Sport Business Management - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2026/27 Entry. Switch to 2025/26 Entry
Sport business is also big business. What do sportspersons’ contracts include? Why are image rights so important and lucrative? How are multi-million-pound football transfers structured and executed? How do stadium naming rights work? These are all a part of a day’s work in the exciting world of a manager in sports business....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2026
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location City Centre
This course is:
Available with Professional Placement year
Open to International Students
Overview
Sport business is also big business. What do sportspersons’ contracts include? Why are image rights so important and lucrative? How are multi-million-pound football transfers structured and executed? How do stadium naming rights work? These are all a part of a day’s work in the exciting world of a manager in sports business.
The exciting and evolving global sports market is estimated to be worth over £400bn and is growing at a significant rate year on year. Over the past decade, there has been a huge increase of career opportunities in the sport sector that require graduates with the skills, attributes and experience to thrive in such a dynamic industry. From organisation executives to agents and commercial managers, this is an industry for business-minded people with a passion for sport.
This course is designed to explore topics around digital innovation in sports business such as social media representation, modern marketing and online opportunities, events management and delivery, crisis management and sportsperson care and representation such as being a manager or agent looking after any and all needs from contract negotiations to advising on PR and media responsibilities.
Employability and entrepreneurship are at the core of this course and these transferable skills will give you a solid foundation from which to build your career. Placements, project fieldwork and workshops will prepare you to hit the ground running the second you graduate.
What's covered in this course?
The course has a clear focus on preparing you for a career in sport business by providing a strong understanding of media handling and sponsorship alongside care and representation of athletes.
The course covers a variety of skills required to become a professional in Sport Business Management including technology and digital innovation, marketing, events, venue management, operations, player care and representation, sport tourism, sport media, and crisis and risk management.
Professional Placement year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
- We have a strong focus on employability and through placement opportunities and our links with local businesses, we aim to ensure you graduate not only with your degree but also with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on your chosen career.
- The STEAMhouse offers amazing opportunities for entrepreneurial students to kick start and build a business. Services available include the Incubator which helps focus and solidify business ideas and the Hatchery which offers support in getting your business off the ground.
- We pride ourselves on being the University for Birmingham and supporting and giving something back to the local business community. We have strong links with local businesses in the city across several industries. These links help us enhance students’ experiences by giving them access to industry experts for guest lectures, exciting placement opportunities and other chances to engage with the business community as a whole.
- We aim to infuse learning with exposure to real-world experiences. We give students the chance to work on real-life projects using industry-standard software and with real-world clients where possible, offering a unique opportunity for students to gain this invaluable experience while they study.
- This course is accredited and meets the high standards of the Chartered Management Institute.
Open Days
Join us for an Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation. Booking isn't open for this event yet, register your interest and we'll let you know when booking goes live.
Next Open Day: 4 October 2025
Entry Requirements
Essential requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2026
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,535 in 2026/27
- Apply via UCAS
- Part Time
- 6 Years
- Show fees
- Register interest
- £1590 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 60 credits
- Year 2 - 80 credits
- Year 3 - 80 credits
- Year 4 - 80 credits
- Year 5 - 60 credits
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2026
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £18,570 in 2026/27
- Register interest
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the three areas you’ll need to address:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Here’s where you explain what makes this course exciting to you. Think about your motivations for studying the course and your future plans. If you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons.
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
This is your chance to show what you’ve learned at school or college. You should include the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from education or training and how this will help you succeed in your chosen course.
- What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Not everything you’ve learned comes from the classroom. Life experience counts too! You might want to talk about work experience, employment, or volunteering and how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed for your chosen course or future career.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
Course in Depth
First Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
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This module is designed to introduce you to the concept of management in the sports business industry. The module encourages you to think about what skills, attributes and tasks managers perform in different situations with the purpose of recognising what makes effective sport business managers. This module aligns with the course philosophy by providing an insight into the respective industry, integrating sessions from industry experts to facilitate this. The module balances theory and concepts, supporting you to reflect and apply this content into real life scenarios. In particular you will be introduced to the major business functions and how they operate in a variety of sport business contexts
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This module will provide a gentle introduction to the world of accounting and finance for business managers of the future and is designed for those new to accounting or those studying on non-accounting related degree programmes.
You’ll explore key areas of accounting including gaining an appreciation for how basic financial statements are prepared and how you can assess both the financial performance and financial position of a business.
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Second Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
Venue Managers – otherwise known as General, Venue or Stadium Managers -are pivotal actors in ensuring the successful execution of multiple events across a variety of industries – for example, Sport and Esports. They require a subtle blend of technical, behavioural and cognitive skills and knowledge, although their core capability –given their operational closeness to the customer –is principally technical (i.e. how to get things delivered on time to specification). Great Venue Managers are the linchpins of successful occasions –the correlation between Venue Manager effectiveness and customer safety having been proven as a principal determinant of success.
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The aim of this module is to provide you with the knowledge, skills and insights to research a ‘live’ issue in your industry with a view to formulating a practicable, impactful and value-added research project proposal which can be actioned in the final year.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Professional Placement (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of BA (Hons) Sports Business Management with Professional Placement Year you must successfully complete the following module:
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Final Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
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In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
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This module introduces you to a range of advance strategic management tools and techniques with which to analyse and thus understand business situations with national and international relevance. In addition, an understanding of competitive behaviour will be informed by a variety of views concerning the sources of competitive advantage, sustainable competitive advantage from a theoretical and industry perspective.These include the implications of developments in the macro environment, industry structure, the organization’s strategic position in an industry, the acquisition and development of resources and capabilities, and the challenge of industry evolution to sustaining competitive advantage.
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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Download course specification
Download nowUnderpinning the philosophy of the course are the following purpose and objectives:
Purpose
To inspire and equip students with the expertise to develop a high level of academic skills leading to graduate employment and career development within the fast growing ‘Global Sports industry domain’.
Objectives
- Technical: to furnish students with the practical skills and expertise to add high value within the Sports industry
- Behavioural: to nurture the appropriate levels of energy and internal/external ‘customer-centric’ behaviours to create innovative products and services
- Cognitive: to provide students with high levels of critical reasoning and problem solving capabilities that will ensure they stand out among their competitive set
- Be truly global: to provide students with global experiences throughout all levels, making this course unique in the marketplace
Go Abroad
Undergraduate students can apply to study on an exchange programme for one semester at one of our partner universities across the globe. The opportunity to apply will depend on which course you study. The majority of courses offer this in the second semester of your second year. You will obtain credits which are recognised by BCU. Find out more about Go Abroad.
Alternatively, each year, the University offers students the chance to volunteer or study overseas at one of our partner institutions/organisations during the summer. In previous years, our students have been to France, Spain, Brazil, Fiji, India, Mexico, South Korea, and USA on a variety of activities. All students are eligible to apply, although PG and PhD students may require academic approval. Find out more about Go Abroad.
Chartered Management Institute
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This means that you can achieve the Level 5 CMI Certificate in Management and Leadership alongside your degree. The award is conditional on successfully completing the Honours degree programme in the appropriate module areas.
Employability
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £500 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law and Business students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the Parkside Building and Millennium Point
Our staff
Peter Evans
Senior Teaching Fellow - Sport Business Management Course Director
Peter Evans is a Senior Teaching Fellow and Associate Course Leader specialising in Business, Sport & Event and Tourism Management. Peter has over 30 years of experience in industry and academia.
More about PeterDr Russell Cowley
Senior Lecturer, Academic Lead for Teaching Excellence and Student Experience
Russell is a former professional and international athlete whose career spanned over 17 years. Highlights include winning a world championship gold medal, three silvers and a bronze medal. Russell held various leadership (Captain) roles during his professional career. During his professional ice hockey career, Russell co-founded a charity, which...
More about RussellDr Richard Oddy
Deputy Head of the College of Business, Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship
Dr Richard E. Oddy is the Deputy Head of Business, Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship. He has developed and launched a number of new courses in these specific fields, and has over a decade of teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
More about Richard