The MSc Sports Business and Management offers students a master's level understanding of the global business of sport - its organisations, stakeholders and the disciplines which make it operate successfully - with a business focus on the challenges and opportunities within the global sports business.
Please note, if you’re applying for January 2027 entry, your course welcome starts on 25 January 2027. Teaching starts on the 1 February 2027.
Our MSc Sports Business and Management is ranked 1st in the UK, 3rd in Europe, and 14th in the world in the 2023 SportBusiness Postgraduate Rankings.
The programme provides students with the opportunity to study an MSc Sports Business and Management in a Russell Group University which has an excellent reputation and network within football, horse racing, cricket, rugby and other sports based on its provision of high-quality education in the business of sport over the past 15 years.
The MSc Sports Business and Management programme was designed in consultation with industry employers, including Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs, St. Helens RFLC (Rugby League) and Deloitte, to identify and incorporate the skills required by industry both now and in the future.
Modules cover the global context of sports business, sports marketing and sponsorship, sports operations and events, and leadership in sport.
In the capstone ‘Sports Business Practice’ module students will have opportunities to visit Premier League Football Clubs as well as high-profile sports businesses from cricket, rugby and other sports. Students will have access to excellent sports business speakers to enhance their understanding of the practical aspects of working in the global sports business market.
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.
AACSB Accreditation Standards require a high quality teaching environment, a commitment to continuous improvement, and curricula responsive to the needs of businesses. This achievement means that the Management School meets specific standards of excellence. It also means it's committed to on-going improvement in delivering high quality education.
AMBA is the highest standard of achievement in postgraduate business education. MBA students and graduates, business schools and employers all recognise it as a gold standard. AMBA's rigorous criteria and assessment process ensure that only programmes that demonstrate the highest standards in teaching, learning and curriculum design; career development and employability; and student, alumni and employer interaction achieve accreditation.
The School is also accredited by EQUIS, which is the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration. Institutions that are accredited by EQUIS must demonstrate not only high general quality in all dimensions of their activities, but also a high degree of internationalisation and corporate connections.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
During the first semester, you will undertake three compulsory modules of 20 credits each (60 credits in total).
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| SPORTS MARKETING AND SPONSORSHIP (ULMS857) | 20 |
| SPORTS OPERATIONS AND EVENTS (ULMS859) | 20 |
| THE GLOBAL CONTEXT OF SPORTS BUSINESS (ULMS856) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
During the second semester, you will undertake three compulsory modules of 20 credits each (60 credits in total).
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| LEADERSHIP IN SPORTS BUSINESS (ULMS898) | 20 |
| SPORTS FINANCE AND ECONOMICS (ULMS897) | 20 |
| SPORTS STRATEGY AND GOVERNANCE (ULMS899) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will complete your course with a final 60-credit applied research project or dissertation.
For your final project you will be supported by an academic supervisor
Choose one:
or
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ADVANCED MANAGEMENT RESEARCH (ULMS719) | 60 |
| DISSERTATION (ULMS790) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
On our MSc Sports Business and Management, modules are taught using the latest active learning techniques. These include the use of real-world case studies from the world of professional sport, authentic assessment tasks that mimic sports organisation activities and requisite outputs, business scenario and negotiation simulations, use of interactive participation software, and lecture capture. We also ensure that each module has a distinctive contribution from an industry guest speaker, and host a broader “in conversation” series where C-suite executives from the sports industry contribute to engaging discussions with faculty and students.
The principal forms of teaching are lectures and seminars with lectures normally being supported by material such as hand-outs and presentations. Seminars allow for a more detailed discussion of a topic under the direction of a tutor. You are normally expected to prepare work in advance for seminars and may be expected to present work or give presentations.
Following semester two you will complete either a dissertation or the Strategic Business Research for Sport project with the support of an academic supervisor. This final project enables students to specialise in an area of the sports business discipline to deepen their knowledge, understanding and capabilities in this area.
Teaching time will account for an average of 10 hours per week and you should anticipate an additional 24 hours of self-directed study and group work per week.
In semester one and two, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. The dissertation or research project completed during the summer period is worth 60 credits and students will be supported by their academic supervisor.
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MSc.
Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, students will graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Assessment tasks are varied and some may be designed specifically to meet the learning outcomes of a particular programme of study, but students can expect to be assessed via coursework, essay, group work, presentations, case studies, negotiation exercises, reports and examinations. The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another. All assessment information is included within the module specification.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
This programme is delivered by the triple-accredited University of Liverpool Management School.
The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The thing I’ve enjoyed most about my studies and being at this University is my classes and the subject material of my course. The content has always been very interesting, particularly when it is referring to current events in sports, and it covers a broad range of topics.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
You will have access to a specialist, in-house postgraduate careers team, offering personalised one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars, and employability initiatives to support your career development.
Graduates from our Sports Business and Management MSc course have gone on to secure roles with a range of prestigious organisations, including Red Bull, Cobalt, the Professional Footballers Association, Deloitte LLP, the German Football Association, PFC Levski Sofia, UEFA, and Procam Television Holdings Ltd. They have taken on positions such as Commercial Manager, Live Sports Trader, Commercial Executive, Scout Analyst, Senior Marketing Manager, Production Assistant, and Business Development Executive.
Employment outcomes are strong, with 87% of graduates finding employment within six months of completing the programme. Popular job titles include Social Media and Sponsorship Manager, Digital Project Officer, Social Media Executive, and Project Administrator. Employers of recent graduates include Sports Side, All Star Tennis, Everton FC, Liverpool FC, JSW Sports, Liverpool John Moores University, and Decathlon. Graduates have found roles across Liverpool, London, throughout the UK, and internationally in locations such as India, Japan, China, and Ohio.
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.
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.
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 tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £15,000
Part-time place, per year - £7,500
Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Part-time place, per year - £16,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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 £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
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. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
If you've graduated with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, and you've accepted a place on a master's course, you could be entitled to a £10,000 contribution towards your tuition fees. Please note your master's can be in a range of subject areas, and is not restricted to Chemistry. This award is available to one student per academic year who's considered to be from a widening participation background.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered.
|
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110 |
| 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 |
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.
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 writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 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 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 5 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions