Program Overview

A Sports Management degree is particularly attractive to employers in the sports and leisure industries, both in the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. Studying this degree programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to successfully embark on a career in a wide range of roles and functions.

A degree in Sports Management gives you the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful manager within the sports business, in a large or small company; in the private, public or third sectors; at home or abroad. It is centred upon contemporary management skills and approaches and will give you everything you need to succeed in the sports industry.

There are excellent career opportunities for those who graduate in the field. Research conducted by Sport England shows that over 440,000 people are employed in sport-related jobs. The sports business is a truly global one and offers excellent opportunities for graduates to work internationally.

A distinctive feature of the Sports Management programme at St Mary’s is that you will undertake a work placement as part of your degree, allowing you to combine academic theory within a practical working environment. Your placement will provide you with new skills, expertise and networks that can help to enhance your career opportunities within the sports industry. You will organise your placement with the help of the Workplace Learning Team and can choose to do it in a location that suits you.

Why St Mary's?
The sports business is a dynamic and rewarding industry and St Mary’s is the perfect place for you to begin your journey. London is the centre of the global sports industry (Sport Business International magazine labelled London as the worlds ‘Ultimate Sports City’ in 2012, 2014 and 2018).

Where else do students have iconic sports venues like Wembley stadium, Wimbledon, Lords cricket ground and Twickenham stadium on their doorstep? Our programme provides you with the opportunity to visit these internationally-renowned venues during your degree, gaining a practical understanding of how they are managed.

London is home to many of the biggest brands in global sport; a degree from St Mary’s will help you to relate to the specifics of sport in the wider context of management and the business environment.

The ability to gain relevant work experience is vital for any student seeking a career in the sports business, as practical experience within the industry is required for many premium graduate jobs. The opportunities within London are unmatched within Britain and include a range of internships and placements. We have close ties with many organisations within the sports industry and regularly work with them to arrange student placements.

St Mary’s University is a beautiful campus university in West London, with a friendly and professional atmosphere. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a sporting environment where you can join on University sports teams and utilise our world-class sporting facilities.

About the Foundation Year:
Our four-year degree programmes (including a foundation year) provide an alternative route to undergraduate study at university if you do not have the grades to access higher education in the traditional way.

On successful completion of the Business Foundation Year pathway you will progress on to the three-year undergraduate degree in Sports Management.