The Football Industries MBA (FIMBA) programme is the original, and still the only, Football Industries MBA. As an MBA programme, it has the real business focus that management positions in modern sports demand.
Introduction
Focusing on the professionalism and business of the beautiful game, if you want to work in the global football industry — with clubs, governing bodies or related marketing, media and sponsorship companies — this is the programme for you.
The Football Industries MBA features in the top 20 SportBusiness postgraduate rankings for 2024. The core elements of the programme — leadership, strategy, organisations, innovation, international business and the global environment, entrepreneurship and managing financial resources — are delivered in concentrated blocks with a strong emphasis on interactive teaching and learning. The specialist football modules apply business concepts to modern football. You’ll gain a critical awareness of issues in football management, finance and law. Crucially, you’ll receive vocational industry training, including the Becoming a Football Executive module and Sports Operations Management module.
The broader skills you’ll acquire include analysis, problem-solving, creativity and decision-making. The Becoming a Football Executive module will also strengthen your career management skills and hone your interpersonal communication abilities. Based in Liverpool, the football hotbed of the North-west of England, clubs are accessible as laboratories for students to put theory into practice.
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).
Who is this course for?
Candidates join our MBA programmes to achieve a number of professional goals. Typically they will have a minimum of 3 years of relevant management experience in the private or public sector.
Students may be planning to:
Start a new business
Move into a more senior strategic role
Improve the performance of their current company
Change the function, sector or country they work in.
Generous scholarships for 2025
If you have 3+ years managerial experience, you may be eligible for one of our generous Management School Awards. We’re offering 50% tuition fee discounts for this globally ranked MBA programme for students starting in September 2025.
Places are limited, so we encourage you to apply to the MBA 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.
Student stories
Our students come from a wide range of sectors, industries, backgrounds, countries and cultures. Read our 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.
You are invited to attend two study trips to UEFA and FIFA plus a European city destination alongside your fellow MBA candidates. These trips allow you to put theory into practice, offering a deeper understanding of business management in an economic and social context and helping expand your professional network through connecting with sports, business, and our alumni.
For more information, please see the Fees and Funding section below.
Deepen your understanding of business and football issues through our top industry guest speaker series. Join 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.
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.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
The 12-month full-time programme consists of 11 compulsory modules and one optional module, followed by a consultancy based project or a dissertation carried out over the summer period following Semester two.
There are six compulsory modules in Semester one. 180 credits are taken in total.
Compulsory modules
FOOTBALL ECONOMICS AND ANALYTICS (ULMS804)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
The module will provide students with insights and advance knowledge of the economics of football. Students will be able to distinguish between conventional industries and the football industry by way of economic theory. Students will explore the economics of a range of core issues including the football players’ and managerial labour markets, the economic design of leagues and the demand for and supply of football across different media. From an analytic perspective, students are not expected to have a prior understanding of statistics, econometric or analytics. However, students will be able to interpret analytical results found in relevant literature and journal articles. Students will engage in data management and analysis and will be able to appreciate the role that statistics, econometrics and analytics (might) have in decision-making within the football industry.
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.
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.
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.
STRATEGY AND ORGANISATION (ULMS822)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 1
Leaders and managers of organisations today face many types of challenges. The essence of strategy is in successfully achieving the appropriate fit between resources and environment in an increasingly dynamic and turbulent world. The aim of the module is to provide the students with a comprehensive overview of strategic analysis, strategy formulation and implementation, and to enable them to develop and implement strategies in their own organisations. The module pays particular emphasis on helping students to understand the environment in which strategising takes place, including the industry and country environment. Furthermore, the module aims to enable students to understand and appreciate the organisational context in which strategic decisions are made. The module takes a critical approach. It draws on insights from a variety of sources and disciplines, including managerial and industry economics, but also behavioural perspectives and organisation theory in order to provide an integrative perspective on strategy.
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.
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.
Semester two
The 12-month full-time programme consists of 11 compulsory modules and one optional module, followed by a consultancy based project or a dissertation carried out over the summer period following Semester two.
There are five compulsory modules and two optional modules (select one) in Semester two. 180 credits are taken in total.
Compulsory modules
BECOMING A FOOTBALL EXECUTIVE (ULMS824)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
This module enables students to develop the skills and attributes that they will need to succeed in executive careers in the football sector. Students will be provided with the opportunity to apply theory to practice in order to solve practical management problems within the sport business context, through the use of a management simulation. This will enable students to critically reflect on their performance within a high pressure situation. The module will also develop transferable career skills such as self-awareness, football industry analysis, job searching, networking, negotiation, conflict management, personal branding, CV development and personal development planning. Assessment includes a formative report at the beginning of the module, an assessed management simulation and a career development presentation.
FOOTBALL AND FINANCE (ULMS724)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
This module covers the financial aspects of the football business, in particular the operations of clubs and leagues; ownership, investment, debt and insolvency; and the links between financial management and successful strategy. Students are expected to contribute fully to classes, both individually and in groups, and assessed via two assignments.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ULMS704)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
The objective of this module is to integrate the two fields of innovation and entrepreneurship focusing upon management practice and creating change in a range of sectors. It will approach the analysis of innovation and entrepreneurship by drawing attention to relevant theories and research but placing more emphasis on applying these to practice in a broader context including the private, public and third sector and ways of creating new business models, opportunities, value and change. In particular, the module will examine issues and dilemmas in “doing” innovation and entrepreneurship.
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.
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.
Optional modules
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.
Advanced Analytics for Business (ULMS885)
Credits: 10 /
Semester: semester 2
The module will introduce students to the use of data analytics to aid decision making. Through the use of case studies from a variety of industries (e.g. aviation, health, sport), students will learn how different industries and organisations use analytics to gain insight from data in order to improve their operations. It also establishes the importance of data science for business intelligence, and describes opportunities and limitations in the use of analytics.
Upon completion of the module students will be able to interpret analytical results found in organisational reports, industry press, relevant literature and journal articles, and be able to make objective judgements on the quality, validity and usefulness of analytics performed by others.
Students will engage in data management and analysis, and familiarise themselves with existing platforms and software tools to develop core skills and expertise needed to process and visualise big data. The software package R will be used throughout the module and students will be able to perform analysis, including using machine learning, themselves.
The module will be delivered in an interactive style. Student participation and class exercises will allow students to gain a practical understanding of why data analytics has become an important tool in the business environment.
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.
Final project
Students have the option to complete a consultancy based project or a dissertation carried out over the summer period following semester two.
Compulsory modules
Dissertation (ULMS706)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
The dissertation is a major academic component of the MBA. This module aims to equip students with the skills and resources required to effectively prepare for and produce a dissertation. It provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate the ability to diagnose and investigate a contemporary business issue (i.e. selecting a topic); to locate the work within the body of academic knowledge (i.e. conducting a literature review); to collect and analyse data (i.e. choosing a research design for data collection/analysis); to derive supportable conclusions and, organise and discuss the findings; to present results in a logical and clear manner; and to make practical and actionable recommendations for change, improvement or enhancement of current practice.
The module also aims to support the students in developing a research proposal as a part of the dissertation process. On completion of the module students will understand the purpose and structure of dissertations and have the skills necessary to conduct an independent piece of research. It will enable them to develop and embed their conceptual skills, data analytical skills, ethical awareness, critical evaluations skills, as well as their ability to effectively communicate their research findings to both an academic and practitioner audience.
There are three parts to the assessment: topic choice form; dissertation proposal; and the dissertation itself. During the dissertation phase of the module students will be individually supervised. The design and delivery of the Dissertation module is such that students engage with the research methods workshops in order to prepare a research proposal and be able to execute and deliver that proposal as a full MBA dissertation.
Consultancy Based Project (ULMS823)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
This module provides an alternative to the traditional academic dissertation, and is aimed at those students who have secured a client organisation to work with on a consultancy basis.
This module prepares MBA students to undertake their consultancy based project which is the final integrative activity of the MBA Programme.
The aim of this module is to provide a process which will enable students to use and extend knowledge and skills that they have acquired during their programme of study. Using appropriate management research methodologies and/or data collection methods, students will have the opportunity to explore an area of interest within management in significantly greater depth than during the taught modules themselves. Students will work on a specific project for an organisation. The organisation selected will function as the ‘client’. The aim of this path is to enable students to undertake a self-managed process of systematic practitioner inquiry within the domain of management.
The main output will be two documents, one for the client, in the format appropriate to that organisation, and one for academic purposes which incorporates those elements that are important to an academic research project of this nature, but are not required by the client. This will also include a reflective piece on the student’s personal development. In alignment with the sister module ULMS706, there will be a requirement to produce a proposal that summaries the project parameters.
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.
How you'll learn
MBA students are taught in a dedicated, purpose-built teaching space, the Brett Building. Its facilities include state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, a lecture theatre, break-out spaces, and social zones.
How you're assessed
In semester one and two, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. The dissertation or consultancy based 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 MBA.
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.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Each year our MBA students form lasting friendships and build a supportive global network. The MBA student community meets regularly, following a calendar of social events to make the most of all Liverpool has to offer.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
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.
Our MBA Career and Leadership Development Programme is designed to enrich your MBA journey by challenging your thinking about your own professional, career and leadership development. Active participation in the Programme will deepen your awareness of yourself, your strengths, motivations and aspirations, and support you in confidently articulating and leveraging your MBA with impact and influence.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
In practice, the Career and Professional Development Programme offers:
Full psychometric profiling and feedback
A personal career development plan
Unlimited access to support throughout the year and up to five years after graduation
Access to a Mentoring Programme, connecting with leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators who will inspire and guide you
Support with interviews, CVs and job applications.
Networking is a central part of the MBA journey, network with peers, MBA Alumni and Guest Speakers. The Programme enhances professional networking skills both in person and virtually.
Careers support doesn’t end when you graduate from your MBA programme. You are a lifelong member of the MBA community and we encourage you to stay connected and in turn become mentors to the next generation. You will also benefit from access to a wide range of careers and professional development support, advice and webinars up to five years after you’ve graduated.
Some of our most recent graduates are now working in the following football clubs and related organisations:
Adidas
AEG Europe
Asian Football
Confederation
BATE Borisov [Belarus]
Celtic FC
Chinese Football
Association
England Netball
European Broadcasting
Union
FC Bayern Munich
FC Colo-Colo [Chile]
FC Seoul [South Korea]
Gremio FBPA [Brazil]
Liverpool FC
Manchester City FC
NBA
Nike
Octagon
Rugby Football Union
Santos Laguna [Mexico]
Scottish Professional Football League
The [English] Football League
UEFA
Women in Football
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
£26,500
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£33,500
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year. Please note, the fee for this course includes one international study trip to a European destination, including accommodation and excursions. The fee does not include 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. 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.
MBA Candidates are normally expected to have a minimum of 3 years of substantive managerial experience in the private or public sector.
They will have managed budgets/people/projects.
Qualifications
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.
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.
Our institution is listed as University of Liverpool, University of Liverpool Management School and the programme code for the full-time MBA is: ZCC-MW-25
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.
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.
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.
Contact us
Have you got a question about this course? Email the admissions team.
