Degree content

In one year alone, over 30% of all advertising expenditure is typically internet based and over £5 billion is spent nationally advertising on online platforms. This expenditure is set to continue to rise with the continued expansion of social media platforms.

In today’s fast paced business environment, all clubs seek to maximise revenue streams. Advertising plays a role in achieving this, from perimeter advertising and advertising in programmes and magazines, to clubs themselves utilising social media platforms to generate traffic to the club website to drive revenue. Sponsorship plays a vital role in forming partnerships with global sports clubs. Expertise is required in all fields, and this is a degree programme to develop your academic skills alongside practical experiences of negotiation, pitching for business and presenting business plans.

Your studies will follow a business and sports framework to provide you with an understanding of the fundamentals of sports business. You will develop your business acumen across several disciplines, such as marketing, entrepreneurship and strategic management. Sponsorship and advertising modules will develop your ability to successfully work in this field. You will develop an appreciation for digital marketing and advertising and an awareness of the role of sponsorship for brands and individuals. In your final year you will develop your own research in this field to successfully complete your dissertation.

UCFB degrees fall under three subject benchmark statements – General business and management (2007); Hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism (2008); and Psychology (2010). Visit the QAA website to access each of these benchmark statements.

Download the BA (Hons) Sports Business, Sponsorship & Advertising Programme Specification.

* Subject to validation.

First Year

  • Understanding Sports Business
  • The Role of Marketing in Business
  • Understanding Sports Consumers
  • Effective Modern Marketing Communications

Second Year

  • Agency Management & Processes
  • Managing Sport Organisations
  • Digital Marketing
  • Advertising Campaign Planning
  • Business of Sponsorship

Third Year

  • Brand Management
  • Advertising Communications Strategy
  • Research Project
  • Global Marketing Management

* Modules listed above may vary depending on changes to the syllabus.

Applications are welcomed from students with a genuine passion and ambition to work in the football and sports industries.

The minimum academic requirement for this degree course is a 240-280 UCAS Tariff point score.

Other minimum requirements

Applicants will normally have achieved one of the following:

  • A minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent
  • International Baccalaureate (minimum of 24 points)
  • A National Diploma or Certificate in an appropriate subject at Distinction level
  • An Advanced GNVQ in an appropriate subject at Distinction level
  • An Access Course: minimum of 60 credits, including at least 45 at Level 3
  • An equivalent level 3 qualification

Applicants should have a strong GCSE profile, including English at Grade C, or equivalent and Maths at Grade C (specifically for Football Business & Finance, Sports Business & Sports Law and Sport Psychology).

Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered. Applicants for whom English is a second language should have achieved IELTS 6 or equivalent for entry into Level 4.

We also welcome applications from mature students who may not possess the above qualifications but may have relevant experience.

All applicants will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in their preferred area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject through the academic programme and our complementary curriculum involving high profile guest speakers, master classes and short course opportunities.

Entry with advanced standing

Students are normally expected to start at Level 4, but can be admitted to any level of the course which is considered suitable, after portfolio review and interview, using the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). Under this arrangement, a student may apply to have previous academic credits or other learning or experience taken into consideration. Such applications are considered by the Faculty CATS committee and must be supported by the Academic Department.

Scholarships & Bursaries

A limited number of scholarships and bursaries are available for 2015. Visit the undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page for more information.

If you have any further questions regarding entry requirements, please contact us at admissions@ucfb.com.