By bringing management theory into the practical world, our Sports Business Management degree will help foster the understanding and ability you’ll need for a career in the sport, recreation and leisure industries. Throughout the programme, we’ll encourage you to think creatively, bringing your own ideas to tackle real-life business challenges, from running recruitment campaigns and managing events to developing a marketing strategy and conducting market research.

With guest lectures from industry experts and field trips to sports clubs, you’ll meet plenty of professionals working in the sector. And 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.

Placement options

We’ve developed a wide network of industry partners – from major clubs and governing bodies to multinational sports clothing brands – not just to help us shape our sports management and marketing degrees, but also to provide potential destinations for our industry placements. By spending your third year gaining skills and experience with an organisation like Puma, Nike or JD Sports, you’ll get a taste of the professional challenges ahead, while showing employers that you’re ready for work.

In the sports industry, the performance of the business behind the scenes is as important as the performance on the pitch. Revenues are generated from a broad range of activities from fan engagement and clothing to merchandise and sponsorship sales.

Health and fitness initiatives continue to be driven by government investment and commercial sponsorship. They have never been more important in ensuring that the health and wellbeing of our communities takes centre stage, with initiatives being driven increasingly by digital technology.

You could work at national agencies, governing bodies, health clubs and sports complexes, promoters, or media companies. There are also exciting careers in medicine, education, and research. Or you might choose to continue your studies with our MSc Sport Business, Management and Policy.

Some of our graduates have secured roles with organisations like BBC Sport, England Netball, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and British Swimming.