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Sports Business and Management

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What you'll need

If you studied any part of your degree in China, you’ll need to obtain a triage service number to submit with your application. There is a charge of £25 for this service.

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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Master of Science

A Master of Science (MSc) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the sciences.

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Course overview

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.

Introduction

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 Management School has a range of additional funding opportunities for outstanding master’s students, including the 50% ULMS Excellence Scholarship. Eligibility and more information can be found on the School’s scholarship pages.

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.

Accreditations in detail

Accreditations

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.

Studying this course part-time

International students may be able to study this course on a part-time basis but this is dependent on visa regulations. Please visit the Government website for more information about student visas.

If you're able to study part-time, you'll study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any other life commitments. You will study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Semester one

This 12-month programme consists of eight taught compulsory modules, each focusing on a major area of Sports Business and Management. These are followed by a 60 credit project carried out over the summer period with a choice of either Strategic Business Research for Sport (ULMS500) or Dissertation (ULMS790)

Compulsory modules

THE GLOBAL CONTEXT OF SPORTS BUSINESS (ULMS856)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The evolution of sport into a global structure of social and commercial interaction requires future sports business practitioners to have a robust, reflective understanding of the globalisation of sport – including its history, determining features, influences, and contemporary issues for future practice. This module is designed to introduce students to the complex, multi-domestic environment in which sports business exists. The political, social, economic, and technological significance of sport relative to contemporary issues of governance, ethics and sustainability in the business of sport is of critical importance to this module. Additionally, the internationalization of major sports brands into overseas markets necessitates enquiry into the commercialisation and consumption of sport in both local and international contexts. These topics also act as a primer for later modules in marketing, and sports business practice. International case studies in the business of sport, and guest speakers will be used to punctuate theoretical discussions, and help illustrate core concepts for students. The central aim here is to provide students with an overview of the global sport arena, whilst also equipping them with a critical lens in which to evaluate the practice and impact of sports business. This approach helps to lay the foundations for future modules.

SPORTS MARKETING AND SPONSORSHIP (ULMS857)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Marketing and sponsorship are two of the key commercial drivers of the sports industry. They also differ substantially in both conceptualisation and practical implementation in comparison to other industries. This module introduces students to these fundamental differences, along with the unique management approaches, communication platforms, organisational processes associated with the marketing and sponsorship activities in professional sport. A key part of the module is also to introduce students to the concept of social marketing, drawing attention to the potential for commercially relevant, yet socially impactful marketing and communications practice.

SPORTS OPERATIONS AND EVENTS (ULMS859)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module will provide students with a critical understanding of the concepts and theories of operations and event management with regard to sports organisations. It will enable students to evaluate the operation of sports facilities, stadia, arenas and events through case studies, guest speakers and visits. Additionally, students will undertake a simulation exercise that enables them to apply operations theory and evaluate their own operations practice.

Sports Finance (ULMS722)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module aims to give students an understanding of key finance elements and how they impact upon a sporting institution/body. The module will focus on the balance sheet, breaking it down into the main assets that are used by a sporting institution and the alternative means through which those assets are financed. The concept of profitability and breakeven (for private and non-profit making organisations) from the income statement will be used to identify the main revenue streams and costs involved in running a sporting institution along with the differences between profit and cash flows.

The module will show how to analyse the financial statements of a sports based business through the use of financial metrics and key performance indicators, which identify financial and non-financial trends. Ownership models will be analysed with the emphasis between those which focus on sporting versus financial achievements. Different techniques and models will be used to show how to value a sporting institution, along with the risks of using some of these models.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

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

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.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

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

What students say...

Alex Hives standing in front of the Management School's Chatham Building.

I have had a year of cultivating friendships I know will last for the rest of my life. Combining that with the incredible opportunities that the Sports Business and Management MSc gives us, I know I’ll look back on this year as the best decision I ever made.

, MSc Sports Business and Management

Careers and employability

You will graduate from this programme with the skills necessary to work and engage in business-related roles of sports organisations. These include marketing, finance, strategy, international development, data analytics and research, relationship management, and human resources. Students may also pursue operations-related roles.

The programme makes extensive use of guest speakers from current industry professionals which are woven into modules and smaller, informal networking events.

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

You will have access to a specialist, in-house postgraduate careers team and have access to one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars, and employability initiatives.

Graduates from our Sports Business and Management MSc course have secured jobs with companies such as:

  • Red Bull
  • Cobalt
  • Professional Footballers Association
  • Deloitte LLP
  • German Football Association
  • PFC Levski Sofia
  • UEFA
  • Procam Television Holdings Ltd

In roles such as:

  • Commercial Manager
  • Live Sports Trader
  • Commercial Executive
  • Scout Analyst
  • Senior Marketing Manager
  • Production Assistant
  • Business Development Executive
  • Commercial Executive

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)
Full-time place, per year £13,750
Part-time place, per year £6,875
International fees
Full-time place, per year £28,000
Part-time place, per year £14,000
Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.

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 paying for your studies..

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


Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a new international student starting this course with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of up to £5,000 off your tuition fees.

This includes £2,500 if you have a first-class degree, or equivalent qualification, and £2,500 if you’re from a Commonwealth country.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Completed your undergraduate degree, or studied as an undergraduate exchange student, at the University of Liverpool?

You could get a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off the tuition fees for this course from September 2024 entry.

  • £1,500 tuition fee discount for eligible UK University of Liverpool graduates
  • £2,500 tuition fee discount for eligible international University of Liverpool graduates.

ULMS Excellence Scholarship

  • Home and international students

The ULMS Excellence Scholarship will be awarded to eligible UK, Republic of Ireland and international applicants joining one of the Management School’s MSc programmes in academic year 2024/25 and studying on campus.

You’ll be considered for this award based on your academic excellence, CV and personal statement.

You’ll need to have, or be on track to obtain, a first class degree, or equivalent, with no marks below a 2:1 (60%) or equivalent in modules relevant to your chosen postgraduate programme.

Relevant work experience (paid, internship, shadowing or voluntary positions) would be advantageous, as would previously studying at a highly-ranked university.

ULMS Attainment Award

  • Home students

The ULMS Attainment Award is available to eligible UK and Republic of Ireland applicants joining one of the Management School’s MSc programmes in academic year 2024/25 and studying on campus.

You’ll need to have a first class degree, or equivalent.

Please note, this award can be combined with any Management School award or central University of Liverpool funding that you’re eligible to receive, up to a maximum of a 50% fee discount.

ULMS Progress to Postgraduate Award

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students only

The ULMS Progress to Postgraduate Award is available to all current University of Liverpool undergraduate students, from any discipline, who want to progress onto one of the Management School’s MSc programmes beginning in September 2024.

UK, Republic of Ireland and international students are eligible. You can be intending to study full-time or part-time.

Please note, this award can be combined with any Management School award or central University of Liverpool funding that you’re eligible to receive. This includes the Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship, up to a maximum tuition fee discount of 50%.

ANID Chile Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

Entry requirements

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

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

Normally a 2:1 honours degree in any discipline is expected from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution is required. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered.

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
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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Why Liverpool?

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Accommodation

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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 Sports Business and Management MSc

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.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.