Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport Leadership

Examples of potential employment settings include:

• professional and semi-professional sporting organisations
• international high performance sport organisations
• national institutes (of sport) network
• government and non-government funded sporting programs (e.g. University, Secondary school or post-Secondary school sporting clubs)
• sport and health based research

Examples of potential employment roles include:

• high performance manager
• sports science manager
• professional coach
• sports scientist
• strength and conditioning coach
• fitness coach/advisor

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must:

• Have completed a relevant Bachelor degree (or higher),

OR

• Have completed a Bachelor degree in a different discipline AND evidence of substantial relevant industry experience;

AND

• Submit a proposal alongside their formal application demonstrating evidence of substantial industry relevant experience over a sustained period.

Work and Life

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

An applicant who has not successfully completed a relevant Bachelor degree (or higher) may apply if they:

• have completed a Bachelor degree in a different discipline AND evidence of relevant industry experience;
• OR
• submit a proposal alongside a formal application, demonstrating evidence of substantial relevant industry experience over a sustained period.

English Proficiency Requirements

Students must meet English Language requirements as follows:

• IELTS: Overall score 6.5, Individual score of 6.0 in all test
• PTE: 58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills
• TOEFL: Internet based total of 79: minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening
• ACU English Language Test: B (65-74%)
• CAE: Overall CAE of 176, Minimum individual score of 169 in all tests

ACU will consider requests for advanced standing based on prior studies to a maximum equivalence of 2 subjects (20cp).

For further information see https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/credit-and-prior-learning. 

The high performance sport industry is increasingly focused on developing employees and athletes with strong leadership skills and training in ethics and social responsibility. Proposed regulatory changes within the industry may make these skills a necessity.

This degree is designed to address these industry demands by developing specialist knowledge and skills for leadership and communication in high performance sport settings. The degree addresses its curriculum underpinned by dignity, self-worth and respect for others as a nuance to professionalism that makes such professionals more effective and more highly valued leaders.

The course targets experienced professionals in the High Performance Sport industry. Given these professionals are working, often in national and international contexts, the Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport Leadership is designed to accommodate these commitments. Thus, the major design feature of the course is primarily online. The course is a pathway into ACU’s Master of High Performance Sport and Graduate Diploma in High Performance Sport.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students are required to follow the pattern of subject enrolment set out in the relevant Course Enrolment Guide, unless otherwise approved by the Course Coordinator. In all aspects of progress through the course, students will be advised by the Course Coordinator.

To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 4 subjects from Schedule of Unit Offerings comprising of:

• 3 subjects from Specified Units; and
• 1 subject from Elective Units (to be selected in consultation with the Course Coordinator).

Specified Units:

• Leadership and Culture in High Performance Settings
• Athlete Development and Strategies, Capabilities and Wellbeing
• The Business of High Performance Sport

Elective Units (select 1 from):

• Data Analysis and Interpretation for High Performance Sport
• Project Design for High Performance Sport
• Performing Under Pressure

Award Requirements

To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 4 subjects from Schedule of Unit Offerings comprising of:

• 3 subjects from Specified Units; and
• 1 subject from Elective Units (to be selected in consultation with the Course Coordinator). 

Choose your subjects

Electives

To qualify for the degree, a student must complete 4 subjects from Schedule of Unit Offerings comprising of:

• 3 subjects from Specified Units; and
• 1 subject from Elective Units (to be selected in consultation with the Course Coordinator).

Elective Units (Select 1 from the following in consultation with the Course Coordinator):

• Data Analysis and Interpretation for High Performance Sport
• Project Design for High Performance Sport
• Performing Under Pressure

Submission of application form and appropriate supporting documents

Submission of Application to Course Complete form to ACU