UCFB’s unique MSc International Sport Management provides an unparalleled educational and experiential opportunity for aspiring sports leaders. This pioneering programme has been developed as a transformational journey suited for graduates of all disciplines, as well as for current professionals working within various sectors of the sport industry, for example in management, marketing or operations.

In addition to the inimitable degree programme delivered at UCFB Wembley’s world class facilities, students will be able to enhance their understanding of the business and operations of a sporting superpower through a unique period spent at the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea, the educational arm of the world’s biggest football club.

By experiencing two of the most iconic sporting destinations in the world, Wembley Stadium and Madrid, students are fully immersed within the sports industry and are able to develop a network of world-class industry contacts.

As a capstone to the MSc International Sport Management degree, students may have an opportunity to specialise their academic experience by undertaking a research project with a sports organisation, leveraging UCFB’s global network of contacts with leading companies such as The Football Association, BBC Sport, the US Tennis Association, the Rugby Football League, as well as a multitude of football and sporting clubs both domestically and overseas. MSc students are also encouraged to apply for short term placements, internships and projects via our dedicated Employability and Enrichment team.

At UCFB we bridge the gap between academia and business. In parallel to the academic curriculum run the Employment & Enrichment events; a journey of professional and personal development through learning and knowledge enhancement activities. The Employment & Enrichment events allow access to industry leading guest speakers, business opportunities and additional classes.

London is a phenomenal opportunity for students to live and learn in a truly global city.

To find out about the Programme Leader for this course, please click here.

Graduates of the MSc International Sport Management programme will be awarded degrees by our esteemed academic partner institution, Bucks New University.

Download the MSc International Sport Management Programme Specification.

Thanks to UCFB’s unique partnership, students who successfully complete their learning experience in Spain will also be awarded a separate  Diploma in Sport Management from the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea.

Details of the time in Madrid can be found under the ‘Modules’ tab at the top of this page.

Real Madrid Graduate School logo website

Duration: One year

Study Mode: Full-time

Fees: UK and EU students – £18,500

Fees: International students – £18,500

Learn more about Student Finance
Find out more about Accommodation at UCFB

Postgraduate Events

Register for one of our upcoming events.

If you are unable to attend any of our postgraduate events or would like to request more information, please call our Student Recruitment & Admissions team on 03332417333 or email us at mastersenquiries@ucfb.com.

SEMESTER ONE: OCTOBER – JANUARY

Financial and Human Capital Management (20 credits)+

Financial and Human Capital Management (20 credits)

This module develops students’ understanding of the ways in which financial and management information can be used to achieve competitive advantage. The module also examines the evolution of human resource management, human capital management, and their interaction with accounting and finance.

Leadership and Influence in Sport (20 credits)+

Leadership and Influence in Sport (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to understand the conceptualisation of leadership within the sporting and business world via the drivers of influence, mutuality and future.

Sustainable Stadium and Event Management (20 credits)+

Sustainable Stadium and Event Management (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to explore current and future issues around sustainable sport management. The course uses the concept of sustainability to explore key contemporary issues such as: types of sports venues, construction and refurbishment, venue design, event delivery, stakeholder management, venue marketing and venue management. Each topic will include a balance between the establishment of a theoretical base, and the investigation of practical case studies. The sessions are varied, and the course mixes workshop units and debates in a thought-provoking format. At the culmination, students will gain an understanding of the intricacies of developing, marketing and operating sports venues; and a greater knowledge of the role of sustainability in the management and governance of UK and International sport business.

Global Strategic Sports Marketing Management (20 credits)+

Global Strategic Sports Marketing Management (20 credits)

Many sports brands face domestic markets that are saturated, highly competitive and with little potential to grow sales revenues, a situation that may see them fall behind in the marketplace. Their main opportunity to grow is to target overseas markets in order to attract new customers and develop new revenues streams. Many sports leagues and brands sell the television rights for their marches to media companies in deals worth in excess of £2billion, who in turn sell these rights in as many as 100 different countries. As a result, global brand awareness has increased for most major sports brands, and this represents an opportunity to increase presence in overseas markets and create new revenue streams. The reality is that marketing products overseas is more complicated and sports brands need to develop their global marketing techniques and a cultural awareness of the countries in which they plan to operate. While the rewards can be high, the risk of failure is even higher and this module will look at techniques that sports brands can use when looking to increase their global presence.

 

Further information

For further information about the MSc International Sport Management, please contact our Student Recruitment & Admissions team on +44(0)208 733 8664 or email us at mastersenquiries@ucfb.com.

SEMESTER TWO: FEBRUARY – APRIL

Corporate Strategy in a Sporting Context (20 credits)+

Corporate Strategy in a Sporting Context (20 credits)

In order to be an effective sport manager, it is essential to possess a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the importance of corporate strategy in management, and to demonstrate how this can be applied in the area of international football and sporting management. Students will extend research skills alongside new analytical techniques in order to analyse the business environment. Students will be expected to show a critical awareness of how to carry out complex analysis of this information and explain the current strategic position of the organisation. Using key theoretical concepts and business management information concerning strategic choices, they will then propose the future strategic direction of an organisation, taking into consideration the resources that are available. During this module students will be taught by leading academics and industry professionals in the field of corporate and sport management.

Globalisation of Sport Management (20 credits)+

Globalisation of Sport Management (20 credits)

The rapid growth of the sport industry in recent times has led to a need for sport to be studied in a global context. With globalisation as a key concept to be addressed, this module will emphasise the need for sport to be managed effectively in order for optimal performance to be achieved.

It is essential for sport managers to fully apprehend the influence of globalisation on sports and the sport industry through acquiring and applying contemporary business analysis and decision making tools.

Research Methods and Dissertation (Preparation) (60 credits)+

Research Methods and Dissertation (Preparation) (60 credits)

The dissertation allows you to design and conduct an independent piece of academic research, providing an opportunity to develop and demonstrate advanced scholarship skills. This combined research methods and dissertation module provides subject-specific methods training in preparation for the completion of a dissertation within the domains of marketing, entrepreneurship and leisure management. The research topic that you select must align with the title of the programme on which you are enrolled. The module begins with a series of taught research methods sessions, during which a research proposal is produced. This proposal then guides the development of a clearly defined and evidenced study purpose, a critical review of the extant literature, and a robust methodology. Data is then collected, analysed, interpreted and applied to the study purpose, and a 15-20,000 word research report (dissertation) is produced.

 

Further information

For further information about the MSc International Sport Management, please contact our Student Recruitment & Admissions team on +44(0)208 733 8664 or email us at mastersenquiries@ucfb.com.

SEMESTER THREE: MAY – SEPTEMBER

Dissertation (Completion)+

Dissertation (Completion)

The dissertation allows you to design and conduct an independent piece of academic research, providing an opportunity to develop and demonstrate advanced scholarship skills. This combined research methods and dissertation module provides subject-specific methods training in preparation for the completion of a dissertation within the domains of marketing, entrepreneurship and leisure management. The research topic that you select must align with the title of the programme on which you are enrolled. The module begins with a series of taught research methods sessions, during which a research proposal is produced. This proposal then guides the development of a clearly defined and evidenced study purpose, a critical review of the extant literature, and a robust methodology. Data is then collected, analysed, interpreted and applied to the study purpose, and a 15-20,000 word research report (dissertation) is produced.

 

Further information

For further information about the MSc International Sport Management, please contact our Student Recruitment & Admissions team on +44(0)208 733 8664 or email us at mastersenquiries@ucfb.com.

Your Experience at the Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea: MAY – JULY

During the months of May, June and July, students will enjoy the truly unique opportunity to live and learn in Madrid, Spain’s capital city and home to the 10-time European football champions, Real Madrid.

Whilst undertaking a 30 ECTS credit Diploma in Sport Management at the Real Madrid Graduate School – which students would earn in addition to the MSc International Sport Management degree – the invaluable learning enhancement experience is expected to provide a further foundation for employability prospects in the global sport marketplace.

With classes taught at the Real Madrid Graduate School’s facilities including the Real Madrid Sports City in the Valdebebas district of Madrid and the famous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, students will obtain access to leading executives from the football club.

The Madrid experience will provide a vital international angle on the sport business, aiding students as they work towards completing their final MSc International Sport Management dissertation in September.

Further information

For further information about your time in Madrid including accommodation queries, please contact our Student Recruitment & Admissions team on +44(0)208 733 8664 or email us at mastersenquiries@ucfb.com.

 

You will have a Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 classification or an international equivalent. International students that require an IELTS must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening, or recognised equivalent). Relevant academic experience in business, marketing or sport is desirable.

Applicants will be expected to participate in and pass an Academic led interview with senior members of the UCFB team, as well submitting an outstanding personal statement and highly supportive academic and professional references.

Interviews can be held over Skype or at our UCFB Wembley campus, successful applicants will be invited to attend one of our interview sessions following a review of their application.

If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria for this programme, or whether you require IELTS results, please email mastersenquiries@ucfb.com with a copy of your most recent CV including nationality, visa status if applicable, and undergraduate degree transcripts. Candidates with a strong CV may qualify for a supplementary admissions interview to support their academic application.

Applications

To apply for this programme please download and complete the application form, then return the completed form and relevant documents as instructed to mastersenquiries@ucfb.com.

Relevant documents for EU, UK and international applications:

  • Completed and signed application form;
  • Personal statement;
  • Copy of transcripts of highest qualification achieved and English translations (if applicable);
  • One academic and one professional reference and English translation (if applicable);
  • Copy of proof of English language level e.g. IELTS (if applicable).

For international applications, please also include:

  • Copy of valid passport (which you will use to apply for your Tier 4 visa);
  • Copies of any previous or current UK visas.

Tuition Fees

UK and EU students – £18,500

International students – £18,500

These fees include tuition fees to the MSc International Sport Management programme and the Diploma in Sport Management, selected flights to Madrid and selected accommodation in Madrid.

The fees do not include transportation to and from the accommodation in Madrid, accommodation in London and food and other living costs in London or Madrid.

Student Loan Funding

We are currently awaiting confirmation of our postgraduate courses being made available for student loan funding. If you have any further questions or would like to be notified when this happens please contact fees@ucfb.com. Alternatively you can apply for a loan to cover your tuition fees and living costs through Future Finance.

Learn more about student finance.

A wide range of scholarships are available. Please contact mastersenquiries@ucfb.com for more information.

Postgraduate admissions podcast

The specificity of sport, with its high media coverage and numerous stakeholders, requires managers to have uniquely honed business skills and an in-depth knowledge of the principles of sport management. The programme has been developed for those with aspirations towards senior management positions within the core functional departments of the sport management industry, spanning business development, marketing, finance, operations and media. The international elements of this degree provide students with the skills and experience to progress in a multi-billion-pound global industry.

Student profile – Simon Li, MSc International Sport Management

Read more about Employability at UCFB

Tuition fees

UK/EU tuition fees for 2018 entry are £18,500 per year.
International tuition fees for 2018 entry are £18,500 per year.

Additional costs

Students on this programme will study for three months at the Real Madrid Graduate School in Madrid, Spain. Students will be expected to self-fund their travel to Madrid (typically around £50 each way to fly from London) and provide their own accommodation for the period of time spent in Madrid. During the 2016/17 academic year, this accommodation cost £1,709.23 for the full three months.

In some instances, optional Complimentary Curriculum activities provided by UCFB may carry an additional cost for participants (e.g. qualifications with external certification such as FA Coaching Badges or ProZone qualifications). Any additional costs will be provided to students in advance of any such sessions running.

Studying with Real Madrid Graduate School between May and July will incur costs which are not covered by the tuition fees, and typically will include every day purchases such as food, drink, entertainment and travel from paid for accommodation to and from learning facilities.