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Postgraduate PG Dip
Sport Development and Management
Develop your leadership, management and critical thinking skills to influence sport development policy and practice and boost your career prospects.
Course overview
-
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
21 Sep 2026
Deepen your understanding of the key issues and challenges facing professionals in contemporary sport development settings in the UK and around the world.
As part of your course, you’ll:
- Critically examine aspects of sport development, including strategic management, leadership, governance, diversity and inclusion, and sport for development
- Enhance your problem solving, creativity, decision-making and leadership skills
- Have the opportunity to undertake a professional project in partnership with a sport development organisation
This course is suitable if you’re a recent graduate or current practitioner in sport development / administration or related occupation.
Expert teaching
As a student in the Carnegie School of Sport, you’ll benefit from the expertise and experience of our team of tutors. The academic team boasts extensive industry experience and a strong research profile.
We’ve been leaders in the academic sport development field for more than 20 years.
Industry links
The course is augmented by a range of high-profile guest speakers and excellent partnerships with industry.
Study tailored for you
We understand that every students’ needs are unique and have therefore ensured that your course can be tailored accordingly. You’ll be able to select from a lengthy and diverse range of option modules, in areas such as:
- Events management
- Economic and financial decision making
- Physical activity and health
Assessments across the course can be applied to your own work circumstances. You’ll also be able to explore less familiar aspects of sport development to broaden your knowledge and understanding.
Why study Sport Development and Management at Leeds Beckett University...
- Choose from a diverse range of modules
- Global reputation - we're recognised as one of the top 100 institutions in the world for Sports-Related Subjects*
- Meet internationally renowned guest speakers, giving you a wider view on the industry, and the direction it is heading
- Benefit from our excellent partnerships with industry
- Study in our £45m state-of-the-art Carnegie School of Sport building
*2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject
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
Study a range of social theory perspectives that provide accounts of socioeconomic material relations across sport (including PE, sport development, leisure and recreation, sport management, sport coaching). You'll consider how key social factors influence and impact sport. Highlighting various contemporary contexts and case study scenarios, you'll assess and apply a range of theoretical frameworks to offer informed analysis and, where appropriate, outline action for change.
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.
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.
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.
What you'll learn
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.
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.
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.
Explore a range of innovative practices in PE and assess their contribution to young people’s experiences. You'll be involved in a variety of experiences designed to extend your knowledge, understanding and competencies in a range of innovative practices, particularly around pedagogy, assessment and new technologies.
Develop your understanding of the issues affecting sports event management now and in the future. You'll gain a valuable overview of contemporary thinking in order to understand sports events, as a case study, alongside sport's role in the wider world in which we live.
Fees and funding
£6,940
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £6940. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£12,295
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £12295. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£6,940
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £6940. 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.
£12,295
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £12295. 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 £13,206, 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
Whether you are a recent graduate or current practitioner, our goal is to enable you to become more competitive in the employment market. For graduates, this course will help you to advance your critical understanding of the sport development profession. If, however, you are already a practitioner, it could help accelerate your career progression.
- Sport development manager in public and voluntary sector organisations
- Sport project officer for sport-for-development organisations
- Senior manager within facility operators
- Community sports officer for community foundations based at professional sports clubs
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.
The sports industry is currently one of the fastest growing in the world offering a multitude of employment opportunities for students. We’re currently seeing a surge in global support for women’s sport, whilst technological developments are offering new means of engaging people in physical activity. It’s an exciting time to be studying sport, and this course offers opportunities to develop your critical understanding of key themes such as policy, management, sport for development and inequalities.
Janine Partington
Senior Lecturer
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.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Global Village
Our Global Village is made up of students and staff who are here to help you settle into life in Leeds and make new friends.
Carnegie School of Sport Heritage We have a long history in sports education stretching back to 1933 and the prestigious Carnegie College of Physical Training. Today, alumni of this college and its successor institutions are leaders in national and international sport.
As one of the largest providers of sport in UK higher education, we have an exciting and broad range of staff expertise within our school and our collaborative approach to learning extends across our curriculum and research.
Peter Mackreth
Dean of School
Experience Leeds Beckett
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Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
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