Program Overview

In the sports industry, the performance of the business behind the scenes is just as important as the performance on the pitch. By bringing management theory into the practical world, our Sports Business Management degree will help foster the understand and ability you’ll need for a career in the sport, recreation and leisure industries.  

When you study with us, you will develop practical expertise in management, marketing, finance, strategy and events delivery. This includes the legal frameworks, commercialisation, leadership, enterprise and governance of sport.  

You will learn how to apply management theory, concepts and principles to sport management issues in a practical way. There is a strong emphasis on creativity and its application to real-life business challenges, such as running recruitment campaigns, developing marketing strategies or interpreting the likes and wants of consumers through market research.  

Throughout your studies, you will find opportunities to build experience and grow your network, by completing work-related assignments and undertaking work experience placements. With so much sport on our doorstep, from globally recognised teams, venues and brands, there’s a huge opportunity to visit and learn directly from the industry.  

This course has a foundation year available. For more information visit the foundation year page.

Manchester: A Global City  

Manchester is a vibrant hub for sports and is home to some of the world’s most iconic sports teams and companies. The city boasts two Premier League football teams, Manchester United and Manchester City, both with fanbases that span the world.  
Beyond football, Manchester is also known for its history in rugby, with teams like Sale Sharks, and its success in cricket with Lancashire Country Cricket Club.  

The city’s sporting landscape extends to athletics, with the national centres in cycling, squash, basketball, taekwondo, speedway and water polo.  

Additionally, Manchester is a buzzing hub for national and global sports brands such as Umbro and Adidas.  

Future You  

With guest lectures from industry experts, and field trips to sports clubs, you’ll meet plenty of professionals working in the sector. With our connections across sport, we’re ready to help you gain vital experience. You can volunteer for organisations or events in the area, or spend a year studying abroad or working on an industry placement – developing your skills and boosting your career prospects.  

Once you’ve graduated, you’ll have everything you need to chart your future in the business of sport – following in the footsteps of some of our other graduates, working for organisations including BBC Sport, England Netball and British Swimming.  

You might also like to consider postgraduate study or research in a specialised areas like MSc Sports Business Management and Policy or LLM International Sports Law and Governance. For more information, visit the postgraduate study page.