Sport Business, Management and LeadershipMSc

Shape your future in the sports business sector with expert-led learning and invaluable industry connections. Gain practical insights from professionals across Olympic sports, commerce, and NGOs, propelling your career to new heights.

Course Structure

This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, in the first term you will typically complete the compulsory modules while in the second you will be able to choose from a range of optional modules. This is based on a full time Masters course. For part-time students we will devise a study plan in the first weeks tailoring your studies to your non-academic commitments.

• The course has an emphasis on professional practice
• We are one of the only Russell Group universities offering a postgraduate Sport business degree
• We offer world-class research and teaching at Birmingham Business School
• The UK’s largest Sport Sciences facility

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

Sport Management (20 credits)

Link theory to practice and demonstrate an understanding of the role and scope of operations management in sports organisations. It will consider the design, implementation, and control processes of sports service operations.

Sports Marketing and Brand Management (20 credits)

Develop and implement brand strategies that align with business objectives and target audience preferences responsibly. Critically evaluate branding theory rigorously to effectively oversee brands, integrating responsible practices throughout. Show critical awareness of contemporary issues, current research and theoretical frameworks and processes in relation to Branding and Brand Management. Appreciate the importance of marketing communications and brand elements in building brand equity. Show critical awareness of the challenges of managing a brand over time, across geographical boundaries and utilising digital platforms.

Responsibility and Sustainability in Sport (20 credits)

Be an effective leader in sports governance and responsible business, capable of addressing the social, ecological, and financial challenges facing the sector and the impact this has on organisational effectiveness

Leadership Development in Sport (30 credits)

Use approaches and methods in leadership that enable development of strategy, people, teams and relationships, and organisational culture.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sport (30 credits)

Collaborate with others and stakeholders to create and deliver a research and innovation start-up initiative, that offers solutions of quality, value and impact to societal, user, business and client needs.

Dissertation (60 credits)

This module will develop your research skills within the areas of sport and business. You will gain an in-depth understanding of designing and conducting research which will allow you to develop as a research-led practitioner. In this module, you will integrate the areas covered in the taught modules within the programme. You will propose a research project, gain ethical clearance, and undertake and write up a piece of academic and empirically based research relevant to your area of practice and interests. The module will cover the practical usage and critical analysis of methodologies providing an essential understanding of conducting rigorous research in a real-world environment.

Candidates with a level of applied sport business experience are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet the stated academic requirements of a 2:1 degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. These applications will be considered on an individual basis.

A knowledge base of research methods acquired through undergraduate training is desirable.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.