Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £11,590 for the course
International/EU: £19,705 for the course -
How long will I study?
1 Year
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
January 2026
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Build the knowledge and attributes you’ll need for a professional career in sport.
- Work with world-class sports organisations on an industry-based project in an optional 12-week placement.
- Benefit from the experience of tutors with substantial industry, research and consultancy experience.
- Gain the contacts, skills and credentials you’ll need to make an impact.
This course focuses on the core aspects of sports business. Through practice-based learning you’ll build up your existing experience with the knowledge and contacts you need. You’ll leave with a degree that’s recognised by the world’s leading professional marketing body and respected across the industry.
Accredited by
This course has been awarded Recognised Degree Status by The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Students are able to take advantage of CIM membership and its benefits and complete modules on any or some of the CIM modules if they wish (please contact CIM for current studying membership and assessment fees).
Student satisfaction
This course scored 93% for overall student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Student Satisfaction Survey 2025.
How you learn
On this course you’ll improve your employability skills and develop specialist knowledge of the global sports industry. You’ll learn to identify and develop creative solutions for major clients – gaining practical experience through optional industry placements, while attaining a sound theoretical grounding under the guidance of our experts. You’ll also have access to an employability adviser who can help with writing applications, preparing for interviews and developing your CV – as well as offering tailored career guidance.
You learn through
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- research projects for major clients
- optional industry placements
- independent learning
Applied learning
Work placement
You’ll have the option to complete a 12-week work project, receiving support and advice from a mentor in a client organisation, as well as a member of academic staff. We’ll use our network of local, regional, national and international employers to help secure you a challenging and fulfilling experience.
Recent clients have included Formula 1, Gfinity, the International Olympic Committee, Virtus, FutbolJobs, Sheffield United FC and Sheffield Wednesday FC.
Live projects
As part of your studies, you’ll undertake an industry-based research project – working with sport organisations to solve problems or explore potential market opportunities.
Networking opportunities
The course has plenty of chances to build your network – with superb industry ties and opportunities for work placements and research projects. We also have an established and strong graduate network on LinkedIn, which you’ll gain access to once you join the course.
Course leaders and tutors
Ricardo De Sousa
Senior Lecturer in Sport Business Management, Course Leader of MSc Sport Business ManagementStaff profile for Ricardo De Sousa at Sheffield Hallam University
Student success story
Former MSc Sports Business Management student and current Hallam academic Luke Williams worked as part of the press team at the Paris Olympic Games, helping to bring the big moments to a global audience.
“Hallam students get opportunities to work at some of the biggest sporting events all over the world. Previous students have worked at the London Olympics 2012, Sochi Winter Olympics 2014, Rugby World Cup England 2015, Gold Coast 2018, the Champions League Final, Commonwealth Games 2022 and lots more."
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module will develop your understanding of the economic and financial concepts applied to the global sport industry, enabling you to make well informed management decisions within the sport industry. You will learn a variety of topics, concepts, theories and methods including: the mixed economy, determinants of demand, supply and pricing, economic impact of sport events, sources of revenue and costs in sport, analysis and interpretation of financial statements, capital investment appraisal, financial forecasting.
This module develops your knowledge and skills of strategic leadership for international sport organisations. You will explore topics such as corporate strategy, consumer behaviour, the media, marketing, strategic sport event planning, situational analysis and resource and capabilities assessments. This modules prepare you for a career in international strategy and marketing in the global sports industry.
This module develops your leadership and management skills as a professional in working environments influenced by factors such as organisational culture, development and behaviour. Through this module you will learn about management and leadership, organisational behaviour and development, change management, managing diversity, business excellence frameworks and personal and professional development planning. This module provides you with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed as a leader in the global sports industry.
This module develops the knowledge and skills needed to undertake applied research in sport business management and explores a range of professional, contemporary and academic concepts, including research in the sport management context, project planning and management business analytics, data collection, analysis, interpretation and visualisation, and group dynamics. By successfully completing this module, you will develop the skills and competency to deliver consultancy projects in sport and physical activity.
Through this module, you will have the opportunity to work for a sport organisation and complete a piece of independent work that meets the needs of an industry partner, under the guidance of an expert supervisor and workplace mentor.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- regional, national and international sporting bodies
- local authority and voluntary sector sport
- sporting clubs
- sport leagues
- major venues and facilities
- event management organisations
- sports consultancies
- player-agent organisations
- sport-related government agencies
- sponsorship procurement
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work as
- business development professional at Arsenal FC
- coaching projects consultant in the Premier League
- CRM and insight manager at Leaders in Sport
- research and insight analyst in Formula 1
- world para snow sports manager at the International Paralympic Committee
Equipment and facilities
360 tour - sports facilities
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities
Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Find out about sports and physical activity at Sheffield Hallam University.
Entry requirements
All students
Applicants should normally have a minimum of a second class honours degree (2.2)
If you do not hold a degree, we may be able to consider you with professional or CPD qualifications, or significant relevant real-world experience. These will be considered on an individual basis.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £11,590 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £19,705 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
Scholarships and financial support
Find information on scholarships, bursaries and postgraduate student loans.
International scholarships up to £3000 ›
Alumni scholarships up to £2000 ›
Postgraduate loans for UK students ›
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sport and Physical Activity (PDF, 144.2KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
Postgraduate course rankings
Our MSc Sports Business Management course is rated 5th in the UK, 13th in Europe and 35th globally (Sports Business Postgraduate Course Rankings 2021).
