The Associate Degree of Football (Development, Management and Performance) is a nationally recognised two-year higher education qualification designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and understanding required for a diverse range of careers across the football industry. The course explores a broad spectrum of football codes — including soccer, rugby league, rugby union, AFL, rugby 7s, wheelchair rugby, futsal, and touch football — examining how these sports develop players, coaches, volunteers, and leaders at both grassroots and elite levels. Delivered across four 12-week semesters, the program combines approximately 12 contact hours per week with a mandatory minimum of 110 hours of work-integrated learning placements in real football environments.

The curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry and delivered by experienced football professionals, revolving around real-life case studies of clubs, organisations, and football professionals. Students develop competencies across coaching methodologies, sports management, community participation, inclusion and diversity, performance analysis, and organisational leadership. The degree is structured to provide a solid foundation for those entering the industry while also serving as a stepping stone to further study at bachelor's degree level through articulation pathways.

Graduates are sought after by a wide range of employers including national sporting organisations (NSOs), state football federations, professional and semi-professional football clubs, local councils, community sporting associations, school sport programs, government sport agencies, and not-for-profit community development organisations. The qualification is FEE-HELP approved for eligible domestic students, making it financially accessible without requiring upfront payment.

Entry requirements for the Associate Degree of Football (Development, Management and Performance) are flexible and designed to accommodate a range of educational backgrounds. The primary academic pathway is completion of Year 12 (or equivalent), such as the NSW HSC or an interstate equivalent, with performance in relevant subjects considered. Importantly, the qualification is not ATAR-dependent — providers assess applicants holistically rather than solely on academic scores. Applicants who hold an Associate Diploma, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Tertiary Preparation Certificate from a recognised TAFE or VET provider are also eligible, as are those who have completed a Certificate IV from a TAFE provider alongside Year 11 completion. One year of full-time equivalent study at a recognised higher education institution in Australia is another accepted pathway.

Alternative entry pathways exist for mature-aged applicants. Post-school applicants aged 21 or over who have not completed Year 12, but who can demonstrate relevant work or life experience indicating readiness for tertiary study, are considered on a case-by-case basis. Completion of a Big Picture Education Portfolio at a Big Picture School, supported by a principal recommendation, is also accepted. Applicants may also request Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which is assessed individually. Demonstrated motivation to study, relevant sporting or industry work experience, and a personal statement may also support an application.

All applicants must meet minimum English language requirements. For international students, this typically means an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or equivalent. All students must also meet basic computer literacy standards, including having a personal email account, unrestricted internet access, and a personal laptop meeting minimum hardware specifications (generally 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Intel Core i5/i7 processor, and a front-facing webcam). Domestic applicants must be 18 years of age, or turn 18 within their first semester of study.