Sport Management Courses in UK: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

As the world of sports continues to grow, so does the demand for professionals who can manage and organize sports events. The sports management field has gained immense popularity in recent years.
It is a broad field and encompasses various aspects of sports management, including marketing, sponsorship, event management, and more. The UK is the prevalent destination for students to pursue sports management courses. Sports management courses in the UK are designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the sports industry. The duration of undergraduate in sports management is three to four years, and postgraduate courses take one to two years. The average tuition fee for international students ranges from £15,000 to £25,000 per year. The intake of students is usually in September, and some universities have a January intake as well.

Read this detailed guide to comprehend everything about top sports management courses in the UK.

Why Study Sports Management in the UK?

1. Quality Education: The UK is renowned for its high-quality education system. Universities in the UK are ranked among the best in the world, and the sports management courses proposed are no exception.
2. Industry Exposure: The UK is home to some of the world's most renowned sports organizations, including the Premier League, Wimbledon, and the Rugby Football Union. Studying in the UK provides students with excellent exposure to the sports industry.
3. Networking Opportunities: The UK is a hub for sports professionals, and learning in the UK provides students with excellent networking opportunities.
4. Career Opportunities: The sports industry in the UK is snowballing, and there is a high demand for sports management professionals. Studying in the UK increases your chances of getting a job in the industry.
5. Cultural Experience: The UK is a diverse country with a rich culture. Pursuing a sports management course in the UK will give you the opportunity to experience a new culture and meet people from different backgrounds.

Sports Management Courses in UK Highlight

The following table covers all the highlights of sports management courses in the UK.

Best Five Universities for Sports Management in UK

Level of Study 

Undergraduate Courses

Undergraduate courses in sports management is a three-year program designed to provide students with a foundation in the field. The Sports Management in UK fees ranges from £15,000 to £25,000 per year.

Some of the courses offered at the undergraduate level are:

1. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sports Management
2. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sports Management
3. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sports Business
4. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sports Coaching
5. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sports Science

 Eligibility Criteria

• A 2:2 honors degree, preferably in a sport-related field, or an academic certificate in a non-sport area with a demonstrated interest in the sport.
• If you have studied a non-UK course, you can determine how your qualifications match the standard admission criteria.
• International applicants must have an overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6 in every section.

Application Process

The application process for Sports Management courses in the UK is usually online. 

• Check the university's official website to determine if you meet the qualifying requirements for your selected program.
• Fill up the online application and pay the application fee.
• You can access the admission portal after submitting your application.
• Put together all the documentation required to apply for a study permit in the United Kingdom.
• If you fulfill the prerequisites, the university will ask you to take the entrance exam.
• The college administration sets the cut-off for the entrance exam. If an applicant passes the entrance exam and the institution approves your documents and test results, you will receive the acceptance letter.

Postgraduate Courses

A Master's Degree in Sports Management is a one-year postgraduate course that provides students with advanced knowledge of sports management. The course covers topics such as sports finance, sports analytics, and sports entrepreneurship. Some of the courses offered at the postgraduate level are: 

1. Master of Science (MSc) in Sports Management
2. Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Sports Management
3. Master of Arts (MA) in Sports Journalism
4. Master of Science (MSc) in Sports Business
5. Master of Science (MSc) in Sports Coaching

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for a postgraduate course in sports management, students must have completed their undergraduate education with a minimum of 60% marks. 

OR 

Major relevant experience in management (3 years or more) and/or suitable credentials in a relevant field.

• International applicants must have an overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6 in every section.

Application Process

The application process for sports management courses in UK is usually online. Students need to fill out an application form and submit their academic transcripts and other documents as per the university requirements. The Sports Management in UK fees ranges from £15,000 to £30,000 per year.

Doctoral Programs

A Doctoral Degree in Sports Management is a three to five-year course that provides students with in-depth knowledge of sports management. The course covers topics such as sports policy, sports governance, and sports ethics. The cost of studying a doctoral program in sports management at the top universities ranges from £15,000 to £35,000 per year. Some doctoral programs offered in sports management are: 

1. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sports Management
2. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Sports Management

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for a doctoral program in sports management, students must have completed their postgraduate education with a minimum of 60% marks.
• Two references, one of which should come from a high-ranking official in your performance domain.
• Evidence of English language proficiency 
• Provide evidence of a considerable experience profile in the performance domain.

 Application Process

The application procedure entails the candidate submitting a formal application that includes:

• A completed University Postgraduate Program application form with supporting credentials proof
• A suitable CV detailing your academic and professional experience
• Submitting a 1000-word proposal
• Lastly, attending the interview

Scholarship for Sports Management Courses in the UK

1. Chevening Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and a living allowance. The scholarship is available for students from Commonwealth countries and covers all levels of study.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships: Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to students from Commonwealth countries who want to pursue a postgraduate course in the UK. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare. 
3. The BU Sports Scholarship: The BU Sport Scholarship is provided to high-level athletes who wish to study at BU at either the undergraduate or postgraduate level. The scholarship is intended to give you the financial resources you require to advance your athletic ability.
4. Birmingham City University International Undergraduate Scholarship: This scholarship is merit-based and provides financial support to international students studying undergraduate courses in sports management at Birmingham City University. The scholarship covers tuition fees.

 Sports Management in UK Scope

Students who complete sports management courses in the UK can pursue various career opportunities in the field. Some of the sports management in UK jobs students can follow are:

1. Sports Marketing Manager: A sports marketing manager is responsible for promoting sports events and managing marketing campaigns for sports organizations.
2. Sports Event Manager: A sports event manager organizes sports events, including logistics, sponsorships, and marketing. 
3. Sports Sponsorship Manager: A sports sponsorship manager is accountable for managing the sponsorship deals for sports organizations. 
4. Sports Journalist: A sports journalist is responsible for reporting on sports events and news. 
5. Sports Coach: A sports coach works on training and coaching sports teams. 
6. Sports Administrator: A sports administrator is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of sports organizations.