Course Overview
Course summary
Looking for a business management degree with a difference? The opportunity to work in sports management is a dream for anyone with a passion for sport, but you don’t have to be a sports fanatic to take this degree. One of the most exciting industries, sport and leisure in the UK alone employs 580,000 people. In 2019, more than a third of those employed in the field of sport in the EU-27 was aged between 15-29.
Developed in partnership with some of London’s leading sports clubs, agencies and governing bodies, including Queens Park Rangers and the MCC at Lords, our BA includes practical, professional work experience with a sports club or agency to get you work-ready.
Whether you go on to work as a marketing manager for a Premiership club, a sports analyst, sponsorship executive or diversity advisor, the career pathways are varied and rewarding.
Our degree provides an innovative, industry-focused programme that develops your knowledge of contemporary business management within the context of the wider sports industry. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of how the industry works. You will also learn to appreciate the internal and external challenges facing sports organisations, such as sustainability, diversity, and the impact of new technologies on sports marketing, management and customer engagement.
Specialist optional modules allow you to tailor your studies to match your interests. They include marketing and management, entrepreneurial enterprise, event management, sustainability, and social media innovation.
Where better to study than a centre of sports excellence? With 12 professional football teams, two premiership rugby team, and two country cricket sides, London is home to iconic sporting venues such as Wembley Stadium, Twickenham, Lord’s Cricket Ground and the Olympic Park in East London.
Top reasons to study with us
- Our location at the heart of the Capital means you will study in a world-class centre of sporting excellence, with access to our network of partners and sports industry experts, visitors and external speakers.
- Thanks to excellent industry links, our course is industry-focused, developed with input from leading professional clubs and sporting agencies.
- Work placement with a professional sports club to develop your skills and enhance your employability as well as the University’s optional placement or study abroad year.
- Emphasis on real-world learning – you will engage with our sports industry partners, working on real problems set by professionals who work at the cutting-edge of the sports business.
- Focus on practice-based assessment with flexible final project or a dissertation that allows you to focus and develop an area that interests and inspires you.
Course structure
The course is designed to meet the needs of the sports industry and the aspirations of our students by providing an innovative, yet solid foundation in contemporary sports management and business. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical, applied learning in areas including the theory and practice of sports management; organising and managing events; media, marketing and sponsorship management; the economics and finance of sport; entrepreneurship; diversity and inclusivity; social innovation, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. You can tailor your course by choosing elective/optional modules in each year of the course, one in Year 1, two in Year 2 and two in Year 3.
To understand the way the industry works, you’ll study the fundamentals of sports business and creative marketing, before moving on to staging and managing events, finance and accounting. Work-based learning assignments develop your employability, and we introduce employment opportunities in sport.
Subjects of study include:
- Accounting and Finance for Sports Management
- Employability in Sport and Event Management
- Innovative Marketing for Sports Management
- Principles of Event Management
- The Business of Sport
You will also have the opportunity to study an elective module that may include a foreign language.
Credit level 4
You’ll study how sport is marketed via print, digital and social channels; how leading clubs become international brands. You’ll move on to explore the management of community level sport and the different roles stakeholders play in operating at this level. Developing your employability and management skills, the Leadership and Performance Management in Sport module provides a further opportunity to gain work-based learning experience with one of our industry partners.
Subjects of study include:
- Leadership and Performance Management in Sport
- Managing Sport in the Community
- Sports Marketing and the Media
You’ll also choose two modules from The Economics and Finance of Sport, Digital Marketing Technologies, Entrepreneurial Practice, and an elective that can include a foreign language.
Alternatively, in place of the option modules listed above, you may be able to take the WBS Study Abroad Experience (subject to eligibility) or the WBS Work Experience.
Credit level 5
Between Years 2 and 3, you can take an optional work placement or study year abroad.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
A broader, thematic approach helps you appreciate how decisions are made and impact operations. You will complete a dissertation or consultancy report on a subject that interests you. For example, you may research sustainability and diversity in sport or analyse the social media strategy of a sports brand.
Subjects of study include:
- Contemporary Issues in Sports Management
- Ethics, CSR and Sustainability in Sport
- Social Media and Digital Innovations in Sport
- Sponsorship and Partnership Management in Sport
You can also choose two modules from Assessing and Developing Talent, Creating Entrepreneurial Leadership, Social Media for Business and an elective that can include a foreign language.
Credit level 6
Professional accreditation
The Sports Management BA Honours is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) with a Graduate Gateway programme status. After graduating, you’ll be exempt from the Level 4 "Applied Marketing and Planning Campaign" module towards the CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional Marketing / Professional Digital Marketing qualification.
Studying sports management at Westminster
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Sport and leisure is an increasingly global marketplace, and our practical degree prepares you academically and professionally to hit the ground running. Combine your love of sport with a management degree, giving you transferrable skills to pursue a management career in any sector.
You could work directly in the vast array of sports and leisure organisations, from professional sports clubs to leisure management companies. You may find roles in companies or sectors linked to the sports industry. This includes sports brands, manufacturers, retailers and distributors, sports consultancies, sports marketing agencies (PR and sponsorship), broadcasting and social media etc. Some students may continue their studies at postgraduate level.
The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Sports connections
Build professional networks and connect with leading sports clubs and agencies.
Get yourself work-ready
Short work placement provides practical and professional experience.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence studying alongside students from over 100 different countries.
Industry links
The course team has an extensive network of contacts within local and national sports organisations and clubs. They have gained experience through working in areas such as sports PR and marketing, event management, sponsorship, strategic planning and performance management. You will have multiple opportunities throughout the course to engage with the industry through work-related tasks, ‘as-live’ briefs and the work placement.
Job roles
This course can lead to management careers across the breadth of the sports industry including:
- Entertainment and sport centre management
- Event organisation
- Football club/agency management
- Leisure
- Related business operations and administration
- Specialisms in the outdoor/adventure industry (outdoor centre management, outdoor education, nature therapy, adventure tourism)
- Sponsorship and marketing
- Sport and adventure tourism
- Sports administration
- Stadium management
- Teaching and lecturing
- Youth and community development
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Anees Ikramullah
Senior Lecturer
Anees joined the Sports Management team at University of Westminster from Liverpool John Moores University as a Senior Lecturer in 2021, having completed his PhD from the University of Kent researching sustainability in public funded community intervention sports programmes. This interest continues with ongoing research for Sport England and the Stepping Out with Carers programme.
He also has a wealth of industry experience which started with managing the UK’s largest disability network football programme with Interactive (now merged with London Sport). He has also been involved with community football programmes and has helped to secure in excess of £100,000 in funding. This has benefitted more than 1,000 people in London through partner organisations.
I have played sport, still try to as well, coached sport and now have the pleasure of teaching sport. I love sport at all levels because of the positive influence it can have on peoples lives.
Course Team
Business and Management courses
Learn more about Westminster's Business and Management courses from our students and staff. Find out about their experience studying at Westminster, including what it's like to study at the University's Marylebone campus in the heart of central London.
Why study this course?
Fantastic location
Based on our Marylebone Campus in central London, you’ll enjoy the benefits of studying in a major global city.
Sporting excellence
London has 12 professional football, 2 premiership rugby, 2 country cricket teams and iconic venues like Wembley.
Transferrable skills
Our degree gives you the skills to pursue a management career in any sector as well as sport and leisure.
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 112 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D*
- Access – 112 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
What our students say
Andrew Skilling
Sports Management BA Honours - Year 1 in 2022/23
Having decided that I wanted to study Sports Management, I travelled to the big city for the Open Day. Everything about the course seemed to tick the boxes for what I was looking for, but what particularly sold it to me was the assurance the team gave me concerning employment post-graduation.
Learn new skills
Be a change maker
Become a responsible business leader who brings positive, ethical, inclusive change.
Communicate confidently
Learn to work, communicate and present effectively to a high professional standard.
Improve your problem-solving skills
Improve your problem-solving and business diagnostic skills to better understand and tackle business issues.
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Course Location
Our Marylebone Campus has benefitted from a multi-million-pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to Westminster Business School and our award-winning Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Westminster Business School
Based in the heart of London's political, media and financial services, Westminster Business School has excellent industry links and a strong commitment to social enterprise.
Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Our practical teaching relates learning to the real world, and we develop graduates who are ready to respond to contemporary business challenges.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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