Ireland international hockey player David Harte graduated with a Masters in Sport Business from the Carnegie School of Sport in 2021. We caught up with him on his graduation day to hear how he found balancing his studies with a professional sporting career. 

• Course: MA Sport Business (Distance Learning) - now MSc Sport Business Management

What course did you study and when did you graduate?

I studied a Masters in Sport Business and graduated in 2021. 

How are you feeling today?

I’m delighted. It’s a culmination of a lot of hard work coming together to finally officially graduate from Leeds Beckett. I’m thrilled to do so and I’ve also got my parents here with me today, which has made it extra special. 

Why did you choose to study MA Sport Business at Leeds Beckett?

The course provided exactly what I was looking for. As a professional sportsman, there were certain modules that I wanted to cover in my Masters in pursuit of what I want to do. This course covered all of those aspects, it ticked all of the boxes for me. 

What was the favourite part of your course?

It was the dissertation that I produced at the end. To have the opportunity to go out and actively research a particular area that you have a passion for was fantastic. I certainly did that, so that was the most enjoyable part for me. 

What have you been doing since graduating?

Since finishing my course, I’ve started a job with FC Utrecht – a professional football team based in the Netherlands where I live. I’m responsible for the performance and education side of the youth players at under 16, 17 and 18 level. I help them both on and off the field, ensuring that they have solid career prospects should football not go their way. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying a Masters in Sport Business?

I covered a number of milestones during my Masters – becoming a father, buying a house, getting married and starting a new job. Anything is possible, so just go after it.