In the sports industry, ethics and integrity play pivotal roles in shaping the behaviours and decisions of athletes, coaches and administrators. The Graduate Certificate in Ethics & Integrity in Sport is a testament to the growing need for ethical leadership in this dynamic field. This program equips individuals with the necessary skills to navigate and influence the moral landscape of sports.

It also provides students with the opportunity to target specific employment opportunities in the growing number of integrity-related roles. Target roles include: Policy Officer, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Manager — Integrity Unit.

The GCEIS has been developed following extensive consultation to provide a post-graduate education that aligns with industry requirements and expectations. Academics teaching Postgraduate: Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Integrity in Sport combine post-graduate education in a relevant field with extensive experience working in sports. The emphasis is on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to be ‘job ready’ for the ever-growing specialisation of sports integrity.

Importance of Ethics in Sports

Ethics and integrity in sports are not just about following rules — they are about fostering a culture of respect, fairness and responsibility. The program includes case studies highlighting ethical dilemmas faced in the sports world and how they were addressed, providing valuable lessons for future sports leaders.

A Postgraduate: Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Integrity in Sport is appropriate for:

The skills gained from this program are invaluable in shaping the ethical landscape of sports at both national and international levels. Graduates are well-equipped for various roles within sports organisations, including:

People already working in the sport industry who require additional education and training to elevated their career prospects;
People with experience working in other industries who wish to transition to a career in sport;
People with extensive experience in sport organisations (including athletes or coaches) who may not hold formal qualifications required for management roles; and
Directors or Committee Members of sport organisations who may need additional education and training to deliver the most value to their organisation.
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The course is designed to accommodate part-time study, with flexibility for students to move between full-time and part-time depending on other commitments.

Career opportunities

Principal Policy Officer
Average salary: $85,000 - $105,000
Integrity Manager
Average salary: $61,000 - $138,000
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Average salary: $78,000 - $105,000
Sustainability Manager in Sports
Average salary: $76,000 - $155,000
Sport Consultant
Average salary: $84,000 - $109,000

Salaries are sourced from indeed.com, payscale.com, seek.com.au, glassdoor.com.au and are in $AUD. Information is current as of February 2024.

Role preparation

The knowledge and skills developed throughout the Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Integrity in Sport will prepare students for the following roles:

Board of Director positions
Board Committees (for example, Ethics and Integrity, Remuneration, Conflict of Interest, Sustainability, Compliance, Risk Management)
Tribunal and other disciplinary bodies
Selection Committees
Representative Committee
Tribunal and other disciplinary bodies
Selection Committees

Course duration

3 months on a full time load (4 units in one quadmester of 10 weeks) or the part time equivalent

Intake dates

3 February 2024
28 April 2025
21 July 2025
13 October 2025

Study flexibility

The units will be delivered online, providing flexibility to tailor your study to your individual timetables. Academics will also be available for one-to-one discussion and support.

Course structure

Entry requirements

Why study at ACPE

A Postgraduate: Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Integrity in Sport can be completed in under three months via full time online study. Each unit will run over a 10 week period (a session). The units are delivered online providing flexibility for you to balance work and study commitments. Academics will also be available for one-to-one discussion and support.

Part-time study is also an option to assist students balancing work or other commitments. Part-time students will undertake one unit per session, completing the degree in one year.

The Postgraduate: Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Integrity in Sport has been designed as a stand-alone course. However, should a student wish to continue studying, and enroll in the Graduate Diploma of Sport Management, credit would be given for three of the units (one core and two elective units) completed in the Graduate Certificate.

This course is FEE-HELP approved for domestic students.

What you’ll learn

There are 4 units in the Postgraduate: Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Integrity in Sport:

SBG4002 Managing People in Sport Organisations - This unit delves into the intricate world of sports management, focusing specifically on the human aspect. It covers essential management skills like leadership, team dynamics, conflict resolution and effective communication within the sports context.It equips students with the knowledge and techniques to successfully lead and inspire teams, handle diverse personalities and foster a positive, productive work environment in sports organisations. The course underscores the importance of creating an ethical and motivational climate, essential for achieving organisational goals and maintaining high morale among athletes and staff.
SBG4051 Ethics and Integrity - This unit addresses the moral principles and challenges in the sports sector. It encourages students to explore honourable theories and apply them to real-world scenarios in sports. Topics include principled decision-making processes, promoting fair play and fostering an environment of integrity.Students are taught to navigate complex dilemmas, develop policies promoting conduct and understand the role of integrity in enhancing the reputation and effectiveness of sports organisations. This unit is pivotal in preparing future sports leaders to uphold and advocate for ethical practices in their professional careers.
SBG4055 Law and Governance in Sport Administration - Students will look in-depth at the legal frameworks and governance structures underpinning the sports industry. This module covers various aspects of sports law, including contracts, liability and intellectual property, and explores how sports organisations develop and implement governance policies.It focuses on the importance of legal compliance, risk management and the ethical considerations involved in governance. Students learn about the complexities of managing sports entities within legal constraints and the significance of robust governance in maintaining sports organisations' integrity and smooth functioning.
SBG4056 The Power and Potential of Sport - Explore the wide-reaching impact of sports on society and individuals. This unit examines how sports can catalyse social change, community development and international relations. It delves into the economic implications of sports, including job creation and revenue generation and highlights the role of sports in promoting health and well-being.It offers a comprehensive view of the influence of sports, providing students with a deeper understanding of its potential to effect positive change and foster global connections, reinforcing the importance of ethical and effective sports management.

This course is for individuals who are working towards management roles in the sport industry. You will have to meet the following requirements:

Have at least two years’ work experience in the Industry – you are required to provide a resume and a reference from your employer confirming your employment and experience, together with a personal statement about your readiness for undertaking higher education studies
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You will need to provide one of the following:
- A Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education provider or an equivalent recognised overseas qualification with demonstrated proficiency in English,
  .
  or
- An Associate Diploma, Diploma, Advanced Diploma from a recognised provider qualification, combined with at least two years industry experience (you are required to provide a resume and a reference from an employer confirming your employment and experience, together with a personal statement about your readiness for undertaking higher education studies),
  .
  or
- Demonstration to the Dean’s satisfaction of good selection prospects as a student (you are required to provide: a resume confirming at least five years of relevant employment and experience; at least two professional references; and, a personal statement about your readiness for undertaking higher education studies), and ineligibility to compete for admission based on the above academic achievement criteria.

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

We offer a range of degree and diploma courses in sport, football, health, education, and dance.

Gear up for success at ACPE and turn your passion for sport into a career:

Gain an industry-leading degree
Study closely with industry experts
Gaining a qualification specifically designed by the sport industry for the sport industry
Be work-ready with experience placements
Thrive on campus at the home of sport, Sydney Olympic Park

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 20 for the overall quality of the student experience in 2022. We achieved a 92.7% rating for teaching quality, 87.6% for the quality of the overall student experience, and 90.5% 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? If you’re unsure if the Postgraduate: Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Integrity in Sport is the right fit for you, explore our sports coaching and business courses, including the Bachelor of Sports Business Leadership. Don’t hesitate to contact our team with any questions — we’re happy to help.

ACPE CRICOS provider code (01822J)

92.7% score in Teaching Quality*
*SES (Student Experience Survey 2022)

85.9% in Overall Graduate Employment Rate*
*QILT (Quality Indicators of Learning and Teaching 2023)

50% increase in employment within the sports industry in the next 5 years*
*Australian Bureau of Statistics 2020

Over 107 years of educating generations of sport professionals since 1917

Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Integrity in Sport

Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Integrity in Sport

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