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Master of Business Administration (Online Football Industries)

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What you'll need

Personal Statement

The personal statement encourages students to write between 100-200 words for each of the following sections:

  • your interest and experience in this subject area,
  • your reasons for choosing this particular programme,
  • your future aim or career plan
  • how the programme of study enables you to achieve this.

 

GMAT Score

A GMAT score is not a mandatory requirement; however, we do encourage candidates who have undertaken the examination to submit their scores for consideration alongside other criteria during the admissions process.

We look for a balanced score across all components of the GMAT and will only accept scores which are still valid (attained within the last 5 years) by the time of entry to the programme.

You'll also need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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Related courses

There are forty-three courses related to Master of Business Administration (Online Football Industries) that you might be interested in.

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Master of Business Administration

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in business.

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Course overview

The Online Football Industries MBA (Online FIMBA) is a new, online MBA dedicated to the global football industry. As an MBA programme, it has a real business focus that management positions in football and sports demand.

Introduction

Wherever you are in the globe, through our Online FIMBA programme, you’ll gain a critical awareness of football issues and the wider sports world, enabling your holistic development as a football or sports executive trained through our triple-accredited Management School.

Our Online FIMBA programme is based on our highly ranked on-campus Football Industries MBA which was established over 25 years ago. Offered part-time over two years, the programme combines the core MBA curriculum created by our world class faculty that includes modules in leadership, managing financial resources and marketing alongside specialist football modules.

The football specific curriculum has been designed by our academic staff from the Centre for Sports Business, a leading hub for sports business research and practice who bring expertise and industry experience from sports analytics, economics,  governance and finance.

Who is this course for?

If you want to kick-start your career in football management or up your game in the sports business, this programme is for you!

Many of our candidates who join the FIMBA come from other sectors but have a lifelong passion and ambition to work in the game or start their new business within the football industry.

Typically, you will have a minimum of 3 years of relevant management/leadership experience in the private or public sector. If you do not hold a degree or the required degree classification, you are welcome to apply.  For more information about eligibility, please get in touch with the MBA team at ulmsmba@liverpool.ac.uk.

GENEROUS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2025

We’re offering 50% scholarships for candidates starting the programme in January 2025.

Places are limited, so we encourage you to apply to the programme early to avoid disappointment. Awards will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis, with applicants to the programme assessed automatically for eligibility. Find out more about our scholarships today!

STUDENT STORIES

Our students come from a wide range of sectors, industries, backgrounds, countries and cultures. Read our campus-based students’ stories and find out more about why they chose the Management School, highlights of the programme to date, and valuable advice if you’re considering an MBA.

GLOBALLY RANKED MBA

Our campus based Football Industries MBA features in the top 20 global SportBusiness postgraduate rankings for 2024.

If you already hold an MBA or are working in the industry and would like to study the football-specific modules only, we offer a Certificate in Business Administration (Football Industries).

What you'll learn

  • European study trips
    You are invited to attend two study trips to UEFA and FIFA plus a European city destination alongside your fellow online and on-campus MBA candidates. These study trips usually take place in January or February of year two of study providing an opportunity to put theory into practice and helping you connect with sport, business and our alumni.
  • MBA top industry leader speaker series
    Deepen your understanding of business and football issues through our top industry guest speaker series. Join online sessions with industry leaders including Premier and European league football club CEOs and top executives at governing bodies as they share their experiences and insights on topical issues.
  • Becoming a Football Executive Module
    If you can, we invite you to complete this specialist football module on campus in Liverpool, delivered over a week. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with your peers, experience our dedicated MBA facility and  explore the Liverpool city region, home to a wide variety of football and sports clubs, including two Premier League sides.  If you are not able to attend in person, this module can also be completed online.

Accreditation

The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Please note – modules for this course have not yet been finalised and may be subject to change.

Compulsory modules

LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION (ULMS847)

Credits: 10 / Semester: semester 1

This module explores topics in organisational behaviour at the individual, group, and organisational levels. At the individual level, the module looks at individual differences in key attributes that lead to work effectiveness such as personality and motivation. At the group level, the module builds on earlier content to establish how teams function and explores the role of effective leadership in influencing teams. At the organisational level, the module looks at organisational culture and change and consolidates the content by looking at a range of organisations and sectors. The module will offer students several reflection points on their work behaviours on which they will receive targeted feedback.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL INDUSTRY (ULMS763)

Credits: 10 / Semester: semester 1

The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of the structure and organisation of football across different international settings. The module will critically examine the relevant concepts, theories, models and structures of professional football leagues and other factors that influence decision-making across the various sectors of the football industries. The module will also examine the role and influences of major stakeholders including football federations, football leagues, football clubs, players and their agents, and consumers. The nature of and changes in the supply of and the demand for football will also be critically examined. Finally, the football economies in developed and emerging markets will be assessed. The use of concepts, theories, and principles from a range of business and management disciplines will underpin the module’s critical assessment of the international football industries.

Managing Financial Resources (ULMS701)

Credits: 10 / Semester: semester 1

The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the nature of financial resources available to an organisation; how resources can be managed to add value; how business activities are summarised and the relationships between different activities summarised and predicted; and how the core skills and competencies of an organisation are identified and managed.

Marketing in the Digital Age (ULMS842)

Credits: 10 / Semester: semester 1

Marketing in the Digital Age is a forward-thinking MBA module that puts diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and responsible marketing at the forefront of modern marketing practices. In this transformative journey, we explore the intersection of these critical dimensions with the evolving world of digital marketing. This module empowers students with the knowledge and skills to excel in contemporary marketing. Students will gain insights into the power of inclusive marketing, understand the vital role of sustainability, and embrace responsible marketing practices.

SPORT AND THE LAW (ULMS721)

Credits: 10 / Semester: semester 2

This module introduces students to the ways in which the forces of domestic, European and international law impact upon the sports industries. It considers how the law is a fundamental force in driving the development of regulation in sport internationally and how long-standing practices can be challenged in the courts. Topics covered include: arbitration; employment law; discrimination; competition law; free movement; intellectual property and combating ambush marketing.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT (ULMS849)

Credits: 10 / Semester: semester 2

The module provides an understanding of the major drivers of the internationalisation of business activities. Based on the understanding gained from lectures, seminars and individual and group research activities throughout the module, students will be able to analyse the strategic implications of internationalisation for organisations and assess how to manage international business activities effectively. The module outlines the main theories and latest research evidence on major issues of international business management and explores key factors that make international business management different from domestic strategies and operations. The application of theoretical models and concepts to practical issues in the management of organisations is central to the module’s objectives. The module provides students with a sound knowledge of not only the theory and evidence on key topics in the internationalisation processes of organisations, but also applies this to how to manage effectively in the context of a complex and evolving international business environment. Examination of the major drivers of evolution of the international business environment (for example, the rise of emerging economies, and economic, technological, political and cultural changes affecting international trade and investment) provides the basis  for assessing how organisations may best adjust to the changing patterns of internationalisation. By the end of the module, students will understand how business strategies and operations fit into the fast changing global arena and will have a good appreciation of the strategic challenges and opportunities facing organisations that operate internationally, as well as of implications for their personal careers in an international context.

SPORTS OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (ULMS829)

Credits: 10 / Semester: semester 2

This module deals with theory, principles and practicalities of managing sustainable sports operations and events. The module covers: operations design, demand forecasting, managing the customer experience, safety and security, event management and broadcasting and logistics.

Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Your experience

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

What students say...

Mahmoud Bouguermouh, FIMBA alumni, standing next to a wall outside with crossed arms.

FIMBA is the one and only MBA with a focus on football, worldwide. It provides the who’s who of football industry professionals and lecturers, giving you the chance to be part of the strongest and most diverse football network.

, MBA Master of Business Administration (Football Industries) 2023

Careers and employability

Dedicated MBA careers support

Whatever your experience as a manager and whatever your professional ambitions, you’ll be supported with your future career planning from the very first week.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

FIMBA is at the centre of one of the best existing global networks in the football industry, with alumni working for the top football/sports clubs, governing bodies, media and commercial organisations in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa.

Some of our most recent graduates are now working in:

  • UEFA
  • AEG Europe
  • Asian Football Confederation
  • The [English] Football League
  • Scottish Professional Football League
  • Chinese Football Association
  • Manchester City FC
  • Celtic FC
  • Liverpool FC
  • Santos Laguna [Mexico]
  • BATE Borisov [Belarus]
  • FC Bayern Munich
  • FC Seoul [South Korea]
  • FC Colo-Colo [Chile]
  • Gremio FBPA [Brazil]
  • Nike
  • Adidas
  • Octagon
  • European Broadcasting Union
  • Rugby Football Union
  • England Netball
  • NBA


INTERESTED IN HOW OUR ALUMNI HAVE PROGRESSED?

Find out how Mario achieved his long-term goal of becoming a football agent following his graduation from the FIMBA programme in 2016. You can also read more of our alumni stories.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Part-time place, per year £13,250
International fees
Part-time place, per year £16,750
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year. Please note, our MBA programmes include one international study trip to a European destination. The University covers the cost of accommodation and excursions only. This is scheduled to take place during the January or February of year two of study. The University does not cover any additional costs associated with the trip, such as flights and visa applications. The School cannot guarantee that visa applications connected with the study trip will be successful. The visa application process is managed by the student independent of the university. The University in its decision making, ensure the choice of destination has reasonable visa requirements and costs. Fees will not be refunded to students who do not participate in the international study trip.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here


Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Pre-Master’s? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from an online Kaplan Pre-Master’s programme.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Pre-Master’s at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from UoLIC.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

Candidates will normally be expected to hold a 2:1 Honours degree (which may be in any discipline) from a UK university, or an equivalent professional qualification from a similar non-UK institution.

Non-graduates who possess extensive professional experience (more than 5 years) and/or a postgraduate qualification are encouraged to apply.

 

Non Standard Entry

Non Standard entry relates to applicants who may not hold a degree or the required degree classification. We would still encourage applications if you have

  • Significant management experience (more than 5 years),
  • Below 2:1 or no formal university degree
  • Substantial record of achievement in business and leadership (for example accredited training courses, learning & development courses).

Each application is considered on a case by case basis and will include an informal, online interview with the MBA team. The interview is an opportunity to discuss your suitability to MBA programme, your experience and interest in the MBA programme.

Applicants should apply via the normal route. For more information on this non-standard entry process, please contact ulmsmba@liverpool.ac.uk.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English
WAEC C6 or above

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 6 weeks On campus
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Changes to Master of Business Administration (Online Football Industries) MBA

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

6 November 2024: Master of Business Administration (Online Football Industries) MBA – course overview

Text updates:

  • GENEROUS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2025
    Added: We’re offering 50% scholarships for candidates starting the programme in January 2025.
  • GLOBALLY RANKED MBA
  • Added: If you already hold an MBA or are working in the industry and would like to study the football-specific modules only, we offer a Certificate in Business Administration (Football Industries).

Removed:

‘TRIPLE-ACCREDITED MANAGEMENT SCHOOL’.

7 November 2024: Master of Business Administration (Online Football Industries) MBA – teaching and assessment

Text added:

Teaching and assessment

You’ll take modules totalling 120 credits, with the dissertation or consultancy based project completed at the end of your studies being worth 60 credits. You’ll be supported by your academic supervisor during the dissertation or consultancy based project.

You’re required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MBA. Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, you’ll graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Assessment

The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another. All assessment information is included within the module handbook at the start of each module.