Program Overview

Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development

The Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development is a one-year full-time or part-time equivalent course that provides students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in sport coaching and development.

Overview

The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sport coaching and development, including topics such as coaching, exercise programming, program design, sport science, and more. Students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience through placements with the Carlton Football Club and other sporting organizations.

Key Facts

• Award: Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development
• VTAC code: (DFP)
• Start dates: Semester 1 (March 2026)
• Duration: 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
• Learning mode: Multi-Modal

About the Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development

The Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development is a unique course that combines academic and practical learning. Students will spend their time between La Trobe University's Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus and the Carlton College of Sport at Ikon Park, the home of the Carlton Football Club. The course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in sport coaching and development, including coaching, exercise programming, program design, sport science, and more.

Entry Requirements and Pathways

• Recent school leavers:
  • ATAR requirements: This course does not require ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
  • Prerequisite: VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
• Selection criteria:
  • Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
  • You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice if you are not currently studying an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent), have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.
• Credit for previous study (advanced standing): Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification.
• Defer: Find out if you can defer

What You'll Study

The course structure includes:

• Core subjects:
  • ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE
  • WOMINJEKA LA TROBE: INDIGENOUS CULTURAL LITERACY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
  • CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SPORT COACHING
  • FOUNDATIONS OF EXERCISE PROGRAMMING
  • FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
  • FOUNDATIONS OF SPORT
  • GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF SPORT COACHING
  • GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND NUTRITION
  • SPORT AND RECREATION PROGRAM DESIGN
  • SPORTS SCIENCE FOR COACHING

Course and Career Outcomes

The Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in sport coaching and development. Graduate ready to launch your coaching and development career in Australian football, soccer, basketball, and more. Possible organizations include:

• Sport academies
• Schools
• Sport-focused businesses
• Sport governing bodies (all levels)

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated course fees for domestic students: $22,800 per year (2026)
• Scholarships:
  • Bendigo Pioneers Bursary
  • Regional Benefits Program
  • La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship
  • Early Acceptance Grant - International Students
  • Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Scholarship
  • Commonwealth Prac Payment
  • La Trobe Onshore Teaching Scholarship
  • La Trobe Analytics & Insights Scholarship
  • La Trobe Vice Chancellor Scholarship
  • Wominjeka - Study Abroad Scholarship
  • Regional Achievement Scholarship
  • Bendigo Strikers VNL Bursary
  • La Trobe Artificial Intelligence Scholarship
  • Michael Malthouse Elite Sports Scholarship
  • Lisa Malone Scholarship
  • Industry Placement Bursary

How to Apply

• Before you apply: Check the course application dates and requirements.
• Applying for a Bachelor's degree: Select an option:
  • I'm a current Year 12 student applying for courses that commence in Semester 1 next year
  • I'm a current Year 12 student what are my options if I don't pass?
  • I'm a non-Year 12 applicant wanting to study at La Trobe
• Current Year 12 students living in Victoria: Lodge an application via the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).
• Current Year 12 students living in NSW: Lodge an application via UAC.
• Special access schemes: If you live in a rural or regional area, you may qualify for adjustment factor aggregate points (extra points added to your ATAR).
• La Trobe Elite Athlete Program: We are proud of our passionate partnerships with sporting institutions and support of athletic careers.
• Rise with La Trobe: Our RISE program offers culturally adept pathways for Indigenous students.
• Tertiary Preparation Program: If you complete high school without an ATAR, our free program offers an accessible, scaffolded pathway into uni.