Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Locations Online, New South Wales, Olympic Park, Sydney
Provider The Australian College of Physical Education
Start Date 4 August 2025 & 2 March 2026
  • This is a fee-paying course. FEE-HELP available for eligible students

  • Flexible payment plans and upfront payment available

Course overview

The Diploma of Football (Development, Management and Performance) will prepare you with the skills, knowledge and understanding for a range of future career paths in the football industry.

In this unique specialised diploma, you will explore a range of football codes (eg, soccer, rugby league, rugby union, AFL, rugby 7s, wheelchair rugby, futsal, touch football) and will learn how these global sports deliver exemplary practice in contexts such as coaching, officiating, community and participation, inclusion, management skills, and player development and wellbeing.

Designed in collaboration with the football industry, classes are taught by industry experts and revolve around real-life case studies of football professionals, clubs, and organisations. Work-integrated learning placements are a key aspect of this course where you will experience a minimum of 45 hours of placements in football environments.

CRICOS provider code (111314C)

Job outcomes

  • Football coach
  • Game development manager
  • Referee coordinator
  • Participation officer
  • Performance analyst/scout

Want to see more job outcomes and how your future could change?

Study method

  • Blended Blended info icon
    Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
  • In-class In-class info icon
    In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
  • Online Online info icon
    Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
  • Virtual Virtual info icon
    Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

Locations

  • New South Wales
    • Sydney
      • Olympic Park

Duration study load

  • 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Delivery

This course is designed to be flexible and can be studied through a combination of on-campus, online, and blended delivery. Four units that are blended (online content with an on-campus intensive component delivered over a weekend).

Entry requirements

The good news, our courses are not ATAR-dependent. Instead, you can be considered for admission via one of the following criteria.

  • A minimum NSW HSC (Higher School Certificate) or equivalent. ACPE will review your HSC results to determine if you require additional support in your studies. We will counsel you on the most appropriate course based on your previous studies and results.
  • Performance in relevant year 11 results for early entry pending release of HSC results.
  • An Associate Diploma, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Tertiary Preparation Certificate from a TAFE or other recognised VET provider qualification.
  • If you wish to enter through a Certificate IV, you must have completed year 11 or an equivalent.
  • One year full-time or an equivalent in a degree course at a recognised higher education institute in Australia or an equivalent.
  • Satisfaction of entry requirements specified under formal articulation arrangements as determined by the ACPE Academic Board.
  • Completion of a Big Picture Education Portfolio at a Big Picture School, supported by a recommendation from the school principal.
  • A recognised overseas qualification with demonstrated proficiency in English
  • Demonstration to the CEO or the Dean’s satisfaction of good selection prospects as a student. (for example, relevant work experience and motivation to study), and ineligibility to compete for admission based on the above academic achievement criteria.
  • If you have post-secondary or tertiary qualifications, you may be able to receive credit for previous studies.

Alternate entry

ACPE offers a range of alternative entry pathways to help you enter a degree. If you are looking to turn your passion for football into a career, an industry-recognised qualification from ACPE will give you the foundation you need.

Compulsory requirements

  • All applicants must meet minimum computer literacy standards as determined by ACPE and have unrestricted access to the internet and a personal email account.
  • Domestic applicants must be 18 years of age or turn 18 within their first semester of study. International applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
  • All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements for their chosen course of study.
  • For courses that involve work-integrated learning where you may deal with children (i.e. under 18 years of age), applicants require a valid “Working with Children Check” which needs to be supplied to ACPE before you commence your course.

Find out more about the entry requirements for this course

Course features

At the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), you’ll get more than a degree—you’ll get a clear path to a career you love. From your first day, we focus on building your skills, confidence, and industry connections.

Career-Ready from Day One
Our courses are designed with your future in mind—equipping you with practical, job-ready skills and a clear understanding of the career pathways ahead.

Industry Experience & Connections
Gain real-world experience and build your professional network through placements and partnerships with leading organisations.

Supportive, Personalised Learning
With small class sizes and passionate lecturers, you’ll receive individual attention and support tailored to your goals.

Athlete & Performer Support
Our flexible programs help you balance study with your sporting or performance career through dedicated support.

Flexible Financial Options
Domestic students can access FEE-HELP, so you can focus on study without upfront tuition fees. A variety of generous scholarships is also available.

Trusted for Over 100 Years
ACPE is an accredited institution with a proud legacy in sport, health, and education since 1917.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of prior learning acknowledges the skills and knowledge that students will bring to their studies at ACPE through previous education or employment experience.

ACPE will assess prior learning to grant credit towards an award, provided the prior learning is current and relevant to the learning outcomes of the award. The assessment for admission and/or credit transfer must be evidence-based, equitable, and academically defensible (TEQSA Threshold Standards).

ACPE may, at its discretion, set additional requirements for the recognition of prior learning, including testing, interviews, and portfolio submission.

Payment options

FEE-HELP Available
Eligible students can access FEE-HELP, a government loan program that lets you study now and pay later.

Flexible Payment Plans
Spread the cost of your course with manageable instalments throughout the semester.

Upfront Payment
Prefer to pay your fees in full at the start? That option is available too

Find out more about the payment options for this course

About The Australian College of Physical Education

Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) is Australia’s leading sport education provider that is renowned for its specialist accredited degree and diploma programs.

Since our story began in 1917, many students have become respected and admired sport professionals. ACPE’s work-ready experience placements, unit delivery with industry experts, Elite Athlete Program, and Scholarships are just some of the ways we help students reach their fullest potential and achieve a sustainable long-term career.

We outshine our competitors based on the Quality Indicators of Learning and Teaching (QILT) Student Experience Survey, which is run by the Government. This is important because it tells you what our current students have said about their experiences at ACPE.

Compared to other universities and education providers, ACPE is rated in the top 15 for the overall quality of the student experience in 2021. We achieved a 94.4% rating for teaching quality, 88.5% for the quality of the overall student experience, and 92.9% for student support – significantly ahead – making ACPE the leading provider of sport, health, and dance courses in Australia.

Located at Sydney Olympic Park, we are surrounded by sport organisations and industry partners presenting opportunities at our doorstep. We are FEE-HELP approved and not ATAR dependent. Turn your passion for sport into a career. Why go anywhere else?

ACPE CRICOS provider code (01822J)

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