Sport Business Management

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

- Gain valuable insights from our experienced experts and international networks

- Apply your practical skills and knowledge in real-life situations with work placements

- Use our strong ties with professional teams and organisations to forge industry connections

- Cultivate leadership and strategic skills to assess and thrive in the sport business arena

- Gain local and global experience, including with the University of Madrid

Our unique advantage lies in our close association with elite sports clubs, organisations and leading facilities. You’ll study key business concepts and theories, and examine best practices in management to navigate the dynamic sport business landscape.

You’ll study in an environment that encourages the exploration of new ventures and the development of a strong business mindset. You’ll graduate as a motivated and innovative business leader.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

On this course, you will be taught by business experts who are highly experienced in the sporting world. You’ll develop your skills and knowledge through teaching, working and doing – exploring the business of sport from a global perspective, while also delving into the intricacies of the UK sport industry.

You’ll also enhance your digital capability, critical thinking and inclusive approaches that value equality and diversity.

You’ll gain the hard and soft skills you will need to succeed in the competitive industry of sports business. You’ll see the importance of effective communication, ethical practices, deep consumer understanding, and a willingness to embrace calculated risks.

While you study you will also enhance your proficiency in technical, supervisory, and managerial aspects of sports business, equipping you for a range of career paths.

You’ll explore theoretical, philosophical, and practical foundations for sports business management – across marketing, finance, leadership, sports event management and enterprise. You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of the sport and physical activity sector and the broader business world.

Applied learning

Work placements

There’s a mandatory short placement at the end of your second year. Over a minimum of 120 hours, you will be learning while you work and preparing to progress into employment after you graduate. During your placement, you will have the invaluable opportunity to witness firsthand the practical application of management and business in the industry.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement (25 weeks minimum) or multiple placements between your second and final years. This gives you further valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

Past placements have involved working with local councils, national governing bodies such as the English Football Association (the FA), and professional clubs. We also maintain strong connections with local kit equipment manufacturers.

Additionally, there are often chances for you to volunteer in media sports events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, the Commonwealth Games and the Paralympics.

Field trips

On field trips you will discover how your learning is applied first-hand to real-world situations, gaining valuable insight into working practice.

In previous years, students have visited prestigious venues such as Headingley Cricket Ground, Emirates Stadium and Aintree Racecourse.