BSc (Hons) Business and Sport Management (Online)

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
Institute code: H36

Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
UCAS points A Level BTEC IB requirement
104–112 BCC– BBC DMM 104–112 points from a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above.

Additional requirements

copies of your educational certificates (including results achieved for each subject) for examinations taken since the age of 16
curriculum vitae
English language GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent - you should have a score of 6.0 overall if presenting an IELTS test)
mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent)
a substantial personal statement about why you want to study this programme, what you hope to gain from the course and where you see your future development taking your career.
a copy of the photo page of your passport
one academic or professional reference.
Find out more about international entry requirements
See what system requirements are needed for online study
View our simple steps to a successful application (PDF - 0.17 Mb)

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	IB requirement
104–112	BCC– BBC	DMM	104–112 points from a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above.

Why choose this course?

2nd in the East of England for Sports Science (Complete University Guide, 2023)
Top 20 for research quality (Complete University Guide, 2024)

Shape your future in sports with a flexible, online BA Sports Management and Business degree designed for professionals. Immerse yourself in real-world case studies, combining your passion for high-performance sport with business expertise. Study at your own pace, gain entrepreneurial skills, and enhance your career in the sports industry—all while balancing your professional commitments

Your sports career is your priority. You want a degree that values your contribution to professional sport and sport business. You want to immerse yourself in real-world case studies, to critically analyse and appraise your experiences. As a full-time sports professional or athlete, your passion for high-performance sport and success drives your ambition.

You’re looking for a flexible degree and you want to study in an environment of your choice, at a pace that suits you. This course is taught entirely online, which means you can fit your studies around your schedule. Learning is structured on a part-time basis. This means that you’ll study modules to the value of 30 credits each semester (every 3 – 4 months). Over four years, you’ll achieve the 360 credits needed to graduate with a full BSc (Hons) degree. Plus, you’ll have the option to take additional modules and use professional experiences to study at a faster pace if that suits you better.

Our academic team have a wealth of experience in business and have sport-related expertise. We’ll guide and support you every step of the way. You’ll benefit from a rich and rewarding learning experience. You’ll gain valuable entrepreneurial skills. When you graduate, you’ll have a balanced portfolio, showcasing your professional attributes with academic knowledge in business and sport, enhancing your career options. This is a chance to embark on an exciting chapter of your professional development and follow many cricket, rugby and other sport professionals who have done exactly that on this degree in recent years.

We are thrilled to announce our official partnership with Watford FC for the 2024-25 season. As a Herts student, you will have exclusive access to a variety of unique career and educational opportunities with this prestigious football club. Find out how you can get involved.

What's the course about?

This sport management online course will develop your understanding of the business of sport. You’ll explore the sport business industry and examine the sector from a global perspective. Together, we’ll examine key theories. You’ll review sports businesses and best practice in sport management. You’ll reflect on your understanding of professional sport and study interrelated themes. You can learn about sports marketing and sponsorship, media and public relations with leadership and management in high-performance sport. You’ll tailor your curriculum, as you choose modules which align to your interests.

A core feature of this degree is the professional portfolio modules. These offer you the opportunity to arrange a professional experience outside of your current profession. You’ll explore contemporary issues in this setting. We’ll invite you to reflect and evaluate your experience, using academic theory to write a critical appraisal. You’ll develop the personal skills to thrive in this alternative professional setting.

What will I study?

This course is delivered 100% online. Find more information about how to apply, funding and how online study works.

Course length

Part-time, 4 years

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Economics for Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to understand the economic context of modern business by introducing and developing an appreciation of the utility of economic approaches in studying the business environment. The basic tools and approaches which economists use, e.g. demand and supply / industry analysis (among others), will be introduced and applied to help understand the economic issues involved and the public policy which can be derived. Economics, of course, provides one of the key pillars of a solid education in business, and this module represents some first steps in this direction as well as highlighting some of the major contemporary issues in our society, such as the credit crunch and recession.
Accounting for Managers	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to accounting from the manager's viewpoint. Areas covered include the collection and reporting of accounting information to both internal and external users, as well as the use and interpretation of publicly available accounting information. The role of accounting in supporting the management functions of planning, control and decision-making is also covered. Indicative topics include preparation and presentation of a simple income statement and balance sheet, including the need for adjustments such as depreciation, accruals, prepayments and bad debts; the difference between profit and cash; interpretation of an income statement and a balance sheet using ratio analysis; costing: cost behaviour; marginal costing - methods and uses; absorption costing- methods and uses; budgeting: nature and purpose of budgeting; its contribution to planning; control and motivation in an organisation; and preparation of simple budgets.
Initial Professional Portfolio	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module prioritises student learning to facilitate the development of the academic skills and professional qualities required to be a successful in Higher Education. This module primarily provides an introduction to the academic, communication and technology skills that students require to become effective autonomous online learners. This module highlights future career opportunities for sports professional s post-graduation of this BSc Business and Sports Management. The assessment offers personalisation through encouraging reflection and creating personal professional action plans.
Global Sports Business	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will consider the development of sport as a global business, it will consider case studies of different global sports businesses, assessing their structure and philosophy. While students will be encouraged to select a sport business of their own interest to review. The emerging trends and behaviours of the global sports consumer will be examined and predicted.
Principles of Sports Management	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the subject of sport management in terms of explaining the core functions and responsibilities of operating as a sport business. How sport organisations are structured, led and managed will be examined.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Project Planning and Control	15 Credits	Compulsory
Project management is essential in all business development and this module gives students hands-on experience of managing the project process. Typical content includes an introduction to project management, stages of project initiation, planning, monitoring, evaluation and control while working in project teams in order to manage changes in project while evaluating its effectiveness e.g. time, cost and quality/performance. This will involve understanding risk identification, analysis and planning and how to assess quality in projects. The importance of stakeholder analysis will also be explored. The module has a lot of practical content aimed at developing skills in the project management techniques such as work breakdown structure, network diagrams, project organisation and resource planning.
Exploring Business Ethics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to examine and reflect on the ethical behaviour of organisations and employees. Students will apply ethical theories to real and current organisational cases and activities and reflect on what responsibilities organisations have to society. The module discusses guidelines, laws and external pressures and the impact these have on the ethical behaviour of organisations. The behaviour of employees and the individual choices that they may take when facing ethical dilemmas is also analysed. Content includes ethical theorists, child labour, bribery, price fixing, working conditions, corporate social responsibility and whistleblowing.
Sports Marketing and Sponsorship	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will appraise the use and significance of sports marketing and sponsorship in a global sports business. The different dimensions of sponsorship from a range of perspectives within the marketing mix will be examined. The module will explore the origins of sponsorship, the risks, the importance of fit, the commercial and strategic impact on organisations.
Media and Public Relations	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explore the significance of public relations approaches of sports organisations and individuals. The module will explore the changing landscape of the media, the impact pay per view, subscriptions, and digital content have had on changing the way sport is viewed. The impact of social media and the growth of influencer on the consumer consumption of sport. The presentation of sport in its varying forms will be examined and appraised. Emphasis will be placed on the student experiencing the media, reflecting on approaches of professionals in a chosen setting while using this to prepare and ultimately enhance their own media profile.
Enhancing Academic and Professional Portfolio	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module encourages students to personalise their learning through self-selecting a professional experience to enhance personal and professional development. With a view to improving both student employability and reflective practice. In addition, this module is directed toward preparing students for L6 study in developing a greater appreciation of research. Students are introduced to research traditions and with students facilitated to propose a viable research study.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Business Strategy	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to a range of issues and challenges confronting strategic leaders of public, private and third sector organisations in a turbulent global environment. It will focus on the many conflicting perspectives within the subject of strategic management and consider the problems involved in researching and developing strategies and plans and implementing them within the limitations of the organisation. It considers a range of analytical techniques and concepts, both applying them and critically evaluating their usefulness through the use of case study work. The module includes a comprehensive review of current strategic issues, identifying the contradictions and paradoxical nature of strategic decision-making and strategic planning.
Contemporary Issues in Business and Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will bring together a range of current research on contemporary strategic issues in business and management and enable students to consolidate their understanding of these issues, whilst giving them the skills and opportunity to examine and evaluate alternative valid views. Students will be asked to use their research skills to develop an in-depth understanding of these contemporary issues while being encouraged to examine and question the legitimacy of alternative approaches to management and to evaluate the impact, if any, of these issues on a business' strategic development. Students are expected to draw on the whole range of knowledge and skills developed during their studies when reviewing research literature and evaluating business and management responses to contemporary issues.
Leadership and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores leadership and management within the context of the business organisation. It examines the development of leadership and management theory as well as discussing contemporary applications of theoretical approaches. Leadership styles and models are analysed, including their impact on follower performance. Key concepts of organisational behaviour, including motivation, structure, group dynamics, culture power and conflict are explored and their impact on leadership and management examined. The content of the module may include: early management theory and its relevance today; the main approaches to leadership theory; the changing role of the leader - alternative approaches; motivation theories and their relationship to leadership and developing individuals; work/life balance; leadership and group behaviour; organisational structures and culture; main bases of power and organisational power relationships; resistance and conflict in organisations; and management and leadership in differing organisational contexts.
Research Project in Sport Management	30 Credits	Optional
This module is intended to offer students the widest possible scope, within controlled parameters, to research a topic beyond the constraints of usual undergraduate assessments. Guidance on the design, planning, execution and presentation of projects will have been given to all students during level 5 in the Enhancing your Professional Portfolio module. All students will also be allocated a supervisor with whom they should maintain regular contact throughout the research process. A project handbook is provided which details the responsibilities and expectations of students, and the role of supervisors. Additionally, the handbook contains guidelines for the expected content and format of the research project and poster. A series of sessions on specific aspects of the research process is provided, as well as tutorial support from supervisors.
Global Marketing, Ethics and Culture	15 Credits	Compulsory
Global marketing success is a function of perspective, opportunity, motivation, organisation, knowledge and skills. The challenge for today's global marketers is to identify those opportunities appropriate to the firm, to develop appropriate marketing strategies, and to build and sustain competitive advantages in co-operation with other members of the firm as well as external partners. To this end, the module will provide learning opportunities to appreciate current writings and perspectives on the global marketing environment. Opportunities will be given to analyse different global marketing organisations and their environments and to suggest and implement realistic strategies and plans and control mechanisms. The module addresses global issues such as the macro environment, market entry strategies, communication, price, planning and control.
Advanced Professional Experience Portfolio	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module offers students the opportunity to continue their professional experience while appreciating the value of professional discussion of contemporary issues with professionals in chosen setting. The module emphasised personalisation and requires the application of learning theories and reflective practice on professional development. The reflective nature of the assessment will appraise the concept of learning and the prominence of significant milestones to enhance future employability and to inform future career destinations.
Leadership and Management in High Performance Sport	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explore the array of influences upon effective leadership and management of high-performance sport. Students are encouraged to drawn upon their own experience to select a case study and relevant examples to appraise. The influences of macro and micro environment within which high performance sport organisations exist and operate will be explored. While the challenge of achieving and then sustaining success in performance sport while ensuring a positive culture will be a continual focus throughout the module.
Research Dissertation	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module is intended to offer students the opportunity to research a topic beyond the constraints of usual undergraduate assessments. With the support of a supervisor throughout the research process. Students have the responsibility to take responsibility for their own research dissertation in selecting a research topic, completing a literature review, undertaking data collection and analysing their results. The intention of this module is that is theoretically informed and professional relevant whilst further developing academic and professional attributes.

As a sports professional you don’t often get exposed to the commercial side of sport business operations. Through completing this degree, I have obtained a greater understanding of what is required to sustain a successful business.

Roelof van der Merwe

BSc (Hons) Business and Sport Management graduate, Professional Cricketer for Somerset and Netherlands

What's next for my career?

When you graduate, you’ll be better prepared for an alternative future career. You may wish to continue your studies with a teaching or master’s qualification. You may choose to utilise your leadership knowledge as a springboard into a Director of Sport role in a school and/or sport academy.

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Business and Sport Management (Online)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Business and Sport Management (Online)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Online - Part Time, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

How to apply?

2024
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
20/01/2025 31/05/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
23/09/2025 31/01/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
20/01/2026 31/05/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
23/09/2026 31/01/2028 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
20/01/2027 31/05/2028 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Part time
- £865 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Part time
- £865 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Part time
- £865 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
Fees 2025
UK Students
Part time
- £915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU Students
Part time
- £915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International Students
Part time
- £915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
For more details of fees and funding please visit UH Online's fees page

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
23/09/2025	31/01/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
20/01/2026	31/05/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Distance (Part Time))

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
23/09/2026	31/01/2028	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
20/01/2027	31/05/2028	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Distance (Part Time))

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BSc (Hons) Business and Sport Management (Online)

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

Institute code: H36

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

What will I study?

Course length

As a sports professional you don’t often get exposed to the commercial side of sport business operations. Through completing this degree, I have obtained a greater understanding of what is required to sustain a successful business.

2024

2025

2026

Fees 2024

UK Students

Part time

EU Students

Part time

International Students

Part time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Part time

EU Students

Part time

International Students

Part time

Other financial support