This program provides a foundation in both exercise science and sport management, exploring principles underpinning health, physical activity and performance. The Diploma in Sport provides a pathway to the second year of multiple Bachelor degrees at Western, without losing any time.
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Duration
Full Time: 1 Year
Next Start Date
01 March 2027
Closing Date
Campuses^
Campbelltown
UAC 729340
Indicative Annual Fee
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 7199
Diploma in Sport
Modular learning
Our modular learning will help you reach your potential, no matter your starting point or ATAR. You’ll study one course-specific subject a time without slowing down.
Introduction
Interested in how the human body performs, or how sporting organisations operate?
The Diploma in Sport brings these interests together through an introduction to exercise science and sport management. You will explore topics related to health, physical activity, exercise assessment and exercise prescription, alongside the business of sport, including marketing, sport development, and event and facility management.
With practical, hands-on learning and exposure to industry-relevant facilities and sporting organisations, you will build the knowledge and skills to prepare for further study and future opportunities across the sport, health and fitness industries.
You can choose one of the following streams:
- Exercise Science
- Sport Management
You will complete your first semester at Campbelltown campus. However, if you select Sport Management as your stream, you will complete your second semester at Parramatta City campus.
What pathways to further study does this Diploma provide?
Upon successful completion of the Diploma in Sport, you can transition to the second year of one of the following Bachelor degrees:
- Bachelor of Exercise Science – For those interested in exercise, physical activity, health, fitness and human performance.
- Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) – For those interested in business and management of sport, including areas like marketing, sport development and event and facility management.
Can I study the Diploma in Sport without an ATAR?
Yes. An ATAR is not required for admission to the Diploma in Sport. The course is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents aged 17 or over who are not enrolled in or completing Year 12 in the same year they intend to commence the Diploma.
If you are interested in studying exercise science or sport management but do not have an ATAR, this Diploma offers another way to begin university study and work towards a Bachelor degree.
What can I do with my Diploma?
Diplomas are recognised in the workforce and can be used to help you stand out from other job candidates. You can take a look at the potential career opportunities in the careers tab.
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How it works
The Diploma in Sport is delivered through our Modular Learning Model that offers an immersive study experience with workshop-style classes focused on one course-specific subject at a time, in 4-week blocks. Classes are held on campus and a typical timetable includes around three hours of classes a day, three days a week, helping you plan your study around other commitments.
Additional preparatory subjects are delivered predominantly online over 17 weeks, with an in-person class every four weeks.
You will complete 10 subjects in total for this Diploma. This requires a total of 110 credit points to be completed over the course of one year of full-time study. The course design of the Diploma represents an annual full-time study load that is slightly higher than the standard study load as calculated by the University, which is 80 credit points or 8 subjects, equating to an equivalent full-time study load (EFTSL) of 1. With 110 credit points (achieved through study of 10 subjects) taken over the course of one year, the Diploma represents 1.375 EFTSL with each course-specific subject representing 0.125 EFTSL and each preparatory subject representing 0.1875 EFTSL.
What you can expect to study
This subject introduces students to university culture and life, and explores a range of skills, attributes and behaviours that will gear students for success in their first year of tertiary study. A range of topics will be covered to facilitate increased confidence in students as they embark upon their university journey, as well as enhance students’ capacities to engage critically and actively in their chosen field of study. This subject will equip students with a range of academic study skills, research techniques and multi-literacies, and support students to develop their own individualised learning model, personal learning objectives and academic capacities. Academic integrity is further positioned as a critical component of university life and this subject will prepare students to engage effectively in their future professional fields and as active citizens.
Exercise science plays an important role in understanding how the human body responds to physical activity and exercise. This subject introduces you to the core concepts of exercise science and their application across sport, health and fitness settings. You will explore the relationship between movement, physical activity and human performance, building an understanding of how exercise science can be used to support participation in sport and promote health and wellbeing.
Learn about the principles of exercise and health assessments and how they are used to understand an individual's health, fitness and physical capabilities. You will develop an understanding of how assessment findings provide insight into individual capabilities and needs, and how this information can help inform decisions about physical activity, exercise and health.
This subject introduces you to the foundations of exercise prescription and the principles that guide the development of exercise programs. You will explore how factors such as individual goals, fitness levels and physical capabilities influence exercise selection and program design, building an understanding of how exercise can be tailored to different needs and abilities.
This subject is designed to complement the first six months of study in a College Diploma program by developing the skills required to be successful at University and beyond. The subject is delivered online with students accessing learning modules and connecting with their learner community in their own time and at their own pace to allow maximum flexibility. At the beginning of the subject students use diagnostic tools to identify their specific strengths and areas for improvement, and develop an individualised learning journey through the content. This learning journey will help to address individual study skill needs, while also developing employability skills, facilitating connection with peers and with the University community, as well as the student’s future career.
This subject is designed to assist students to take the next step in their academic development by helping them build higher level reflective skills that will allow them to critically consider their own learning and professional journey and make the adjustments required to achieve their goals. Students will begin to take ownership of their learning by developing proactive strategies that will allow them to study on their own terms. Students will begin engaging with their intended profession and reflect on the skills, attributes and qualifications that will be required to reach their goals. Students will also develop a transition plan to help them navigate the next steps in their academic journey so that they can identify the challenges they might encounter as they move forward, and develop the skills to overcome them.
You can see the course credit points for each subject outlined in our handbook.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this Diploma may have opportunities to pursue careers in health and fitness, community and elite sport related fields, including:
- Sports Development
- Event and Facility Management
- Marketing
- Sport administration
Looking for jobs that are in demand?
Check out these helpful tools that you can use to find out more:
Jobs and Skills Atlas
You can use this tool to research different jobs and industries, including 5-years trends of how many people are employed and the demand in different regions and LGAs.
Provided by Jobs and Skills Australia, part of the Australian Government.
Skills Priority List
You can use this tool to research the likely future need for different jobs and skills, as well as filter by your State or Territory.
Provided by Jobs and Skills Australia, part of the Australian Government.
Testimonial
"At The College, the teachers are always there to support if you have questions about assessments or questions in class, which I really enjoy."
— Vince
Entry requirements for domestic students
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about special requirements here.
Entry requirements for international students
**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.
Indicative annual fee
The indicative annual fee for this Diploma depends on your chosen stream:
- Exercise Management: $15,168 per year
- Sport Management: $18,222 per year
*This program offers two streams. Your indicative annual fee will depend on your chosen stream.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Commonwealth and applicable only to Domestic students. This means that the Australian Government pays part of your fees towards your program, therefore reducing your program fees, and the remaining amount is paid by you, this is considered your Student Contribution.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, The College reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.
You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.
If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.
New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.
However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.
Apply as a Domestic Student
If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.
Domestic students are:
- Australian Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
Scholarships
Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees.
FAQs
12 months (full time).
There are no exams in our Diplomas. Instead, our programs employ a variety of assessment types which may include portfolios, applied project work, fieldwork, and practical tasks. Assessments are authentic, maintain high standards and aim to be reflective of real-world tasks. In addition, teachers work closely with students in small, interactive workshop-style classes, and provide students with individual support. This approach ensures a robust evaluation of students’ skills and knowledge. Non-exam assessments develop essential skills, such as critical thinking and time management, preparing students for traditional exams in later years of their programs.
All of our Diplomas commence with the same subject, providing students with an introduction to University life and allowing them to further explore their chosen professional fields. Should you discover a different diploma better suits your personal goals, you can transfer at this stage with no time lost. Transfers to other diplomas are available at any time throughout the duration of your course, and you will receive credit for any common subjects you have already completed.
Diplomas are recognised in the workforce and can be used to help you stand out from other job candidates. Graduates of this Diploma may have opportunities to work in health and fitness, community and elite sport, or to move into roles such as sport development, event and facility management, marketing, and sport administration across government and private sectors.
Ideal for those who are passionate about exercise science, sport, health and physical activity and want to build foundational knowledge is this field for further study in exercise science or sport management. This Diploma program will explore the principles underpinning health, physical activity and performance, including exercise physiology and exercise prescription, while developing an understanding of biomedical science or core knowledge in sports management.
The Diploma introduces both fields, allowing you to build foundational knowledge in exercise science and sport management before progressing into either the Bachelor of Exercise Science or the Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) at Western Sydney University.
This program includes study across sport business, technology and innovation in sport management, human anatomy and physiology, functional anatomy, integrated health for exercise science, foundation in exercise prescription, exercise science practice and exercise and health assessments. These areas provide foundational knowledge in both exercise science and sport management.
Yes. An ATAR is not required for admission to the Diploma in Sport. The course is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents aged 17 or over who are not enrolled in or completing Year 12 in the same year they intend to commence the Diploma.
If you are interested in studying exercise science or sport management but do not have an ATAR, this Diploma offers another way to begin university study and work towards a Bachelor degree.
Yes, this program provides a pathway into either the Bachelor of Exercise Science or the Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) at Western Sydney University.
The Diploma in Sport does not have elective subjects. Students must choose one of the following streams:
- Exercise Science
- Sport Management
All students complete the same subjects in their first semester at Campbelltown campus.
In the second semester, students undertake a different set of core subjects aligned to their chosen stream. For the Sport Management stream, students must complete their second semester subjects at Parramatta City campus.
We're here to help.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our courses today and gain the confidence to move forward.
Australian students
1300 668 370
Want to know more?
We're here to help.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our courses today and gain the confidence to move forward.
Australian students
1300 668 370
What's the difference between a Bachelor degree and a Diploma?
Ever wondered about the difference?
A Diploma offers specialised learning, focused on gaining job-ready skills or preparing you for further study in a particular field. It is:
- Generally more accessible than a Bachelor degree, with flexible entry requirements.
- Faster to complete - on average 12 months of full-time study.
- Ideal for anyone who wants to upskill, earn credit towards a Bachelor degree, or start a career.
With a Western Diploma, you study for 12 months through our Modular Learning model at The College.
Upon completion, graduate with a qualification or transition into the second year of a Bachelor degree at Western - gaining two qualifications in the time of one. This makes it the ideal choice for those who:
- are looking to do their first year of uni differently, and/or
- need more time to uncover their passion - most of our Diplomas provide pathways (and 12 months credit) into more than one Bachelor degree, and/or
- are aspiring for a career in a high-growth industry that doesn't require a Bachelor degree.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, The College reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.