As part of the Complementary Curriculum you will gain valuable insights from Professor Brian Barwick who has vast experience of broadcasting from his time as Head of Television Sport at the BBC and at ITV, where he created the ITV2 channel and negotiated the rights for ITV to televise sporting events including the Olympics and the world cup. Professor Barwick, Chairman of the UCFB Advisory Board, will also share his experiences as Chairman of the Rugby Football League and Super League and former Chief Executive of the Football Association.

Degree content

When the English Premier League increased the number of matches available for live broadcast from 138 to 154 per season, they auctioned 116 to BSkyB and 38 to BT. The price was approximately £6.5 million per match or around £1,200 per second of game time, totalling in excess of £3 billion overall. Sports broadcasters ESPN and Sky Sports were second and fourth respectively in Forbes Magazine’s top 40 sports company brands of 2013. The top 10 sports events had a brand value of almost £1 billion.

Together sports business and sports broadcasting are one of the biggest businesses in the world. It is impossible to imagine one without the other.  You will gain an understanding of the diverse levels of both sports business and broadcasting, whether it is commercial, event day and sponsorship revenues of rights management and audience profile; whether it is studio and outside recording technologies or match commentary, match reports, television presenting and interviews.

You will have the opportunity to work with broadcasting specialists at Wembley Stadium to understand practices both on the field and in the studio, with access to first class broadcasting equipment to enrich your learning experience. You will be taught by industry professionals who excel in areas such as professional journalism, freelancing and editing.

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 & Sports Broadcasting Programme Specification.

* Subject to validation.

First Year

  • Understanding Sports Business
  • An Introduction to Sports Media
  • Understanding Sports Relationship Management
  • Modern Broadcast Technology

Second Year

  • International Sports Business
  • Entrepreneurship, Employment & Self-Employment
  • Sports Broadcasting & Media Management
  • Elective

Third Year

  • Copyright, Broadcasting Rights & Contracts
  • Strategic Media Management
  • Dissertation
  • Elective

* 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.