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Postgraduate MSc
Sport Business Management
Take advantage of the exciting sport business management opportunities this growing industry offers nationally or globally.
Course overview
-
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
21 Sep 2026
Sport is now big business - changing lives, shaping communities and impacting on economies all over the world.
You could already be working in sport and looking to progress to a more senior management role, or it could be you’re motivated to seek a new and exciting career and are attracted by the options sport and commerce can provide in the UK and across the globe.
As part of your course, you’ll:
- Gain an understanding of the industry and the business principles that underpin it
- Have the opportunity to work with industry partners in the Managing Creativity & Innovation option module
This course has been designed to introduce you to the key principles and processes of sports business management, with the opportunity to customise your study to your individual needs and career aspirations through making considered assessment choices and, also, through the negotiated focus of the Major Independent Study.
Industry links
Guest lectures will bring you into contact with cutting-edge practitioners and professionals in the sports industry, inspiring your learning, enhancing your networks and boosting your career prospects.
Specialist facilities
Our university has outstanding sports facilities at both the Headingley Campus and the world famous Emerald Headingley Stadium, which is an international base for professional cricket, rugby league and rugby union teams. We enjoy fruitful partnerships with this famous sports arena, providing you with outstanding opportunities.
Why study Sports Business Management at Leeds Beckett University?
- Study a diverse course that caters for both experienced sports management professionals and those looking to begin their career in the industry
- Global reputation - we're recognised as one of the top 100 institutions in the world for Sports-Related Subjects*
- Utilise our strong sporting links to work alongside the likes of Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire Carnegie
- Take advantage of our state-of-the-art Carnegie School of Sport building
- Sport volunteering opportunities, which have previously included global events such as the Olympics, World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games
*2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject
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Why Leeds for Sport? Discover what the city of Leeds has to offer and why it’s a great choice for students studying sport.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Critically analyse the strategic management of a sport business organisation with reference to the external environment. You'll develop the ability to propose authentic strategic responses to contemporary opportunities and threats in the business environment.
Evaluate financial and economic data and information in order to make appropriate decisions within the global sport business industry.
Examine the external and internal environments that influence strategic sports marketing planning and decision making in the global marketplace. This module will provide an overview of key threshold concepts that are integral to the sport marketing discipline.
Develop a critical knowledge and understanding of how to analyse, interpret and visualise data in order to make managerial decisions within a sport business environment.
With the emergence of 'Big Data' as a vital engine of business growth, this module will equip you to make evidence-based decisions to create competitive advantage through utilising business intelligence and analytics. You'll gain an understanding of how to handle complex data sets, including mining, management, cleaning, analysis and visualisation.
Develop an extended and sustained, authentic and applied in-depth independent project. You’ll apply key threshold concepts and skills developed through your course in a deep critical, evaluative and reflexive manner.
What you'll learn
This module will provide a variety of enterprising experiences in the sport industry to observe, inquire, participate, contribute, critique, analyse and learn in an 'experiential learning' environment. You'll develop the attitudes, skills, competencies and interests to shape and influence your future career development strategies.
Study the key theories, strategies, frameworks and concepts of entrepreneurship. You'll consider the historical and economic significance of entrepreneurial business. In particular, you'll review the contributions and value which an enterprise culture can have on the sporting industry and the economy as a whole.
Examine academic perspectives on global sport policy and governance applied to sport development organisations working at global, national, regional and local levels.
Engage with a range of diverse and challenging perspectives on the nature and application of leadership across sport settings. You'll be encouraged to identify and critique your own personal leadership philosophy and style. You'll also examine the role of followership in building and sustaining high-performing teams.
Build a systematic understanding of how strategic management decisions are made to create strong and successful brands. You'll examine the relationship on sponsorship management processes from a rights owner and sponsors perspective. You'll also discover how branding and sponsorship have shaped the modern sport landscape we know today.
Develop an advanced understanding of key theories and concepts that inform the use of sport in development contexts. You'll gain an appreciation of the challenges and complexities of sport for development in diverse community settings.
Fees and funding
£10,400
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10400. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£18,440
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£10,400
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10400. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Sports facilities and equipment linked to your studies.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you'll need to pay for any additional travel costs.
- Course branded sportswear (prices start from £17.96).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£18,440
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Sports facilities and equipment linked to your studies.
Optional Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you'll need to pay for any additional travel costs.
- Course branded sportswear (prices start from £17.96).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £12,858, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
This course will prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers in the sports industry, including sport marketing and PR, management opportunities in professional sports clubs, facilities, health and fitness clubs, national and international governing bodies, charities and foundations. Our graduates have gone on to work for major professional sport businesses such as Nike, Intermarketing Agency in Leeds, the Indian Premier League, Football League clubs, the Rugby Football League, and also in a mix of academia roles and International jobs in the US, India, Malta. the UAE, Qatar and Italy. You will also have the skills and confidence to develop your own business ideas.
- Stadium facilities manager
- Sports retail account manager
- Commercial director
- Corporate sales executive
Dr Sara Ward
Course Director / Carnegie School of Sport
Sara's 27 year career spans across the sport, business and education sectors where she has worked for KPMG, Hays Recruitment Plc, MMU and University Academy 92. In 2020, she was appointed by Burnley FC in the Community's Chief Executive.
Dr Janine Partington
Senior Lecturer / Carnegie School of Sport
Janine is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Development. She teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate courses in sport management. Her research interests lie in sport policy and politics, and the impact of community sport interventions.
Beckett Careers Team
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