s most respected athletes, spoke to ICMS Sports Management students about his stellar career with the Qantas Wallabies, NSW Waratahs and Exeter. The 56-test veteran, who captained the Qantas Wallabies at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, also spoke about his biggest challenge yet; in April this year he will be trekking to the North Pole to raise awareness, and funds, for Borne, a charity for research to prevent premature births.

Current Qantas Wallaby and NSW Waratah, Nick Phipps, spoke about leadership, professionalism and life after sport. Students were given a taste of life as a professional athlete as Nick discussed his daily training schedule and the experience of being coached by Australian head coach Michael Cheika.

Why study a sports management degree at ICMS?

An ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) combines the best of the business world with an in-depth look into what it takes to succeed in the billion dollar sports industry.

Whether you dream of managing a star player or team, becoming a fitness or facilities manager, a sports media manager or any variation of these exciting roles within the global or local sports industry, the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) will provide you with the transferable skills, industry experience and in-depth knowledge of business practices that will get you there.

Subjects focus on core business skills with the addition of specialised sports management subjects. Business subjects include sales and marketing; agile leadership, collaboration and managing people; strategic planning and innovative problem solving; and financial literacy. In your specialisation subjects you will be exposed to the global sports industry and gain insights into those areas of sport management vital for a successful career in this most exciting of industries.

Watch Dr Trevor Clark, ICMS Dean (Undergraduate), share three things you need to know about the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management)

Possible Career Options in Australia and beyond

Player or Team Manager

Sports Marketing Manager

Facilities Manager

Merchandising Manager

Sponsorship Manager

Sports Promotion Manager

Events Manager

Sports Media Manager

Sports Agent

Brand Manager

Sports Centre Manager

Warehouse Manager

If you have a passion for sports and want to make a living within the sports industry, a sports management degree will take you far in Australia, and beyond. An ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) will get you there.