OVERVIEW

Why choose this course?

• 2nd in the East of England for Sports Science (Complete University Guide, 2023)
• Top 20 in the UK for research quality (Complete University Guide, 2024)
• Gain experience leading and managing sport events

If you’re interested in the business potential of the sports industry, then the sports business management course for you. This course has a strong emphasis on practical experience being applied to the sports business management field.  

You’ll develop your understanding of the business of sport, exploring the sports industry in the UK, as well as from a broader global perspective. You’ll learn key business concepts and theories, using them to review modern sports businesses and best practice in sports management. Throughout the course, there is a strong emphasis on the leadership and management of sports events, as well as developing the strategic skills you’ll need to be successful in today’s sports industry. You’ll develop your entrepreneurial skills too, so when you graduate, you’ll have a balanced portfolio of knowledge and practical skills which really boosts your employability.

You might be thinking about becoming a director within a sports company and/or organisation, you may want to manage a leisure centre or sports club at a local, regional or international level. You could be considering starting your own business or perhaps you see yourself working in a more managerial role, or maybe working in education and teaching. Work experience opportunities are integrated into the programme. So whatever career you decide to pursue, work-related experience combined with academic study and a focus on communication skills will enhance your prospects.??? 

The University also works closely together with national and international researchers, coaches and athletes, who engage with our facilities and workforce.

Benefit from our specialist?sports facilities?? 

You’ll have access to some of the best?University sports facilities in the UK.?You’ll benefit from our brand new multi-million-pound Institute of Sport Building based at the de Havilland campus?and?will?be able to join our on-campus Sports Village. Facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a 12m high climbing wall and?a 110+ station gym.?The gym has both strength and cardio equipment, such as rowing machines, cable stations and a free weights area.?Facilities?also include match-quality courts, sports halls?and new generation?astro?pitches?and so much more. There is?also?a smaller 24-hour gym on the College Lane campus.??? 

Whether?you’re?interested in sport on a?competitive?or?casual?level, there is something for you. There are opportunities for students to participate, compete and represent us in a wide variety of?sports.??We are?also?one of the few universities with an Active Students and Staff programme. This means we offer free sports and exercise sessions to all our students and staff. This is something you can tap into as a participant or possibly also as a facilitator.??? 

What's the course about?

In?your?first year,?you’ll learn about the sports industry from both a national and international perspective, foundations of sports coaching and aspects related to physical activity and sports development.  You’ll?also?learn?about?sports?within?a global world and apply knowledge learnt to diverse groups.?To help you settle into University life, you’ll take a module focused on developing the academic skills you need to be a successful student.???? 

Your second year,?builds on what you learnt in the first year. You’ll study?leadership and management of sport events, global?perspectives of sports development and applied sports coaching.?The module on research?methods?helps you to understand the principles and methods that underpin sports business management research. You’ll be able to use this to critique and understand the research done in?the areas of sports business management. It will also come in handy for your final year dissertation.?In addition, we also offer optional modules for you to choose from?such as?process and practices in high-performance sport, sports ethics or facilities and funding.?? 

Work placement/study abroad option*:?Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or complete a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about, but it will also give your CV a boost. If you would rather go straight to your final year, that’s fine too. You can decide in your second year with us, so there is still plenty of time to think about this.?? 

In?your?final?year,?you’ll be able to develop your research skills through our?research dissertation?module and focus on a work experience dissertation within the field of sports business management. You’ll get a personal supervisor?to support you with the research and/or work experience?dissertation.?Here, you’ll design and undertake your own project on a topic relevant to your area of study, and more importantly, it will be aligned to an area that interests you.?You’ll also be able to study other modules in the final year, such as?enterprise and entrepreneurship, behaviour change?for physical activity and advanced sports coaching.?? 

Applying for this course is easy. Simply add us to your UCAS account by using the institution and course code mentioned in ‘Key information’. There is no interview for this course. We’re just interested to hear why you want to study this subject at degree level.? ?? 

For a full list of modules, see the section under ‘What will I study?’???? 

?*Depending on the COVID-19 guidelines and?developments?? 

Graduates are equipped for careers in sports management for example event management, sports administration, leisure centre leadership, private sector sport and leisure and operating their own business models in the area of sport. Sports graduates may also transfer into related sector graduate schemes within business or local government. Our students are also well equipped for postgraduate study.

After your course, you’ll be well equipped for careers in sports management including event management, sports administration and leisure centre leadership, working for private sector sports businesses or developing your own sport-based business model. You could also study at postgraduate level or join a graduate scheme, either in the public or private sector.