BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: N880
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

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
104 - 112	BCC - BBC	MMM - DMM

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	IB requirement
104–112	BCC– BBC	DMM	104–112 UCAS points Please see additional requirements for accepted T Level subjects.	104–112 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.

Accepted T Levels: Design Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	IB requirement
104–112	BCC– BBC	DMM	104–112 UCAS points Please see additional requirements for accepted T Level subjects.	104-112 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations
The University of Hertfordshire is in partnership with CIMSPA, and the Sports degree programme(s) will be gaining endorsement against sector professional standards. As a result, students will be able to register with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) whilst studying with us here at Hertfordshire University. A CIMSPA student membership introduces sports-related students to their sector’s chartered professional body and supports them through their studies to develop skills and improve employability, ready for a smooth transition to the workplace, therefore even sports graduates can benefit.

The specific benefits of having a CIMSPA student membership include:
- CIMSPA Academy – Access to selected FREE recognised CPD eLearning
- CIMSPA magazine – Digital access to S&PA Professional
- S&PA Extra – Monthly digital newsletter counterpart to the CIMSPA magazine
- Workforce opportunities – Access to graduate work placement, volunteering, internships, and job opportunities
- Engagement opportunities – Linking to employers with students and providing opportunities through guest lectures
- CIMSPA Code of Conduct – standards expected of sector professionals

Why choose this course?

2nd in the East of England for Sports Science (Complete University Guide, 2023)
Top 20 in the UK for research quality (Complete University Guide, 2024)
Gain experience leading and managing sport events

If you’re interested in the business potential of the sports industry, then the sports business management course for you. This course has a strong emphasis on practical experience being applied to the sports business management field.

You’ll develop your understanding of the business of sport, exploring the sports industry in the UK, as well as from a broader global perspective. You’ll learn key business concepts and theories, using them to review modern sports businesses and best practice in sports management. Throughout the course, there is a strong emphasis on the leadership and management of sports events, as well as developing the strategic skills you’ll need to be successful in today’s sports industry. You’ll develop your entrepreneurial skills too, so when you graduate, you’ll have a balanced portfolio of knowledge and practical skills which really boosts your employability.

You might be thinking about becoming a director within a sports company and/or organisation, you may want to manage a leisure centre or sports club at a local, regional or international level. You could be considering starting your own business or perhaps you see yourself working in a more managerial role, or maybe working in education and teaching. Work experience opportunities are integrated into the programme. So whatever career you decide to pursue, work-related experience combined with academic study and a focus on communication skills will enhance your prospects.   

The University also works closely together with national and international researchers, coaches and athletes, who engage with our facilities and workforce.

Benefit from our specialist sports facilities

You’ll have access to some of the best University sports facilities in the UK. You’ll benefit from our brand new multi-million-pound Institute of Sport Building based at the de Havilland campus and will be able to join our on-campus Sports Village. Facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a 12m high climbing wall and a 110+ station gym. The gym has both strength and cardio equipment, such as rowing machines, cable stations and a free weights area. Facilities also include match-quality courts, sports halls and new generation astro pitches and so much more. There is also a smaller 24-hour gym on the College Lane campus.   

Whether you’re interested in sport on a competitive or casual level, there is something for you. There are opportunities for students to participate, compete and represent us in a wide variety of sports.  We are also one of the few universities with an Active Students and Staff programme. This means we offer free sports and exercise sessions to all our students and staff. This is something you can tap into as a participant or possibly also as a facilitator.   

What's the course about?

In your first year, you’ll learn the foundations of sports coaching, aspects related to physical activity and sports development, and begin to understand the sports industry and how it functions. You'll also learn about media and communications in sport as well as how the sport sector operates within a global world. To help you settle into university life, you’ll take a module focused on developing the academic skills you need to be a successful student.

Your second year builds on what you learnt in the first year. You’ll study leadership in sport, management of sport events, global perspectives of sports development, sport finance, and sport marketing and public relations. The module on research methods helps you to understand the principles and methods that underpin sports business management research. You’ll be able to use this to critique and understand the research done in the areas of sports business management. Your sport experience learning module provides you an opportunity to get applied work experience in the sport business management industry. In addition, we also offer optional modules for you to choose from such as process and practice in high-performance sport, exploring sports ethics sports ethics, or funding for active communities.  

Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or complete a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about, but it will also give your CV a boost. If you would rather go straight to your final year, that’s fine too. You can decide in your second year with us, so there is still plenty of time to think about this.  

In your final year, you’ll be able to develop either your research skills through our research dissertation module or focus on a work experience dissertation within the field of sports business management. You’ll get a personal supervisor to support you with the research or work experience dissertation that you choose to study. Here, you’ll design and undertake your own project on a topic relevant to your area of study, and more importantly, it will be aligned to an area that interests you. You’ll also be able to study other modules in the final year, such as creating business strategies for sport, contemporary issues in sport, sport sales and customer service, and professional practice in sports business management.  In addition, we also offer optional modules for you to choose from such as behaviour change for physical activity and sport, or insight and evaluation of sport development.

Applying for this course is easy. Simply add us to your UCAS account by using the institution and course code mentioned in ‘Key information’. There is no interview for this course. We’re just interested to hear why you want to study this subject at degree level.    

For a full list of modules, see the section under ‘What will I study?’.

de Havilland Campus

You’ll share this campus with students from business, law, sport, and education subjects. The student housing is close to our Sports Village which includes a gym, swimming pool and climbing wall. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner in our on-campus restaurant or bar (in the newly built Enterprise Hub) on days you don’t feel like cooking. You can also use the common room to play pool, video games or just to hang out with friends.  Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes. 

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6. These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study. Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.     

Modules are assessed in a variety of ways via coursework, debates, presentations, viva and practical. The type of coursework is varied, depending on the module and includes reports, reflections, write up of practicals, portfolios, posters and presentations. 

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Understanding the Sports Industry	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will develop an understanding of the management skills and knowledge needed to operate and promote a range of fitness, sports and leisure facilities within the public, commercial and voluntary sector environments. It will identify and explore the basic skills and knowledge required to operate these facilities, including those required for customer care, staff management, marketing, budgeting, health and safety, programming and maintenance of physical resources.
Sport Business Management: National and International Perspectives	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will set the scene for the way in which sport is run as both a commercial and not for profit business both in the UK and internationally. For example it will explore the delivery models for sport in different parts of the UK and consider international delivery such as the franchise model popular in North American sport.
Sports as Social and Global Phenomena	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will focus on the social context of sport and the interaction between sport, society and culture. This will include an exploration of the development of sport as a significant part of many societies today, as well as consideration of the ways in which sports may be seen as global phenomena.
Developing an Academic Approach	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is focussed on introducing and developing skills required to develop a successful academic approach to be a successful student in in a Higher Education. While also considering the professional/transferable skills for a successful career. With regards to academic approach, this module primarily provides an introduction to the academic, IT and communication skills that students will require to become effective autonomous learners in Higher Education.
Introduction to Sport Development	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce the core concepts that shape and influence community sport development. The sport participation and physical activity of various population groups will be explored, while the role and influence of policy in the sector will be appraised.
Introduction to Coaching	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the foundational principles of coaching practice. The module is designed to introduce the novice coach to a range of relevant topics that inform the coaching process in its early stages. Students will be asked to reflect on their experiences of shadowing a coach outside of the University.
Sport Operations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the planning, design, and development of sport and recreation facilities and to the principles and techniques of facility operation and management. The module will cover specific topics related to sport operations and facility management such as organization and management, policy and procedure development, risk management/health and safety, financial management, and human resource management.
Sport Media and Communications	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will examine communication, practice, and media issues related to the sports industry and sport communication professions. Specifically, concepts and current issues related to the production of social media, broadcasting, print media, and public relations/crisis communications in the sports industry will be discussed and students will produce work from each of these industry segments.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Process and Practice in High-Performance Sport	15 Credits	Optional
This module will examine the essential processes and required practice that determine a nation's and individual sports success. It will include consideration of social and cultural elements. It will allow students the opportunity to acknowledge the significance of the leadership and management of process. The overall perspective will be considering the essential features of how a high performance system and pathways operates.
Exploring Sports Ethics	15 Credits	Optional
This module will explore a range of issues and concerns relating to sports ethics in 21st century societies. Matters for consideration include amateurism and professionalism, discrimination, deviant behaviour in the sports context, and the role of technology. Students will be encouraged to analyse such issues through the application of theoretical perspectives from the field of sports sociology.
Research Methods for Sports Business Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students are introduced to research traditions and philosophies within the context of Sports Management. The concept of research design is explored, with an emphasis on the role of literature in informing decisions about what to investigate and the guiding principles. The topic of research ethics is also introduced. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis are examined. Overall, the core aim of the module is to enable students to develop the skills required in order to progress to a research dissertation in Sports Management.
Global Perspectives of Sports Development	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will examine the global reach of sports development. It will explore the role of sporting mega-events to the host nation and to the international audience . Then using case studies, it will examine the global processes, practices and consequences of participation. Local determinants and cultures will be considered as we attempt to explain global and local active participation.
Sport Marketing and Public Relations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will encourage students to develop an understanding of the different aspects of marketing and public relations in the world of sport, both on a national and international level. Students will apply marketing and communication strategies via digital communication channels as well.
Sport Finance	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will encourage students to develop an understanding of the different aspects of economics and finance in the world of sport, both on a national and international level. Aspects of entrepreneurship and stakeholder management will be included as well.
Leadership in Sport	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module aims to enable students to gain leading-edge academic knowledge of how to work with different individuals and to adopt conflict solving techniques. Group exercises will be used as well as individual tasks. Leadership knowledge will be gained in class, enabling students to become more professionally focused to work in groups in later working life.
Management of Sport Events	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module students will gain knowledge of how to work with different individuals and to adapt conflict solving techniques. Students will learn the fundamentals of event management. Group exercises will be used as well as individual tasks. The module will seek to enable students to organise a sport event for charity.
Funding for Active Communities	15 Credits	Optional
This module will explore the role of funding in supporting active communities in the UK. The key principles for successful funding applications will be introduced, considered, and applied to real life community examples through creating funding applications for local organisations.
Sport Experience Learning	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides opportunities for the student to apply academic and vocational learning in a professional sport-related setting, and vice versa to bring workplace skills and issues into the academic and vocational learning environment. Students will develop evidence-based working practices and enhance associated knowledge and skills to improve their employability and reflective practice. Opportunities for continuing development to add personal transferable skills will be present. Students will revisit reflective models previously introduced at Level 4 as well as explore models that can be used to reflect within their coaching, such as Schon's Reflective Model.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Sports Business Management Research Dissertation	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 coursework assignments and examinations. Guidance on the design, planning, execution and presentation of projects will have been given to all students during level 5 in the Research Methods in Sports Business Management module. All students will also be allocated a supervisor with whom they should maintain regular contact throughout the research process. A dissertation 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 dissertation and poster. A series of workshops on specific aspects of the research process is provided, as well as tutorial support from supervisors.
Creating Business Strategies for Sport	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide an understanding of the concept of strategic management and its application to sports organisations. It will enable the student to appraise the influences of the macro and micro environment within which such sport organisations exist and operate. Students will implement strategic analysis to identify the options for the future operation and marketing of sports organisations.
Sandwich Placement - Sport	0 Credits	Optional
The sandwich placement will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes acquired during levels 4 and 5 of the relevant degree programme, in a professional work-based environment. Prior to the commencement of the sandwich placement, students will seek and apply for a position suitable for their programme of study, in the UK or overseas, Students will be allocated a work-place supervisor, and a University supervisor. The student will agree an appropriate working pattern with the work-place supervisor, and will establish relevant aims to work towards during the course of the sandwich placement. Students completing a UK-based sandwich placement will normally attend a one-day placement symposium at the university, part way through the year. They will present a poster relating to their placement experience. Students completing an overseas sandwich placement will normally submit a poster electronically. Throughout the sandwich placement, students will evaluate and reflect on their experiences, with consideration of current literature and evidence-based practice. The sandwich placement will culminate in a work-based evaluation, and the production of a reflective placement report.
Study Abroad - Sport	0 Credits	Optional
Learning and teaching methods may include taught courses, a research project, practical studies or a mixture of these components. The Year Abroad will be for two academic semesters or their equivalent. The students will therefore follow a programme negotiated by the Programme Lead or nominee and an equivalent representative of the host institution. Prior to commencement of the Year Abroad, the student, the programme officers from the University of Hertfordshire and from the host institution will agree a learning agreement and mode of attendance.
Professional Practice in Sport Business Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the techniques and tools required to manage oneself effectively in the sports industry. Topics that may be covered include how to manage time, set goals, prioritise activities, create a strategic networking plan to achieve career aspirations, personal development planning, and prioritisation of tasks.
Contemporary Issues in Sport	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will offer an engaging, informative, yet challenging introduction to some of the most pressing contemporary issues in sport. The module aims to provide students with a critical awareness of contemporary issues in sport by examining a number of topics ranging from global issues such as corruption, gambling and commercialisation to national issues of gender, sexuality, racism and women in sport. Students will develop an understanding of these issues by being empowered to formulate personal opinion underpinned by sociological theoretical evidence in the format of assessed seminar discussions. Furthermore, listening skills, alongside verbal reasoning will be developed in order to develop critical understanding of relatively complex themes that affect both the sports industry and society as a whole.
Sport Sales and Customer Service	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module students will gain knowledge of how to work in the sport industry, specifically with regard to sales, customer service, and negotiation skills.
Sport Law and Governance	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to governance structures and legal issues within professional and amateur sport organisations. Students will examine governance and legal issues in local, national, and international environments. Additionally, students will explore legal issues such as regulation of athlete agents, intellectual property, and contract law.
Insight and Evaluation of Sport Development	15 Credits	Optional
This module will focus on the critical analysis and interpretation of data to understand trends in sport development. Using data-driven and theoretical methods, students will evaluate the effectiveness of sport development projects in achieving their aims. Furthermore, students will estimate future trends that will influence sport development projects and practice.
Behaviour Change for Physical Activity and Sport	15 Credits	Optional
This module focuses on how to positively change physical activity and sport participation behaviour. A range of behaviour change theories will be critiqued and appraised for their potential to change individual and population physical activity and sport participation. In addition, a whole systems approach to influencing behaviour change will be examined.
Sport Business Management Experience Dissertation	30 Credits	Optional
This Experience Dissertation module embraces the philosophy of empowerment in that it offers Level 6 students the opportunity to continue their professional experience in a Sports Business Management setting of particular interest. The module builds upon the 15-credit Sport Experience Learning module at Level 5, while having a greater focus upon the opportunity for immersion in a community of practice, whilst appreciating the value of professional debate of contemporary issues. The module is an academic and vocational hybrid, which relies upon the application of advanced academic theory and skills developed during the BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management programme to professional practice in the chosen experience setting. The reflective nature of the assessment will facilitate the appraisal of learning and the prominence of significant milestones to enhance future employability and to inform future career destinations. Students will be expected to use reflective models introduced at Levels 4 and 5 to critically reflect on their own work experience and appraise areas for future development.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements
What if I need support?

Throughout your time at the university, you’ll work closely with a personal tutor in order to help develop academic, personal, and vocational skills. This work is supported by the University’s online platform, which provides a location for lecture slides, lecture recordings, module guides, assessment details and discussion forums amongst other things.
Personal Tutors and Supervisor Support
From the first year, students are allocated a Personal Tutor and will have frequent meetings throughout the first year (L4) and into the second year (L5) on all degree programmes we offer. In the final year (L6), students will be aligned with a project supervisor who will support them with their dissertation module(s) and provide overarching guidance.
Academic Support Services (ASU)
You might also want or need extra support during your time with us. Rest assured, no matter what you study, we have got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you will have access to our Academic Support Services (ASU). You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both our Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) run drop-in study skills sessions.
Student Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing is here to support you with any emotional, mental health, disability and health-related issues which you may experience throughout your time at university. All of our services are delivered by trained and experienced staff who take a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that you get the best support possible.

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Annabelle Bullock

Meet Annabelle Bullock, a BUCS gold medallist, who studied Sports Studies alongside her athletic pursuits. As an athlete she competed in target shooting and as a member of the women's Lacrosse team.

Read more stories BSc (Hons) Sports Studies MA Education

Current job role	Education Liaison Coordinator
Year of graduation	2018 / 2019
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Sports Studies
Course of study	MA Education

University experience and support

The University supported Annabelle by making her one of its sponsored athletes providing her with greater flexibility and access to sporting facilities and opportunities. This helped her develop a broad and transferable set of skills and experience.

Annabelle says, 'Being an athlete and studying was challenging, but the University and my lecturers were so supportive. Being made a sponsored athlete also came with a bunch of perks. All this support and the opportunities that the University provided helped me to build the skills and confidence I needed to be truly successful in my job today.'

Annabelle currently works as one of the Education Liaison Coordinators at Herts. Having established fantastic contacts within the University, her student activities meant she could seamlessly progress into a professional role that complimented many of her skills and interests.

'I always assumed that I would do something within sport, but when it came to my final year in BSc Sport Studies, I had found my passion for Coach Education. During my MA in Education at the University, I discovered another passion for helping others and working with student athletes.'

Opportunities to explore

The University is committed to recognising talent in its students and offering any exciting opportunities that can enrich their studies and further their careers. Annabelle's lecturers' encouraged her to explore her passion for research which inspired her to continue with postgraduate study. Most impressively, the University helped her win its first BUCS gold medal in target shooting, which she says 'felt amazing as I was the only one in the team!'

Annabelle's advice for new and current students is to 'Do things that are out of your comfort zone because the skills and experiences you develop may just be the thing that your employer is looking for. Take all of the opportunities you can. I thought I was going to be an athlete forever, then I discovered coaching. I am very lucky that my first "proper" job is something that I absolutely love but I am still able to continue coaching. This summer I am helping coach a target shooting national team in the biggest junior, under 21, competition in the country.'

Alumni Stories

Gavin Beard

Meet Gavin Beard who has taken his love for sports into industry. Since graduating he has worked his way up the career ladder and is now the Head of Marketing for Norwich Football Club.

Current job role	Head of Marketing
Year of graduation	2013
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Sports Studies

More than a degree

Gavin graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with more than a degree; his university experience helped him to gain valuable insight to several disciplines and allowed him to narrow down his career choices.

He says, 'My degree allowed me to study various disciplines, including coaching, science and business. Having exposure to these different areas helped me understand what I favoured, and it was clear that business (and in particular, marketing) was an area I felt I could forge a career in.'

After successfully completing his degree Gavin began moving up the career ladder, working at many well respected companies such as Coral, BT Sport and currently Norwich City Football Club. Gavin puts a lot of his success down to the degree he studied and the support provided by the university.

He comments, 'The variety of modules and the exposure to different disciplines within my course were extremely useful. This was crucial in helping me determine my path. After year one, I knew I liked marketing, so I worked with the ERASMUS team to find a pathway to help me study this abroad. I then studied business in Valencia for a year and it was an experience I’ll never forget.'

Aspirations for the future

Gavin is still really enjoying his career in leading the Marketing team at Norwich City Football Club. He says, 'It’s an incredibly varied role; one day I could be leading the campaign to promote the new kit, the next it’ll be marketing the Take That gig at Carrow Road!'

Gavin is hopeful for the future and says 'Given my experience, my future roles will continue to be in marketing, hopefully I will help Norwich to become an established Premier League team. Then who knows!'

What's next for my career?

Graduates are equipped for careers in sports management for example event management, sports administration, leisure centre leadership, private sector sport and leisure and operating their own business models in the area of sport. Sports graduates may also transfer into related sector graduate schemes within business or local government. Our students are also well equipped for postgraduate study.

After your course, you’ll be well equipped for careers in sports management including event management, sports administration and leisure centre leadership, working for private sector sports businesses or developing your own sport-based business model. You could also study at postgraduate level or join a graduate scheme, either in the public or private sector.
View our Alumni profiles

Annabelle Bullock Gavin Beard

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management (Revised 2024)	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 6 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Part Time)
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
22/09/2025	31/05/2026	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2026

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
21/09/2026	31/05/2027	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
*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

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Book a campus tour

Get info and updates

BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: N880

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

Benefit from our specialist sports facilities

What's the course about?

de Havilland Campus

What will I study?

Personal Tutors and Supervisor Support

Academic Support Services (ASU)

Student Wellbeing

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Annabelle Bullock, a BUCS gold medallist, who studied Sports Studies alongside her athletic pursuits. As an athlete she competed in target shooting and as a member of the women's Lacrosse team.

University experience and support

Opportunities to explore

Alumni Stories

Meet Gavin Beard who has taken his love for sports into industry. Since graduating he has worked his way up the career ladder and is now the Head of Marketing for Norwich Football Club.

More than a degree

Aspirations for the future

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025

2026

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Benefit from our specialist sports facilities